This Cranberry Orange Bread is a lovely mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange. It’s moist and mildly sweet, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Every bite feels like a little burst of sunshine, especially when it’s warm! I love to pair it with a cup of tea for a cozy moment. You’ll want to make this again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the bread. If you need a gluten-free option, you could try a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour, but the texture might change a bit.
Granulated sugar: I like using regular sugar, but you can substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index choice.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide great tartness, but if you can’t find them, dried cranberries or raisins can work instead. Just chop them for a better texture.
Butter: Unsalted butter is ideal, but you can substitute with vegetable oil or melted coconut oil to make it dairy-free.
Yogurt or sour cream: This keeps the bread moist. If you prefer a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond or soy yogurt.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Moist Bread?
To achieve that perfect moist bread, mixing your wet ingredients well is key. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened—it should be like a soft stick but not melted. Cream it well with sugar to incorporate air, which helps the bread rise.
- Don’t overmix after adding the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; this keeps the bread tender.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready!
- Let it cool properly. Also, letting it rest in the pan for a few minutes helps it set and makes removing easier.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautifully moist cranberry orange bread every time!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices
- A sprig of rosemary
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 55-65 minutes of baking time. After baking, allow the bread to cool for about 10-15 minutes in the pan, followed by cooling it completely on a wire rack. In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to enjoy this delightful bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, lightly grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking. You can also line it with parchment paper for extra ease.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and grated orange zest until well combined. This will help distribute the leavening agents evenly in your bread.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Use an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to fully incorporate the eggs into the batter, creating a smooth mixture.
5. Add Yogurt and Vanilla:
Next, mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) and vanilla extract until the batter is nice and smooth.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients from the medium bowl into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
7. Fold in the Cranberries:
Gently fold in the cranberries with a spatula or spoon. Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without smashing them!
8. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, so it bakes evenly.
9. Bake the Bread:
Put the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Start checking for doneness at around 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is done!
10. Cool the Bread:
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows it to set before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the amount of juice to get your desired consistency.
12. Drizzle the Glaze:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the bread a bit for added flavor.
13. Garnish:
If you’d like, garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, a sprig of rosemary, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch!
14. Slice and Serve:
Carefully slice the bread and serve. It’s wonderful on its own or with a little butter. Enjoy the delightful combination of tart cranberries and bright orange flavors that everyone will love!
Happy baking!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries! Just chop them into smaller pieces for even distribution. Keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bread.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use non-dairy yogurt or plant-based sour cream. Additionally, replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Yes, adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans can provide a nice crunch! You can also mix in chocolate chips for a sweeter variation. Just be sure not to overload the batter so it bakes evenly.
