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To make a delicious Cranberry Orange Bread, you need some simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives the bread structure. The sugar adds sweetness and moisture. Fresh cranberries bring a tart taste that pairs well with the sweet orange flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the bread rise nicely. Butter makes the bread rich and soft. The egg binds everything together while adding moisture. Vanilla and orange zest boost the flavor. Fresh orange juice adds brightness and keeps it moist. Ground cinnamon gives a warm touch. If you like nuts, walnuts add a nice crunch. Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready to bake! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the bread bake evenly. Next, prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan. You can grease it with butter or line it with parchment paper. Lining helps with easy removal later. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Also, add 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well. This step is key for even flavor. In a separate bowl, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. Let it cool slightly before adding 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, the zest of 1 large orange, and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Stir until the mixture is smooth. This blend brings a bright flavor to the bread. Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. It’s okay if the batter has lumps; do not overmix! Now, fold in 1 cup of halved fresh cranberries and 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts, if you like. This adds texture and a burst of flavor. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for even baking. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Check for doneness using a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! Once baked, take the bread out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is important; it helps set the bread. When cool, slice the bread and serve. Enjoy this tasty treat with butter or cream cheese! To keep your cranberry orange bread moist, use fresh cranberries. Fresh fruit adds natural juice. You can also add a bit more orange juice if you like. This helps the bread stay soft and tender. Avoid baking it too long, as overbaking dries it out. Mix the batter gently. When combining wet and dry ingredients, stop as soon as you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing makes the bread tough. Remember, it’s a quick bread, so treat it kindly. Bake your bread for 60-70 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it's done. Insert it in the center, and if it comes out clean, the bread is ready. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil. This protects the crust while the inside cooks fully. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will give your bread a tart flavor and vibrant color. Frozen cranberries can also be used but may alter the texture slightly. Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so a few lumps are perfectly fine. Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so check your bread a few minutes early by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done. Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain its texture and flavor. This helps avoid sogginess. {{image_2}} You can swap out cranberries for other fruits. Blueberries or raspberries work well. They add a nice twist to the bread. You can also mix fruits, like cranberries and blueberries, for more flavor. Just keep the amounts the same. This keeps the texture perfect. You can even try dried fruits, like raisins or cherries. They create a sweet surprise in each bite. Granulated sugar is not your only option. You can use honey or maple syrup instead. These sweeteners add a rich flavor. If you want a lower-calorie choice, try stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Just make sure to adjust the liquid in the recipe. This way, your bread bakes just right. Remember, different sweeteners can change the taste slightly, so taste as you go! To make this bread gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum. This helps the bread rise and stay fluffy. You can also use almond flour for a different flavor. Keep in mind, the texture may be denser. Always check the baking time as gluten-free breads can bake faster. Enjoy experimenting with these fun options! Store your Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Place the bread at room temperature for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider refrigeration. Just remember, cold can make it a bit drier. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil before refrigerating. To freeze this bread, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for added protection. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature. To reheat your bread, slice it first. This helps it warm evenly. You can use a toaster or an oven. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes. This will bring back its soft texture. Enjoy your warm Cranberry Orange Bread again! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first and drain extra water. This keeps your bread from getting soggy. Frozen cranberries also work well in this recipe. To make your bread more citrusy, add more orange zest. You can also use lemon zest for a twist. Another option is to increase the amount of orange juice in the mix. Serve this bread warm or at room temperature. Slice it thick and enjoy with butter. It also pairs well with cream cheese for a richer taste. Cranberry Orange Bread lasts about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps to keep it moist and fresh longer. Yes, you can make mini loaves! Use smaller pans and reduce the baking time. Mini loaves usually take about 30 to 40 minutes to bake. Check for doneness with a toothpick. This blog post covered the recipe for delicious Cranberry Orange Bread. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. We explored variations and storage methods to keep the bread fresh. In conclusion, this bread is easy and fun to make. Enjoy it warm or as a snack. Feel free to add your twist. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Bread

A deliciously moist bread infused with fresh cranberries and orange zest.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well mixed.
  • In another bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Mix until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it's okay if there are a few lumps.
  • Fold in the halved cranberries and chopped walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cool, slice and serve. Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Bread!

Notes

Optional walnuts can be added for extra crunch.
Keyword bread, cranberry, dessert, orange