Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful, moist quick bread that combines the vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that make it a beloved seasonal treat. Popular during the fall and winter months, this bread is especially suited for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where cranberries are often a star ingredient. The inclusion of orange zest and juice adds a burst of citrus that complements the cranberries, giving the bread a refreshing yet comforting taste.

Not only is cranberry orange bread flavorful, but it also fills the kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma while it bakes, making it a great choice for cozying up on cooler days. Its vibrant red cranberries make it visually appealing, and it’s a wonderful addition to a festive table or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Whether served as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack with tea or coffee, or as a dessert after dinner, cranberry orange bread is versatile and crowd-pleasing.

The Appeal of Homemade Bread

There’s something uniquely satisfying about baking homemade bread, and cranberry orange bread is no exception. Baking from scratch not only allows for control over the ingredients but also creates a sense of accomplishment and connection to the food you’re preparing. This recipe, in particular, highlights the freshness of seasonal ingredients like cranberries and oranges, elevating the taste and making the effort worthwhile.

Making cranberry orange bread from scratch ensures a higher quality than store-bought options, as it allows for customization. You can adjust the sweetness, add nuts or other flavors, and avoid preservatives commonly found in pre-packaged bread. The process of baking also fills your home with a comforting aroma that can’t be replicated by a bakery or grocery store purchase.

Whether for special occasions or everyday enjoyment, the personal touch of homemade bread makes it a rewarding and heartwarming experience to share with loved ones.

Ingredients & Preparation

Key Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

To make cranberry orange bread, you’ll need a combination of basic baking ingredients and a few key elements that provide its signature flavor. The essential ingredients include:

Fresh cranberries (for tartness and vibrant color)
Orange zest and fresh orange juice (for a bright citrus flavor)

All-purpose flour (for the bread structure)
Sugar (to balance the tartness of the cranberries)
Baking powder and baking soda (to give the bread rise)

Salt (to enhance the flavors)
Butter or oil (for moisture)
Eggs (to bind the ingredients together)

Milk (or an alternative liquid for additional moisture)

Fresh cranberries are crucial because they provide the perfect tangy bite that dried cranberries just can’t replicate. Similarly, fresh orange zest and juice contribute a bold citrus flavor that pre-packaged orange juice lacks.

Optional ingredients that can enhance the flavor and texture include:

Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
Vanilla extract for added depth and aroma.
Cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

These optional add-ins allow you to tailor the recipe to your liking, making it even more special.

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together to ensure even distribution.

Prepare the cranberries and orange zest: Wash 1 cup of fresh cranberries and set aside. Using a microplane, zest one large orange, being careful to avoid the white pith, which can be bitter. Squeeze the orange to extract about ¼ cup of juice.
Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, cream together ½ cup of softened butter (or ⅓ cup of oil) and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and ½ cup of milk.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense bread.

Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom, you can toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Baking Tips and Techniques

Oven temperature and time: Bake the cranberry orange bread at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes. Every oven varies slightly, so begin checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Avoid overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in a denser, tougher loaf.
How to avoid sinking cranberries: Coating the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended in the bread, ensuring an even distribution.

Check for doneness: The toothpick test is a reliable way to check if the bread is done. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.

Glaze & Finishing Touches

Making the Simple Glaze

A simple orange glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to cranberry orange bread. For this glaze, you’ll need:

1 cup of powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice

To make the glaze:

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

If you’d like a stronger orange flavor, you can add a teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.

This glaze provides a sweet, citrusy finish that enhances the overall flavor of the bread without overpowering the natural tartness of the cranberries.

Glazing the Bread

Let the bread cool: After baking, allow the cranberry orange bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack and let it cool completely before glazing.

Apply the glaze: Once the bread is fully cooled, use a spoon or small spatula to drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it flow down the sides for a decorative look. You can apply as much or as little glaze as you prefer, depending on how sweet you like your bread.
Optional decorative touches: For a festive presentation, top the glazed bread with a few extra fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest. This not only enhances the look but also adds a fresh burst of flavor with each bite.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry orange bread is best served slightly warm or at room temperature. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted for a crispy, caramelized exterior. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it an ideal breakfast treat or afternoon snack.

For a more indulgent option, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light spread of butter. It also makes for a delightful holiday dessert, especially when served alongside a festive meal.

This bread is versatile enough to be served on its own or as part of a holiday brunch spread. The tart cranberries and citrus glaze make it a refreshing contrast to heavier, richer holiday dishes.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread

To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh:

Room temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure the bread is fully cooled before storing to prevent condensation from making it soggy.
Refrigeration: You can store the bread in the fridge for up to a week. For best results, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
Freezing: If you want to store the bread longer, it freezes well. Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it at room temperature and warm slices in the toaster or microwave for a quick treat.

Recipe Variations and Add-ins

Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the soft, moist bread.
Chocolate chips: For a sweeter twist, fold in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips along with the cranberries.
Cinnamon swirl: For a spiced variation, mix 1 tablespoon of cinnamon with ¼ cup of sugar and layer it into the batter as a swirl before baking.

Gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread.
Vegan: Swap out the butter for coconut oil, use a plant-based milk, and replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg).
Other flavor combinations: Try substituting lemon zest and juice for the orange, or use blueberries in place of cranberries for a different fruity flavor profile.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Bread

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but the flavor will be slightly different. If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10-15 minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.
What can I substitute for orange zest?
Lemon zest or a combination of lime and lemon zest can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I make the bread ahead of time?
Yes, cranberry orange bread can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature. The flavors often develop and intensify the next day, making it even better!

Why did my bread turn out dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can result in dry bread. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and check for doneness as directed.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended throughout the bread.

Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Author: Munil

Print Recipe

Description

Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus notes of orange zest and juice. Topped with a simple sweet glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice, this bread is perfect for breakfast, a holiday brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat. It’s easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and can be customized with optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips. Whether you’re baking it for a festive gathering or simply to enjoy with a cup of tea, this bread is sure to impress with its balance of tangy and sweet, soft texture, and beautiful presentation.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Sift these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
Coat the Cranberries: Toss the cranberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

Pour the Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake: Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the orange juice and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved, then simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Soak the Bread: While the loaf is still warm, poke holes in the top and sides with a toothpick. Brush the orange syrup over the bread, allowing it to soak in. Cool the bread completely.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together the confectioner’s sugar and fresh orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice if needed.

Glaze the Bread: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to run down the sides. Let the glaze harden before slicing and serving.

Notes

Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries and freshly zested oranges is key to getting the best flavor. Fresh cranberries provide a tangy pop that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze and the bread’s soft crumb. The fresh orange zest and juice infuse the bread and glaze with vibrant citrus flavor.
Glaze Consistency: For the glaze, adjust the amount of orange juice depending on how thick or thin you want the drizzle. If you prefer a thicker glaze that sits on top, use less juice. For a more delicate glaze that seeps into the bread, add a little more liquid.

Customizations: You can easily personalize this bread by adding extras like chopped nuts for texture or chocolate chips for added sweetness. For a warm, spiced variation, swirl in cinnamon sugar before baking.
Storage Tips: The bread can be made ahead of time and stored at room temperature or frozen for longer storage. It also reheats beautifully for a warm treat whenever you’re ready to enjoy it.
Serving Suggestion: Serve it slightly warm for the best texture and flavor, with the glaze freshly drizzled on top. Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy breakfast or snack.