As the sweet aroma of citrus fills my kitchen, I can’t help but feel a wave of holiday nostalgia wash over me. This Cranberry Orange Bread is a must-have treat, a vibrant blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange that perfectly captures the spirit of the season. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to whip up, but it’s also freezer-friendly, making it a delightful gift or a welcoming snack for guests. Many find joy in sharing its bright colors and chewy texture, and it can be made ahead of time to ease any holiday stress. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast or as an afternoon delight, you're going to want a slice (or two!). What scents remind you of your favorite holiday moments?
What makes this bread a holiday favorite?
Easy to Make: This Cranberry Orange Bread features a simple preparation process that requires no special skills—perfect for novice bakers and seasoned chefs alike.
Festive Flavor: Bursting with zesty oranges and tart cranberries, this bread brings the holiday spirit to your table, making it an instant crowd-pleaser at gatherings or cozy family breakfasts.
Freezer-Friendly: Preparing ahead is a breeze! Bake a loaf and stash it in the freezer for unexpected guests or for gifting, just like a Cheesy Garlic Bread would make a delightful addition to any meal.
Versatile Enjoyment: Whether you enjoy it warm with butter or as a sweet treat alongside your morning coffee, this bread fits perfectly into any part of your day.
A Visual Delight: The vibrant colors and glossy glaze not only please the palate but also make this bread a stunning centerpiece for your holiday spread, just in time for festive gatherings.
Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-purpose flour – Provides the structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Salt – Enhances flavor; essential for balancing sweetness.
- Baking powder – Leavening agent that helps the bread rise; ensure it’s fresh for best results.
- Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with moisture; can be reduced for lower sugar content.
- Orange zest – Infuses a vibrant citrus flavor; use fresh zest for a stronger aroma and taste.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness; substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar if unavailable.
- Oil (vegetable or canola) – Keeps the bread moist; melted butter can also be used for a richer flavor.
- Eggs – Provides structure and moisture; replace with flax eggs for a vegan alternative.
- Orange juice (fresh) – Enhances the orange flavor; use freshly squeezed for the best taste.
- Vanilla extract – Adds depth to flavor; optional but recommended.
- Fresh cranberries (halved) – Key ingredient providing tartness; can substitute with dried cranberries (though they alter texture and moisture).
For the Glaze
- Powdered sugar – Used for the glaze; ensure it’s sifted for a smooth finish.
- Fresh squeezed orange juice – Used in the glaze; fresh is preferred for vibrant flavor.
- Orange zest (for glaze) – Adds extra citrus flavor to the glaze.
Enjoy whipping up this wonderful Cranberry Orange Bread that’s sure to bring joy this holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Bread
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare two 9x5 inch loaf pans by greasing them generously with cooking spray or butter. This will ensure that your Cranberry Orange Bread releases easily once baked. Set the pans aside for later use.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Add 1 cup of granulated sugar and the zest of one orange to the dry mixture. Use a whisk to blend everything together thoroughly, breaking up any lumps and ensuring the flavors meld for a delightful taste.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 lightly beaten eggs, and ¾ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. Enhance the mixture with 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a richer flavor. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated, creating a lovely, smooth blend that will moisten your bread beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture. Once you see no dry flour, it’s time to fold in the 1 cup of halved fresh cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 60–75 minutes. Keep an eye on them; your Cranberry Orange Bread is ready when the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool the Loaves
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. This ten-minute rest will help them firm up slightly and makes it easier to transfer them without breaking.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar with 3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and a teaspoon of orange zest. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, ready to bring a delightful sweetness and glossy finish to your cooled Cranberry Orange Bread.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the loaves have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each loaf. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing into your beautiful Cranberry Orange Bread. It’s now ready to be enjoyed as a festive treat, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread
Serve this delightful bread alongside a variety of dishes and treats to create a memorable meal that’ll keep everyone coming back for more.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The rich, buttery flavor of mashed potatoes balances perfectly with the tangy sweetness of the bread, making each bite a comforting experience.
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Honey Butter: A dollop of honey butter spread on warm slices adds a touch of sweetness that enhances the bread's citrusy flavor and pairs beautifully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant medley of seasonal fruits brings brightness and freshness to the table, complementing the zesty cranberries and oranges in the bread.
