Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

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Introduction
Imagine the warm, zesty aroma of oranges mingling with tart cranberries filling your kitchen. This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with a soft, moist crumb and a golden crust. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack with tea, it’s a crowd-pleaser that brightens any table. You’ll learn how to create this fragrant, vibrant loaf from scratch, including tips for perfect texture and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe stands out for its vibrant flavor and delightful texture. The cranberries add a juicy pop of tartness, perfectly complemented by the bright citrus notes from fresh orange zest and juice. Each slice has a soft, tender interior with a lightly crisp crust, making it irresistible fresh from the oven. What makes this bread even more special is its simplicity — with straightforward ingredients and steps, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. Whether for holiday gifting, brunch gatherings, or a sweet breakfast treat, this loaf offers a sensory experience that’s both aromatic and satisfying. The contrast between the moist bread and chewy cranberries keeps every bite exciting.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tsp orange zest
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Optional for topping: 2 tbsp coarse sugar or an orange glaze

Pro Tips

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and yogurt are at room temperature for smoother mixing and a tender crumb. Cold ingredients can result in uneven texture.
Cranberries Prep: Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom while baking.
Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense rather than soft and fluffy.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This incorporates air and ensures a tender loaf.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavors
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in Greek yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and aromatic.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Mix just until combined to maintain a light texture.

Step 6: Add Cranberries
Toss cranberries with a teaspoon of flour to prevent sinking, then fold them into the batter. This ensures even distribution.

Step 7: Bake
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle coarse sugar or prepare a glaze if desired. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Variations

Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a naturally chewy texture.
Nuts Addition: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Citrus Twist: Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different bright, tangy profile.

Storage and Serving

Store cooled Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before slicing. Serve warm with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It pairs beautifully with tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Do not thaw them before folding into the batter to prevent extra moisture.

Q2: Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with coconut oil and yogurt with a plant-based alternative.

Q3: How can I make the bread sweeter?
Add 2–3 tablespoons more sugar or brush the top with an orange glaze for extra sweetness.

Q4: Can I bake this in muffin tins?
Absolutely. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes for muffins.

Q5: How do I prevent the bread from being dry?
Avoid overbaking and ensure wet ingredients are measured accurately. Creaming butter and sugar properly also helps maintain moisture.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is comfort food at its finest — fragrant, moist, and full of vibrant flavors that brighten any morning or gathering. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table, perfect for holiday mornings, brunch, or a simple treat with tea. Every slice is a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making it a memorable homemade bread you’ll want to bake again and again.