Table of Contents
Ah, the scent of fresh-baked bread wafting through a cozy kitchen! On one chilly afternoon, as I stirred together a medley of ingredients for a holiday gathering, I stumbled upon the most delightful recipe for Moist Cranberry Orange Bread. At first bite, the vibrant, zesty flavor danced on my palate, while the tart cranberries added a delightful spark. The warm, sunny aroma enveloped me, instantly transporting me to a bright morning, even on the grayest of days. Each slice was a taste of sunshine, perfectly balancing the sweetness of orange with the tartness of cranberries. In a world that can sometimes feel heavy, this bread became my go-to treat for celebrations and quiet afternoons alike. And trust me, once you give it a try, you’ll understand why it’s loved by so many!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps, this recipe won’t leave you scratching your head.
- Quick Baking Time: A cozy loaf in under an hour—perfect for those “I need a treat NOW” moments!
- Flavor-Packed: The citrusy orange paired with tart cranberries creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: It’s a hit for dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy afternoon with a cup of tea.
- Fresh Ingredients: Filled with fresh fruit and wholesome goodness, making it a lovely snack option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Tip: Sift it lightly for a fluffier texture! - 1 teaspoon baking soda
Purpose: This is your leavening agent for that lovely rise. - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Purpose: It adds a touch more fluffiness to your loaf! - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Tip: A pinch of salt highlights and balances all the sweet flavors. - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
Purpose: This provides richness and moisture that makes the bread so tender. - 1 cup granulated sugar
Tip: You can swap half for brown sugar for a hint of caramel flavor! - 2 large eggs
Purpose: These bind everything together beautifully. - 1 cup fresh cranberries
Tip: Choose ones that are vibrant and plump for the best flavor pop! - 1/2 cup orange juice
Purpose: Freshly squeezed adds that bright, zesty flavor we’re after. - Zest of 1 orange
Tip: Grate it finely, as it packs a punch of citrus fragrance! - For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Purpose: This shiny glaze adds a delightful sweet finish!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. The smell of bread baking will take over your kitchen soon!
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Give it a little whisk to ensure everything is nicely combined and airy.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, almost like clouds—a perfect start!
4. Mix in Eggs and Citrus
Add in the eggs, orange juice, and zest. Mix until well combined. The bright aroma will start to fill your kitchen—just heavenly!
5. Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the cranberries gently until evenly distributed. You’ll love the vibrant spots of red in your batter!
6. Pour and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Now, pop it into the oven and wait patiently while the magic happens.
7. Baking Time
Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell like a dreamy citrus garden!
8. Make the Glaze
While it cools, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice and zest for the glaze. It should be smooth and drizzly.
9. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving. Each bite will feel like a warm hug of flavor wrapped in sweetness.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: They enhance the overall flavor. Fresh cranberries and oranges are key!
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry, fold gently to keep your bread airy.
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so check your bread a few minutes early to avoid over-baking.
- Let it Cool: Allow the bread to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze for a beautiful finish.
Flavor Variations
- Add Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
- Spicy Twist: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth to those cozy vibes.
- Substitute Fruits: Try incorporating blueberries or dried cherries for a different fruit profile.
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream cheese or a cup of hot tea. Serve it on a rustic wooden board for an inviting presentation. Perhaps a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top for a little flair!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the batter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Once baked, keep it wrapped in plastic or in a sealed container at room temperature for about three days.
Leftovers
Turn leftovers into delicious French toast by soaking slices in egg and cooking them up for breakfast, or make a delightful bread pudding!
Freezing
Absolutely! Just wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is by popping slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, a quick microwave warm-up works too—just be careful not to dry it out!
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just leave them frozen! They’ll add a nice pop of tartness as they bake.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Of course! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
How can I make the bread less sweet?
Reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet loaf!
What if I don’t have oranges?
Lemon juice and zest are a great alternative for a zesty twist!
Final Thoughts
Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like the joy of sharing a slice of this Moist Cranberry Orange Bread with loved ones or enjoying it with a quiet cup of coffee all to yourself. I hope you’ll give this recipe a whirl, make it your own, and sprinkle it with a bit of love. Get ready to cozy up your kitchen with a burst of flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy baking! 🍊💖
Moist Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to ensure everything is nicely combined and airy.
- In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy.
- Add in the eggs, orange juice, and zest. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in the cranberries gently until evenly distributed.
- 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 comes out clean.
- While it cools, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice and zest for the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.