Cranberry Orange Bread is a bright and zesty treat that brings some cheer to your kitchen. With sweet oranges and tart cranberries, it’s a perfect balance of flavors!
Baking this bread fills your home with a lovely citrus smell, and it makes a great snack or breakfast option. I love enjoying a warm slice with a bit of butter—so good! 🥯
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly here, but you can substitute with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. Just keep in mind it might make the bread denser.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for flavor control. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter can work well. Adjust the amount slightly if using whipped butter.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: Plain yogurt or sour cream gives moisture and richness. If you’re lactose intolerant, consider using a dairy-free yogurt. Applesauce is a good substitute too, but it may alter the taste a bit.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but frozen ones work too—no need to thaw them beforehand. If berries aren’t available, raisins or chopped dried cherries can be a tasty alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Bread is Moist and Not Dense?
One common challenge is ending up with dense bread. To keep your cranberry orange bread light and fluffy, make sure to:
- Measure flour accurately. Use a spoon to fluff it up, then spoon it into your measuring cup before leveling it off.
- Avoid overmixing once you add the dry ingredients. Mix just until you see no more flour lumps.
- Check your baking powder and baking soda. They should be fresh for the best rise.
With these tips, your bread will turn out soft, moist, and delicious every time!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cranberry Orange Bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time and takes 55-65 minutes to bake. After baking, allow it to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. All in all, you’ll be enjoying it in about 1.5 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until well combined. This will help evenly distribute the leavening agents in your bread.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Flavor:
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to add that wonderful flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Next, mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) along with the fresh orange juice. Stir until everything is combined smoothly.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually pour the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overmix to keep your bread light and fluffy!
7. Add the Cranberries:
Fold in the cranberries with a spatula, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Bake the Bread:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet touch and a lovely shine to your bread.
11. Drizzle and Serve:
Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Now it’s time to slice and serve! Enjoy your wonderfully bright and flavorful cranberry orange bread!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the batter. Just fold them in straight from the freezer for the best results.
Can I Make This Bread Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your blend includes xanthan gum for better structure and fluffiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to add nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or even a touch of cinnamon for extra warmth. Just make sure the total mix-ins don’t exceed the 1.5 cups so the bread maintains its texture.
