Orange Cranberry Bread

Bright, zesty, and just the right amount of sweet, this Orange Cranberry Bread is the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. Fresh orange zest and juice add a citrusy punch, while tart cranberries offer a juicy burst in every bite. It’s a moist, tender loaf that feels festive all year round—especially during the holidays!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist & Flavorful – Every slice is bursting with citrus and juicy cranberries.
Perfect Make-Ahead Treat – It stores well and tastes even better the next day.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
Great for Gifting – A thoughtful, homemade treat that looks and tastes amazing.
No Mixer Required – Just mix by hand and bake!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating the cranberries)

Optional Orange Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Zester or grater
• Cooling rack
• Toothpick or cake tester

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easy.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the orange zest and mix to distribute the flavor evenly.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, orange juice, yogurt, oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
This mix gives the bread its moist, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Wet to Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
Stir gently using a spatula until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread soft.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries
Toss the cranberries with 1 tbsp flour (this prevents them from sinking).
Gently fold them into the batter using a spatula.

Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool fully before glazing or slicing.

Step 8: Optional Orange Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
Drizzle over the cooled bread and let it set for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Bread
Use Fresh Orange Juice – It makes all the difference in flavor.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the flour disappears to keep the loaf light.
Room Temperature Ingredients – Helps everything combine evenly.
Check for Doneness – Oven times may vary, so use the toothpick test.
Let It Rest – The flavor and texture improve after a few hours or even overnight.

Serving Suggestions
Warm Slice with Butter – Perfect with a morning coffee or tea.
Toasted with Cream Cheese – A tangy, creamy twist.
Holiday Brunch Table – Pairs well with savory egg dishes and fruit.
Gift Wrapped – Bake in mini loaf pans and wrap with ribbon for homemade gifts.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:
Room Temperature: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week, but bring to room temperature before serving for best texture.

Freezing:
Wrap the loaf (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating:
Microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds or warm in a toaster oven for a slightly crispy edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
   Yes! Use 1 cup of dried cranberries. For best results, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
   Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
3. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Fresh orange juice is best, but bottled juice works in a pinch. Make sure it’s 100% juice with no added sugar.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes! The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a lovely citrusy touch.
5. Can I use other berries?
   Yes! Blueberries or chopped strawberries can be used as a variation, but cranberries pair especially well with the orange flavor.

Final Thoughts
This Orange Cranberry Bread is a bright and cheerful loaf that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With tangy cranberries and a citrusy zing, it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a brunch with friends, or just because—this recipe is a keeper.

Give it a try and let the fresh flavors bring a little sunshine to your day. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your loaf on social media—we’d love to see it!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290 | Protein: 4g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 190mg

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