Orange Cranberry Bread

Name: Orange Cranberry Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated sugar; 2 teaspoon Orange zest; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1.5 cups All-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 2 Eggs Large; ½ cup Butter Unsalted, Melted; ¾ cup Buttermilk; 1 tablespoon Orange juice; 1 cup Cranberries Fresh, Roughly chopped; Orange Glaze: 1 cup Powdered sugar; 1.5 tablespoon Orange juice Preferably freshly squeezed; 1 teaspoon Orange zest

Author: Amelia Sinclair

Published: August 29, 2025

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Introduction to Orange Cranberry Bread

As a busy mom, I know how chaos can creep into our kitchens, especially when the family is hungry and clock ticks louder. That’s why my Orange Cranberry Bread has become a go-to in my house. It pairs the zesty goodness of oranges with the tart surprise of cranberries, creating a delightful balance that’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet treat. This recipe brings a ray of sunshine to even the dreariest of days and is wonderfully simple to whip up, making it a lovely way to impress your loved ones without sacrificing your precious time.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a dream for busy cooks like us! It’s quick to prepare, taking just over an hour from start to finish. The sweet and tart flavors dance in every slice, making it a perfect companion for tea or coffee. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a delightful addition to any meal or celebration!

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread

Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a beautiful performance, and with this Orange Cranberry Bread, each element plays a vital role.

Granulated sugar: This sweetener brings balance and enhances the natural tartness of cranberries, creating a delicious contrast.
Orange zest: The aromatic zest awakens the citrus flavor, making every bite a burst of sunshine.
Vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the bread, providing structure and helping the loaf rise beautifully.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that ensures our bread is fluffy and light, giving it that perfect texture.
Large eggs: Essential for moisture and richness, eggs bind all the ingredients together seamlessly.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds moisture and richness to the bread, making it incredibly tender.
Buttermilk: This tangy ingredient not only complements the bread’s flavors but also keeps it moist and soft.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the flavor and enhances the zesty notes of the bread.
Fresh cranberries: Chopped cranberries introduce a delightful tartness and chewy texture that balances the sweetness perfectly.

For the luscious glaze:

Powdered sugar: This sugary ingredient makes the glaze sweet and smooth, providing a beautiful finish.
Freshly squeezed orange juice: It keeps the glaze light and flavorful, adding a citrus punch.
Orange zest: Adding more zest to the glaze elevates its appeal and ties the flavors together.

For exact measurements, refer to the bottom of the article. Happy baking!

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your granulated sugar, aromatic orange zest, and a splash of vanilla extract. Then, add the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Stir it all together until it’s roughly mixed. This step is crucial; you want to see a beautiful blending of colors, with flecks of orange zest popping up through the flour. It should feel light and fluffy, almost like a raindrop-laden cloud. This sets the stage for the magic to come!

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Now it’s time to create our wet mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the large eggs, melted unsalted butter, buttermilk, and that lovely orange juice until everything is smooth and inviting. Take your time here; the silky texture of the batter should be harmonious and easy to incorporate. This is where all the flavors start to bloom, so make sure those ingredients are well blended, almost like a cozy hug before they meet the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix Together

Dump that luscious wet mixture right into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Grab your spatula and gently fold everything together until just combined. It’s important here not to over-mix! You want to see a few lumps remaining, like the clouds before a summer rain shower. This is how you achieve that light and fluffy texture we’re after in this Orange Cranberry Bread. The batter should feel thick yet pourable, a delightful concoction ready for cranberries.

Step 4: Add Cranberries

Next, gently fold in the roughly chopped fresh cranberries, allowing them to become evenly distributed throughout the batter. These little gems not only add a pop of color but also that tart burst of flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread. Be gentle; we want the cranberries to stay whole and not break down too much. Think of them as little nuggets of joy waiting to surprise your taste buds in every slice.

Step 5: Bake

Time to transfer your batter into a greased and floured loaf pan. Ensure that it’s the right size—9×5 inches is ideal. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about one hour and ten minutes. As it bakes, a heavenly aroma will fill your kitchen. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, you’re golden! If the top browns too quickly, gently cover it with aluminum foil during the last ten minutes for an even bake.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up slightly, making it easier to slice. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and orange zest until creamy. After the cooling time, run a knife around the edges and gently flip the loaf out onto your serving dish. Drizzle that beautiful glaze over the warm bread, letting it soak in just a little bit before slicing. It’s as if you’re painting on the finishing touches of a masterpiece!

Tips for Success

Don’t rush the mixing! Over-mixing can lead to a dense bread.
For more intense flavor, always use fresh orange juice and zest.
Consider using a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean.
Cool the bread in the pan to help it hold together without crumbling.
Enjoy the leftover bread toasted with a bit of butter for a delightful snack!

Equipment Needed

Mixing bowls: A set of two is ideal, but any sturdy bowls will do.
Whisk: A hand whisk or fork works wonders for mixing wet ingredients.
Loaf pan: A 9×5 inch pan is preferred; any similar-sized pan will work.
Spatula: A flexible spatula is great for folding in ingredients and scraping.
Cooling rack: Helps cool the bread evenly; a plate can be a substitute.

Variations

Nuts: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor.
Other Fruits: Substitute cranberries with blueberries or diced apples for a different twist on this classic.
Spices: Experiment with a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile, perfect for fall!
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Citrus Twist: Mix in a little lemon zest or juice for an additional citrusy brightness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Orange Cranberry Bread with a cup of hot tea or fresh coffee for a delightful morning treat.
Serve slices with cream cheese or butter for an extra layer of deliciousness.
For a festive touch, decorate with fresh cranberries and orange slices on the serving platter.
This bread makes an excellent addition to brunch tables, alongside yogurt and fresh fruit.

FAQs about Orange Cranberry Bread

As you embark on your journey to bake this Orange Cranberry Bread, you might have a few questions buzzing in your mind. Here are some common queries to guide you:

How should I store the bread? Once cooled, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil. It’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, or you can refrigerate it for about a week.
Can I freeze leftover bread? Absolutely! Slice it first, then wrap it tightly and store in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to three months.
What if I want to enhance the flavors? A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can elevate the flavors beautifully. Also, use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best results.
Are dried cranberries a good substitute? If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries work too, but adjust the sugar slightly, as they are sweeter.
What should I serve this bread with? Pair this delightful bread with cream cheese or a dollop of yogurt for a refreshing twist.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Orange Cranberry Bread has been a joyful journey, one that wraps your kitchen in warmth and inviting aromas. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a chance to create lasting memories with family and friends. Each slice tells a story filled with sunshine and sweetness, perfect for any occasion, big or small. I hope you find joy in every bite and savor the shared moments it inspires. So, gather your loved ones, relish the process, and watch as this delightful loaf brings smiles all around. Happy baking!