Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tangy zest of oranges with the tartness of fresh cranberries. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or simply as a sweet snack throughout the day. The moist texture and sweet orange glaze make it irresistible, while the ease of preparation ensures you can whip it up in just 15 minutes. This bread’s standout flavors are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe only requires 15 minutes of prep time, making it an easy choice for busy bakers.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of orange and cranberry creates a refreshing taste that’s perfect for any season.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as breakfast, a dessert, or a snack at any time of day.
• Moist and Dense Texture: The use of buttermilk keeps the bread incredibly moist, ensuring every slice is packed with flavor.
• Great for Sharing: Perfect for potlucks or family gatherings, this recipe yields enough servings to share.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cranberry Orange Bread, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your process and ensure success.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk
• Baking loaf pan
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
• Whisk: Helps evenly mix liquid ingredients, ensuring a consistent batter.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly moist, deliciously dense, loaded with orange flavor and juicy cranberries, and finished with a sweet orange glaze. Just 15 minutes to prep!

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup canola oil (or other neutral tasting oil)
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking for your bread.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Grease your baking loaf pan with oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking powder
3. Salt
4. Granulated sugar

Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together:
1. Buttermilk
2. Canola oil
3. Orange juice
4. Eggs
5. Vanilla extract
6. Orange zest

Ensure all wet ingredients are fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries until just combined; do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Glaze

Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. While it’s cooling, prepare your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.

Step 8: Glaze Your Bread

Once cooled completely, drizzle the sweet orange glaze over the top of your Cranberry Orange Bread before slicing and serving! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful dessert, there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful bread.

With Cream Cheese Spread

• A creamy spread of plain or flavored cream cheese adds richness and complements the tangy cranberries.

As a Toast

• Toast slices of the bread for a crunchy texture. Top with butter or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve with a side of fresh fruit like berries or sliced oranges to enhance the citrus flavors in the bread.

With a Hot Beverage

• Pair your bread with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to create a cozy, comforting snack.

In French Toast Style

• Dip slices in egg batter and cook on a griddle for a unique twist on classic French toast.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Bread turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh cranberries and high-quality oranges will enhance the flavor of your bread significantly.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix until just combined to keep the bread tender and moist.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the bread is fully baked.
• Cool Properly – Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent sogginess.
• Store Correctly – Keep leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread pairs well with various side dishes that complement its sweet and tangy flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a healthy and refreshing companion.
2. Scrambled Eggs – Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance out the sweetness of the bread.
3. Salad Greens – A light salad with citrus vinaigrette adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the dense bread.
4. Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses such as brie or goat cheese alongside for an elegant touch.
5. Nut Butter – Almond or cashew butter can add a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberry orange.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A smoothie bowl made from fruits like bananas and spinach can be both filling and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people enjoy making Cranberry Orange Bread, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your bread turns out perfectly.

• Incorrect Measurements: Using the wrong amounts of flour or sugar can lead to a dense bread. Always measure ingredients accurately with proper measuring cups and spoons.

• Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale cranberries or expired baking powder can ruin your bread. Check the freshness of all ingredients before baking.

• Skipping the Zest: Omitting orange zest removes essential flavor from the bread. Always include fresh zest for a vibrant taste.

• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can make the bread tough instead of tender. Mix just until combined to keep it light and airy.

• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Baking at an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven cooking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for perfect baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep in the original baking dish covered with plastic wrap for ease.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Orange Bread.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Bread?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries; just do not thaw them before adding them to the batter. This helps keep them from becoming mushy.

How can I customize my Cranberry Orange Bread?

You can add nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or substitute lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

What should I serve with Cranberry Orange Bread?

This bread pairs well with cream cheese, butter, or even yogurt as a delightful breakfast or snack option.

How do I know when my Cranberry Orange Bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready!

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Bread is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges creates a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with nuts or other fruits to suit your taste preferences!