When you think of the perfect balance between sweet and tart, nothing quite hits the spot like a slice of delicious Cranberry Orange Bread. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a warm, inviting aroma, this lovely loaf is sure to brighten your day. It’s not just a treat for the taste buds; it becomes an experience with every bite, making it the perfect addition to your brunch table or afternoon tea.
Recipe Guide:
What is Cranberry Orange Bread?
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful quick bread that marries the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest of oranges. This recipe is a wonderful representation of fall flavors, often enjoyed during the holiday season. The combination of juicy cranberries and refreshing citrus creates a moist bread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. What sets it apart is its ability to surprise your palate with the contrasting textures and flavors, making each slice an enjoyable surprise.
Why You’ll Love This
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and quick prep time. It’s perfect for both beginner bakers and seasoned pros looking for something fun to whip up. Just mix, pour, and bake! With affordable ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, this dish is also budget-friendly.
Moreover, the flavor is absolutely irresistible. The sweetness of sugar and the tartness of cranberries, combined with the warmth of fresh orange juice and zest, create a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Plus, your home will smell like a cozy bakery while it bakes, enticing everyone to come and see what’s in the oven.
How to Make
Quick Overview
This straightforward recipe involves mixing dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them. You’ll need two 9×5 loaf pans and about 60-75 minutes to let your bread bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
To create this luscious bread, gather the following ingredients:
. 3 cups all-purpose flour
. 1 teaspoon salt
. 2 teaspoons baking powder
. 2 cups granulated sugar
. Orange zest from 2 large oranges
. 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
. 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
. 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
. 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
. 2 cups fresh cranberries, halved
. 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
. 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice (for glaze, optional)
. 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and orange zest until fragrant. Then, add the flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Finally, fold in the halved cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the tops start to brown too quickly, feel free to cover them with aluminum foil.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
- Store any leftovers wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread
This delightful Cranberry Orange Bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or afternoon snacking. Serve it alongside a light salad for lunch, or enjoy it as a sweet treat on its own. You might even consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream cheese spread or a simple fruit compote for a lovely flavor addition.
Top Tips for Perfecting Cranberry Orange Bread
- Use Real Fresh Cranberries: They’re key to getting that tart taste that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Zest Carefully: Use only the bright orange part of the peel for the best flavor; the white pith can be bitter.
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth during the fall season.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check earlier if yours tends to cook quickly.
- Cool Before Glazing: Always allow your bread to cool down before adding the glaze to avoid it melting away.
- Double the Batch: Make extra loaves to share with family or freeze for later!
Storing and Reheating Tips
To store your Cranberry Orange Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It should remain fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you prefer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just slice it beforehand for easy access! To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or warm slices in a toaster oven for a delightful treat.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and orange zest until fragrant. Then, add the flour, salt, and baking powder, stirring until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
- Fold in the halved cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans, filling them about 2/3 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the tops start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the batter.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Absolutely! You can use regular milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results.
In conclusion, this Cranberry Orange Bread is a must-try for anyone looking to create a deliciously aromatic loaf that delights the senses. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this recipe will surely warm your heart and bring joy to your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the incredible experience of crafting this delightful bread soon!
More Resources
- Lemon Blueberry Bread (Moist, Zesty & Bursting with Berries)
- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (Moist, Cozy & Easy)
- Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bread
- Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
- Healthy Banana Bread – Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet
- Whole Wheat Bread (Soft & Hearty Two Loaves)
- Cranberry – Wikipedia
- Health Benefits of Cranberries – Harvard Health
- Orange Nutrition Facts – USDA FoodData Central
- Healthy Baking Tips – Cleveland Clinic
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