This cranberry orange bread is a lovely treat, bursting with tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor. It’s perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack!
Baking it fills the house with a warm, inviting smell. I can’t help but sneak a slice while it’s still warm—who can resist that? 🍊🍞
I love serving it with a little butter on top. It’s so easy to make, and it always impresses my family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those extra cranberries!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the bread. While all-purpose flour is great, you can swap in a gluten-free flour mix if you’re avoiding gluten. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for structure.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for their tartness, but frozen ones work too! Don’t thaw them; just add them directly to the batter. You can substitute with raisins or cherries if cranberries aren’t available, but they will change the flavor.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter since you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter instead.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang. If you don’t have it, you can use plain yogurt or even buttermilk as a substitute to keep the bread moist.
Orange Zest: The zest gives an excellent orange flavor. If you’re out of fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange zest, but fresh is always better for a brighter taste!
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Your Cranberry Orange Bread Stays Moist?
To keep your bread deliciously moist, there are a couple of key techniques to follow:
- Be careful not to overmix the batter. Gently fold in the dry ingredients and cranberries until just combined. This keeps the bread light and fluffy.
- Use room temperature ingredients. Softened butter and eggs blend better, helping to create a uniform batter.
- Don’t skip the sour cream (or yogurt) — it adds moisture and richness. If you’re unsure, go for a little more; it won’t hurt!
- Lastly, let your bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. This helps retain some moisture and makes it easier to slice!
These tips will help you bake a fantastic, moist loaf every time!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cranberry orange bread takes about 20 minutes of prep time plus 50-60 minutes of baking time. After making it, be sure to let it cool a bit before slicing. You’ll need around 1 hour and 20 minutes in total, but the delightful aroma will keep your spirits high while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease and flour it well so your bread won’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Don’t forget to toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of the flour mixture. This coat helps keep them from sinking to the bottom when you bake!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a larger mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it looks light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This is where you get that beautiful texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure they’re well incorporated before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The flavor is going to be amazing!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream (or yogurt) and fresh orange juice until smooth. This mixture adds moisture to the bread.
6. Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to combine! Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three batches, alternating with the sour cream mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until everything is just combined; don’t overdo it!
7. Fold in the Cranberries
Carefully fold in those beautiful cranberries into the batter. They add color and a tart burst of flavor!
8. Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Prepare the Glaze
While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze. Mix the powdered sugar with a couple of tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more juice or sugar as needed.
10. Cool and Drizzle
Once the bread is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle that delicious orange glaze over the top while it’s still warm for a gorgeous touch.
11. Slice and Enjoy!
After letting it cool completely, slice the cranberry orange bread and serve it up. Enjoy the moist, zesty flavors while they warm your heart!
This bread makes the perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea and is sure to impress all your guests!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but keep in mind that they will provide a different texture and flavor. Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter for better results!
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Orange Bread?
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper binding. Results may vary slightly in texture, but it should still be delicious!
What Other Flavors Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture, or a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor. Just remember, these additions should complement the cranberries and orange without overpowering them!