Orange Cranberry Bread

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This Orange Cranberry Bread is the kind of treat that brings instant joy with each bite. Moist, citrusy, and bursting with juicy cranberries, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or lightly toasted with a pat of butter, this bread feels like comfort in a slice.

The aroma of freshly grated orange zest and cranberries bubbling as it bakes will fill your kitchen with warmth and a hint of holiday spirit. But don’t save this recipe just for the festive season—it’s a year-round winner that’s equally fitting for brunch, snacking, or gifting to a friend.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

This bread has the cozy appeal of a quick bread but tastes like something you’d find in a high-end bakery. It’s incredibly moist thanks to the orange juice and oil, and every bite bursts with tart cranberry flavor that complements the sweetness beautifully. No mixer required, just a bowl and a spoon—and you have yourself a bakery-style loaf right at home.

What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this recipe. Fresh cranberries bring a vibrant tartness, while frozen ones are handy year-round. Just don’t thaw the frozen ones beforehand—mix them in straight from the freezer to prevent excess bleeding into the batter. If using dried cranberries, soak them in orange juice for 10 minutes before folding them in to plump them up and give them that juicy texture.

Ingredients for the Orange Cranberry Bread

The beauty of this bread is in its simplicity, yet each ingredient plays a big part in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure.
• Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and get that lovely soft crumb.
• Salt: A touch to balance sweetness and brighten the citrus notes.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that golden crust.
• Orange zest: Adds an intense citrus aroma that lifts the entire loaf.
• Orange juice: The star liquid—it gives flavor and keeps the bread moist.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread ultra-moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm undertone that complements the citrus.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries: Provide tart bursts of fruit throughout the loaf.

How To Make the Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes for easy lifting once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the sugar, orange zest, orange juice, oil, egg, and vanilla until fully combined. The zest will infuse the liquid mixture with citrus flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if there are a few small lumps.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries

Add the cranberries and fold them in with a spatula. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

How to Serve and Store Orange Cranberry Bread

This bread is best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature. You can slice it thick for breakfast, toast it and slather it with butter, or even drizzle a bit of cream cheese glaze on top for a more indulgent treat. It makes a beautiful addition to a brunch table or a cozy afternoon snack with tea.

Orange Cranberry Bread serves about 8 slices, making it perfect for a family breakfast or a thoughtful hostess gift.

To store, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze individual slices for a grab-and-go snack that reheats beautifully.

What to Serve With Orange Cranberry Bread?

Fresh Citrus Salad

The light, bright flavors of oranges and grapefruits pair beautifully with the bread’s sweet-tart notes.

Cream Cheese Spread

A tangy cream cheese spread turns a simple slice into something indulgent and filling.

Yogurt Parfait

Layered with granola and berries, a yogurt parfait makes a fresh contrast to the soft, dense bread.

Hot Tea or Spiced Chai

A warm cup of tea brings out the citrus flavors and makes for a calming snack time combo.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

Add a savory side for a more complete breakfast spread—bacon and citrus is a match made in heaven.

Roasted Nuts

The crunchy, salty richness of nuts balances the soft texture and sweetness of the bread.

Fruit Preserves

Try a dollop of orange marmalade or cranberry jam for an extra fruity punch.

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved this Orange Cranberry Bread, here are more delicious options to explore:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a nutty, chocolatey twist.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread if you’re craving dessert in loaf form.
• Canned Biscuit Sugar Donuts for a quick-fry treat with breakfast vibes.
• Small Batch Pistachio Cream Cinnamon Rolls for a spiced, gooey morning pick-me-up.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with fresh or frozen cranberries? Add a glaze on top? Or maybe made it into muffins?

I love hearing how others bring their own spin to these recipes. Let’s swap tips and keep baking something beautiful.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

Orange Cranberry Bread is a simple but flavor-packed loaf that always impresses. Its soft crumb, bright citrus flavor, and cranberry bursts make it a joy to slice into. Whether you’re baking it for holiday cheer or just want something cozy to enjoy with coffee, this recipe delivers every time.

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