Cranberry Orange Bread Delightful and Easy Recipe

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Baking cranberry orange bread is a simple way to fill your kitchen with warm aromas and delicious flavors. This delightful recipe combines tart cranberries with sweet orange zest, creating the perfect balance. Whether you want a tasty snack or a festive treat, this loaf is sure to please everyone. Join me as I guide you through easy steps and tips to make your bakery-style bread right at home!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a vibrant and refreshing taste that is perfect for any occasion.
  2. Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced bakers.
  3. Perfect for Gifting: This delightful bread makes an excellent homemade gift, especially around the holidays or for special occasions.
  4. Customizable: You can easily add your favorite nuts or even chocolate chips to the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

List of Ingredients

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1/4 cup packed brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

– 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)

– Zest of 1 large orange

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

– 2 large eggs, beaten

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

To make cranberry orange bread, gather these ingredients first. Use fresh cranberries for the best taste and color. Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. Brown sugar adds depth and moisture.

Baking powder and baking soda help the bread rise. Salt enhances the flavors, while ground cinnamon gives warmth. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the bread. Melted unsalted butter adds richness. Eggs bind everything together and provide structure.

If you like nuts, consider adding walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch and flavor. With these ingredients ready, you will create a delicious treat that smells heavenly as it bakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation and Mixing

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the bread rise nicely.

– Prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. This keeps the bread from sticking.

– In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

Combining Wet Ingredients

– In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice, the zest of 1 large orange, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mix brings bright flavor to the bread.

Folding and Baking

– Gradually fold the wet mix into the dry mix. Do this until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

– Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you want some crunch.

– Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly.

– Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

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

Tips & Tricks

Storage Tips

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can easily enjoy a slice whenever you want.

Baking Tips

Mixing the batter too much can make your bread tough. When you fold the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. This keeps your bread soft and fluffy.

To ensure even baking, place your loaf pan in the center of the oven. This helps the heat circulate around the bread. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent results.

Presentation Tips

For serving, slice your bread carefully. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch. You can also serve it warm with soft butter on the side. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a sprinkle of orange zest on top for a bright finish.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a good alternative, but don’t thaw them before adding to the batter.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense bread rather than a light and fluffy texture.
  3. Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  4. Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ingredients to make this bread fit your taste. Here are some ideas:

Replacing sugar with alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Each option gives a unique flavor.

Different nuts and fruits: Instead of walnuts or pecans, try almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness.

Flavor Enhancements

Boost the taste of your Cranberry Orange Bread with these fun ideas:

Adding spices or extracts: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more warmth. You can also add almond or orange extract for extra flavor.

Incorporating additional flavors: Consider adding chocolate chips or coconut for a fun twist. These additions can change the bread’s profile completely.

Type of Bread

You can change the shape of your bread to suit your needs:

Making mini loaves or muffins: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. These are perfect for snacks or gifts!

Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check the ratios on your blend for best results.

Storage Info

Cooling Instructions

Let your cranberry orange bread cool before storing it. I recommend cooling it for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps your bread fresh.

Shelf Life

At room temperature, your bread stays fresh for about 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. It can stay good for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just remember, cold storage may change the texture a bit.

Reheating Suggestions

To reheat your cranberry orange bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat slices for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your warm bread with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of sugar for extra flavor!

FAQs

What can I use instead of cranberries?

You can use different fruits in this bread. Dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins work well. For a tropical twist, try chopped mango or pineapple. Each fruit brings its own flavor, making your bread unique.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries are great! They may be a bit softer, but they still taste delicious. Just toss them in flour before adding to the batter. This helps keep them from sinking. Use the same amount of frozen cranberries as you would fresh.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Check if the bread is golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! You can also gently press the top. If it springs back, it’s done. This ensures a moist crumb inside.

In this post, we explored making Cranberry Orange Bread. We covered ingredients like fresh cranberries, orange juice, and nuts. The step-by-step guide showed preheating the oven and mixing wet and dry ingredients. I shared storage tips to keep it fresh and variations to enhance flavor.

Baking is about creativity and joy. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Your kitchen becomes a place for magic and taste. Happy bakin

- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible) - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make cranberry orange bread, gather these ingredients first. Use fresh cranberries for the best taste and color. Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. Brown sugar adds depth and moisture. Baking powder and baking soda help the bread rise. Salt enhances the flavors, while ground cinnamon gives warmth. Fresh orange juice and zest brighten the bread. Melted unsalted butter adds richness. Eggs bind everything together and provide structure. If you like nuts, consider adding walnuts or pecans. They give a nice crunch and flavor. With these ingredients ready, you will create a delicious treat that smells heavenly as it bakes. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This heat helps the bread rise nicely. - Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. This keeps the bread from sticking. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice, the zest of 1 large orange, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mix brings bright flavor to the bread. - Gradually fold the wet mix into the dry mix. Do this until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. - Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans if you want some crunch. - Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. - Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma! To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it. Slice the bread before freezing. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can easily enjoy a slice whenever you want. Mixing the batter too much can make your bread tough. When you fold the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. This keeps your bread soft and fluffy. To ensure even baking, place your loaf pan in the center of the oven. This helps the heat circulate around the bread. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for consistent results. For serving, slice your bread carefully. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely touch. You can also serve it warm with soft butter on the side. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a sprinkle of orange zest on top for a bright finish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a good alternative, but don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in a dense bread rather than a light and fluffy texture. Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy. {{image_2}} You can swap ingredients to make this bread fit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Replacing sugar with alternatives: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. Each option gives a unique flavor. - Different nuts and fruits: Instead of walnuts or pecans, try almonds or hazelnuts. You can also add dried fruits like raisins or apricots for sweetness. Boost the taste of your Cranberry Orange Bread with these fun ideas: - Adding spices or extracts: Mix in a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more warmth. You can also add almond or orange extract for extra flavor. - Incorporating additional flavors: Consider adding chocolate chips or coconut for a fun twist. These additions can change the bread's profile completely. You can change the shape of your bread to suit your needs: - Making mini loaves or muffins: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. These are perfect for snacks or gifts! - Gluten-free options: Use gluten-free flour blends for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to check the ratios on your blend for best results. Let your cranberry orange bread cool before storing it. I recommend cooling it for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps your bread fresh. At room temperature, your bread stays fresh for about 3 days. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. It can stay good for up to a week in the refrigerator. Just remember, cold storage may change the texture a bit. To reheat your cranberry orange bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Heat slices for 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your warm bread with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of sugar for extra flavor! You can use different fruits in this bread. Dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins work well. For a tropical twist, try chopped mango or pineapple. Each fruit brings its own flavor, making your bread unique. Yes, frozen cranberries are great! They may be a bit softer, but they still taste delicious. Just toss them in flour before adding to the batter. This helps keep them from sinking. Use the same amount of frozen cranberries as you would fresh. Check if the bread is golden brown. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready! You can also gently press the top. If it springs back, it's done. This ensures a moist crumb inside. In this post, we explored making Cranberry Orange Bread. We covered ingredients like fresh cranberries, orange juice, and nuts. The step-by-step guide showed preheating the oven and mixing wet and dry ingredients. I shared storage tips to keep it fresh and variations to enhance flavor. Baking is about creativity and joy. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Your kitchen becomes a place for magic and taste. Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Delight Bread

A delightful bread combining the tartness of cranberries with the freshness of orange.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 1 large zest of orange
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together until evenly combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  • Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For serving, slice the bread and dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Consider serving it warm with a pat of soft butter for added flavor!
Keyword bread, cranberry, dessert, orange

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