There’s something magical about the combination of cranberries and oranges. This Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect holiday treat or afternoon snack to brighten up your day. The tartness of the cranberries, paired with the sweet citrus notes of orange, creates a flavor-packed loaf that’s irresistibly moist and topped with a simple glaze. Trust me, this one will have everyone coming back for seconds. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
The base of our bread, this ensures a fluffy and tender crumb. Sift it for the best results! - Granulated sugar – 1 cup
Adds sweetness to balance out the tart cranberries. You can adjust slightly for your preference. - Baking powder – 1 ½ teaspoons
Helps the bread rise beautifully. Make sure it’s fresh! - Salt – ½ teaspoon
Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness. - Eggs – 2 large
Provides structure and richness. Bring them to room temperature for even mixing. - Milk – ½ cup
Keeps the bread moist. Whole milk works best, but any milk can do in a pinch. - Vegetable oil – ⅓ cup
Adds softness and helps the bread stay fresh longer. - Fresh orange juice – ⅓ cup
Adds that citrusy zing! Use freshly squeezed for the best flavor. - Orange zest – 1 tablespoon
Packs in a punch of citrus flavor. Pro tip: zest the orange before juicing. - Fresh cranberries – 1 ½ cups
The star of the show! Chop them in half for a burst of tartness in every bite.
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – ¾ cup
Creates a smooth and sweet finish. - Fresh orange juice – 2 tablespoons
Thin the glaze while infusing more orange flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Step 1: Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well blended.
Step 4: Fold the batter together
Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
Step 5: Add the cranberries
Fold the chopped cranberries into the batter. Their tartness will balance the sweetness of the bread.
Step 6: Pour and bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Add the glaze
In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it drip down the sides for a pretty finish.
Equipment Needed for This Recipe
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper
- Zester or grater
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness. If you’re using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to rehydrate them slightly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.
How do I store Cranberry Orange Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Divide the batter into a muffin tin lined with paper liners. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I skip the glaze?
The bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a lovely sweetness and extra orange flavor. You can skip it or dust the loaf with powdered sugar instead.
What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
Melted butter or coconut oil works well as substitutes. They’ll add a slight flavor variation but still keep the bread moist.
Conclusion
I hope you loved this Cranberry Orange Bread as much as I do! It’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of the season and makes for the perfect homemade gift or treat. Don’t forget to share this recipe on Facebook using the share buttons below or save it on Pinterest for later. Happy baking! 😊
