Cranberry Orange Bread

Every holiday season, I wanted a fun, festive bread I could set out for breakfast or hand to guests as a snack when they stopped by. This cranberry orange bread is what I landed on, and it has been a holiday staple in our house ever since. It is genuinely easy to make, and everyone who tries it absolutely loves it.

It is a true holiday favorite: bright and citrusy from fresh orange zest and juice, with a burst of tart cranberries in every slice. This orange cranberry bread is just sweet enough, wonderful toasted with butter for breakfast, and it makes the whole kitchen smell like the holidays while it bakes.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

• Made with fresh or frozen cranberries, so you can bake it year-round
• A tender, moist crumb that stays fresh for days
• Simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
• Perfect for holiday mornings, potlucks, and easy hosting
• Freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead

What You’ll Need

Essential Kitchen Equipment

• Citrus zester or microplane – For fresh orange zest
• Citrus juicer – Fresh juice makes a difference, but you can use store-bought if preferred
• 9×5-inch loaf pan – Standard size for even baking
• Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking soda

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest

Mix-ins:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, mix the fresh orange juice, melted butter, beaten egg, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 4: Make the Batter

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Do not overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy for the most tender bread.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts

1. Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
2. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges start pulling away from the pan.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack. Cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

• Use fresh orange juice and zest. It makes a real difference in the brightness of the flavor.
• Do not overmix the batter. A slightly lumpy batter creates tender, fluffy bread.
• Toss the cranberries in a little flour. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
• Check for doneness. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
• Let it cool completely. This keeps the bread from crumbling when you slice it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Serving Tips

How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days
• Refrigerator: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 1 week
• Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months

Best storage container: Pyrex Simply Store 11 Cup Glass Food Storage Container with snap-on lid

Serving Suggestions:

• Slice and serve with butter
• Toast lightly for a warm breakfast treat
• Pair with coffee or tea for afternoon snacking

More Homemade Bread Recipes You’ll Love

• Healthy Banana Bread
• Homemade Sandwich Bread
• Southern Cornbread
• Healthy Pumpkin Bread
• Lemon Poppy Seed Bread

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