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Herbed Cheese Spread: Spread a tangy herb cheese over the bread to create a delightful savory twist that contrasts with the bread's sweetness, making for a delightful combination.
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Spiced Chai Tea: The warmth of spiced chai tea complements the flavors of cranberries and orange wonderfully, creating a cozy beverage pairing that enhances the holiday spirit.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream atop a warm slice of bread creates an irresistible dessert option. The cold and warm contrast is simply divine!
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Maple Syrup Drizzle: Drizzling a little maple syrup over the slices brings a sweet, earthy undertone that ties beautifully with the fruity flavors of the bread.
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Roasted Nuts: For a crunchy element, serve a bowl of roasted nuts. Their savory and slightly salty taste creates a lovely contrast to the sweetness of your cranberries and orangeness.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing beverage like sparkling water infused with orange and lemon slices clears the palate, making every bite of cranberry orange bread even more delightful.
Cranberry Orange Bread Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread and make it uniquely yours!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a delicious gluten-free option that everyone can enjoy.
- Nutty Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy texture and a rich flavor that beautifully complements the cranberries.
- Comforting Spice: Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm holiday twist that adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Berry Bliss: Swap out fresh cranberries for blueberries or cherries to introduce a different fruity surprise that brings its own sweetness.
- Vegan Love: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly version.
- Double Orange: Amp up the citrus flavor with a splash of orange extract or add extra orange zest both in the bread and the glaze for a zesty punch.
- Cranberry Jam Swirl: Create a lovely fruit swirl effect by gently folding in a few tablespoons of cranberry jam into the batter before baking for a sweet burst of flavor.
- Choco-Orange Delight: Add ½ cup of dark chocolate chips for an indulgent treat that balances the tartness of cranberries with luscious chocolate goodness.
Whichever variation you choose, don’t forget to enjoy every bite with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, just like a slice of Cornbread Breakfast Casserole beside your warm morning beverage!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Bread
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Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cranberries and citrus for the best flavor. Stale ingredients may lead to a less vibrant taste in your Cranberry Orange Bread.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough texture, which you want to avoid for a light loaf.
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Check for Doneness: Start checking your bread with a toothpick around the 60-minute mark. If it comes out clean, your Cranberry Orange Bread is perfectly baked.
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Cooling Time: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps retain moisture and prevents them from breaking apart.
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Glazing Tip: Drizzle the glaze over your cooled bread generously for that sweet, festive finish. For a smoother glaze, make sure to sift the powdered sugar before mixing.
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Bread
Room Temperature: Keep your Cranberry Orange Bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days to maintain its freshness.
Fridge: If you live in a particularly warm climate, you might want to store the bread in the fridge. It can be kept here for up to a week, but be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: For a warm slice, simply reheat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop it in a toaster oven until heated through, enhancing the comforting flavors of the Cranberry Orange Bread.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Orange Bread loaves are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours ahead and simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. Just be sure to give the batter a gentle stir before pouring it into your prepared pans. Additionally, the baked loaves can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and seal in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the bread in the fridge overnight, glaze it, and savor that fresh-baked taste! Preparing ahead allows you to focus on quality family time while still delivering delicious results.
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting cranberries?
Absolutely! When choosing cranberries, look for bright, shiny berries without dark spots or blemishes. Fresh cranberries should feel firm and bounce slightly if you drop them. Avoid any that are soft or have wrinkled skin.
How should I store my Cranberry Orange Bread?
It's best to wrap your Cranberry Orange Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days, but if you want to enjoy it for longer, refrigerating it can help preserve freshness for up to a week.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bread? How?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze it! After the bread has completely cooled, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will help protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as desired.
What if my bread isn’t baked through?
Very! If you find your Cranberry Orange Bread isn’t baked through after the specified time, it could be due to oven temperature inconsistencies. Simply cover the top with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning and return it to the oven, checking every 5 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Orange Bread is vegetarian, and you can easily make it vegan by substituting the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg). Additionally, if you're concerned about allergies, always check the labels of your ingredients, especially for flour, as it may contain gluten.
Cranberry Orange Bread: Your New Holiday Favorite Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, sugar, and orange zest. Whisk together thoroughly.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
- Divide the batter into prepared loaf pans and bake for 60–75 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
- Drizzle glaze over the cooled bread and allow it to set before slicing.
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