Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a holiday-ready recipe that brings bright citrus flavor together with the tart pop of cranberries, this Cranberry Orange Bread might be your new seasonal staple. It’s everything a good quick bread should be: moist, flavorful, slightly sweet, and easy to whip together without any special equipment. Plus, with its vibrant flecks of cranberry and orange zest, it looks as festive as it tastes.

Perfect for Christmas morning, Thanksgiving brunch, or even as a homemade edible gift, this quick bread delivers a refreshing contrast to heavier holiday desserts. And while it shines during the colder months, you can enjoy this loaf any time of year thanks to the availability of frozen or dried cranberries and oranges.

Whether served plain, with a spread of butter, or finished with a sweet glaze, this Cranberry Orange Bread is the kind of recipe that’s guaranteed to become a tradition in your kitchen.

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🎄 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seasonal & Festive – With cranberries and orange zest, the flavor screams holiday cheer.

• Quick & Easy – No yeast, no kneading, and minimal prep.

• Beautiful Presentation – The red cranberries and orange flecks make it perfect for gifting or entertaining.

• Versatile – Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

• Freezer-Friendly – Make ahead and freeze to reduce holiday baking stress.

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🧾 Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Before we dive into the step-by-step instructions, let’s look at what you’ll need to make this fragrant, moist loaf.

🧂 Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the base structure of the bread.

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder – Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.

• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Works with the acidity of orange juice for extra lift.

• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

🍊 Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the bread without overpowering it.

• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds richness and keeps the crumb tender.

• 2 large eggs – Bind everything together and add lightness.

• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice – Adds vibrant citrus flavor.

• 1 tablespoon orange zest – Intensifies the orange flavor naturally.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and warmth to the overall taste.

🍒 Add-ins:

• 1½ cups fresh cranberries – Provide tart bursts in every bite.

🍥 For the Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk – Use as needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Making this bread is a breeze—no mixer or complicated techniques required. Here’s how to do it, step by step:

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1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. A well-greased pan ensures your loaf comes out clean without breaking.

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2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients separately helps evenly distribute the leaveners and prevents clumping.

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3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each to incorporate air and ensure a smooth texture.

Next, stir in the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The juice and zest give this bread its signature citrus punch, while the vanilla rounds it out with a bit of warmth.

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4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be slightly lumpy but fully incorporated. Overmixing can make the bread dense and dry.

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5. Fold in the Cranberries

Using a spatula, gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Try not to crush them as you mix; you want them to remain whole so they create juicy bursts in every slice. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding. If using dried, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain before folding in.

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6. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with the back of a spoon or spatula. Bake in the center of the oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Ovens can vary, so begin checking around the 50-minute mark. If the top browns too quickly, you can loosely tent the loaf with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

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7. Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the bread cools, prepare your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk. Start with 1 tablespoon of milk and add more as needed until you reach a pourable consistency.

Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• For breakfast: Toasted with a pat of butter or cream cheese.

• As dessert: With whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

• As a snack: With coffee, tea, or a holiday cocktail.

• For gifting: Wrap in parchment paper and tie with ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Print

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💡 Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

• Zest Before You Juice: Always zest the orange before juicing it—it’s much easier!

• Use Room Temperature Eggs: They mix more evenly into the batter.

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the ingredients are combined to avoid dense bread.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick or skewer; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Add Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition for crunch.

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🧊 How to Store and Freeze

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for 5–6 days, but let it come to room temp before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze just before serving.

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📊 Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approx.):

• Calories: 280

• Total Fat: 10g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 55mg

• Sodium: 210mg

• Carbohydrates: 40g

• Sugar: 22g

• Fiber: 2g

• Protein: 4g

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🍊 Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bread is everything we love about holiday baking—warm, zesty, colorful, and comforting. It fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of citrus and butter and delivers a taste that’s both bright and cozy. Whether you’re baking it for a gathering, as a homemade gift, or just to enjoy with your morning coffee, this loaf is bound to be a hit.