Description
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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Ingredients
For the Bread:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup fresh orange juice
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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½ cup vegetable oil
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw if frozen)
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1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating the cranberries)
Optional Orange Glaze:
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½ cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice
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½ tsp orange zest
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American