Description
Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful, citrusy quick bread filled with bursts of tart cranberries and hints of orange zest. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, this bread is easy to make and full of festive flavors that will brighten any day.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of 1/2 orange
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the orange juice, milk, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
Step 4: Assemble the Batter
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries using a spatula.
Step 5: 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.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice and zest give the bread vibrant citrus flavor.
- Coat the Cranberries: Toss cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the bread dense. Stir just until combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Cuisine: American