A warm and inviting aroma wafts through the air, coaxing you closer to the kitchen as if it were a siren calling sailors to shore. This is the moment when orange cranberry bread makes its grand entrance, filling the space with notes of citrus and tartness that dance joyfully together—like a zesty party in your mouth. With its golden crust and moist interior, this bread doesn’t just taste good; it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Picture this: your family gathered around the breakfast table, eyes wide with anticipation as you slice into this delectable loaf. The citrusy scent envelops everyone, creating a moment so special that even your dog might perk up from his nap in hopes of snagging a crumb. Whether it’s Thanksgiving morning or just an ordinary Tuesday, this orange cranberry bread becomes the star of your culinary show, promising an explosion of flavors that will keep them coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This orange cranberry bread is incredibly easy to make, allowing even novice bakers to impress their friends and family
- The vibrant flavors of orange and cranberry create a delightful contrast that’s both refreshing and comforting
- Its eye-catching appearance makes it perfect for holiday gatherings or brunch events
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as breakfast or dessert!
Every time I bake this orange cranberry bread, my friends can’t resist sneaking pieces right off the cooling rack—it’s practically a sport at this point!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: The backbone of the recipe; sifted for fluffiness and better mixing.
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Granulated Sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly; adjust according to your taste preference.
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Baking Powder: This will give your bread that lovely rise; fresh powder is key!
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors without being overly salty.
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Fresh Cranberries: Use bright red berries for optimal flavor and color; frozen works too in a pinch.
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Zest of One Orange: Adds fragrant oils that kick up the citrus flavor dramatically.
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Fresh Orange Juice: For moisture and brightness; squeeze it fresh for maximum flavor impact.
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Eggs: Two large eggs bind everything together while adding richness.
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Butter: Melted butter gives moisture and depth; go for unsalted for better control over seasoning.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and enhances other flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release later.
Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well blended. This helps avoid clumps and ensures even distribution.
Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs before adding melted butter, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and zest. Mix until combined; it should smell heavenly!
Combine mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold until just combined—overmixing will lead to dense bread!
Add cranberries: Fold in fresh cranberries carefully to distribute them throughout without breaking them apart too much.
Bake: Transfer batter to your prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—just don’t eat it!
Cool down: Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. Letting it cool completely enhances flavors before slicing.
With every step, you’ll find yourself enveloped in aromas so intoxicating you’ll wish they could be bottled up! Not only does each phase build anticipation but also ensures you’re crafting something truly special.
Now sit back with a warm slice of orange cranberry bread in hand—maybe with some butter slathered on top—and savor every bite as those flavors unfold like magic!
Content
Tip: Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor boost. Fresh cranberries add a tartness that dried ones just can’t match, elevating your orange cranberry bread to new heights. Remember the first time you tasted that delightful tart-sweet balance? I do, and it was unforgettable.
Tip: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. Softened butter creates a light and fluffy texture in your bread, while melted butter can make it dense. I’ve learned this the hard way—trust me, nobody wants a brick for breakfast.
Tip: Add zest from an orange for extra zing. The citrus aroma will waft through your kitchen, making everyone curious about what’s baking. My neighbors often come knocking when they catch a whiff of my baking adventures!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best sequence involves prepping all ingredients first, mixing dry and wet separately, then combining them gently to avoid overmixing. This method ensures a beautifully risen loaf without any heavy surprises.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute walnuts or pecans for cranberries if you prefer nuts. You can also replace half the sugar with honey for a natural sweetness or even throw in some chocolate chips for a guilty pleasure twist!
Storing & Reheating
To store your orange cranberry bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually and reheat in the toaster for fresh enjoyment.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best results with orange cranberry bread, always measure ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing to maintain a light texture
- Using room temperature eggs helps bind everything smoothly together while adding moisture
I still remember my first attempt at making this orange cranberry bread—it turned out so well that I had friends knocking on my door asking for more! It became our go-to recipe for holiday gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just ensure they’re thawed and drained properly before using.
How long does the orange cranberry bread last?
If stored correctly, it can last up to three days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
What can I serve with orange cranberry bread?
Enjoy it with cream cheese spread or butter; both add delicious richness to every bite!
Orange Cranberry Bread
Orange cranberry bread is a delightful blend of zesty citrus and tart cranberries, perfect for any occasion. Its golden crust and moist interior create a comforting treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast staple or a sweet dessert, this easy-to-make recipe fills your home with an inviting aroma that beckons everyone to the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, melted butter, orange juice, vanilla extract, and zest until combined.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped cranberries carefully.
- Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
