Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: A Zesty Holiday Treat

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Cranberry orange bread is a tasty treat that’s perfect for fall and winter. It mixes tart cranberries with sweet orange zest for a burst of flavor. You can easily make this quick bread at home with simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and eggs.

This bread is great for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gifts. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, depending on what’s available. The orange juice and zest give it a nice citrus kick that balances the cranberries. Try a slice toasted with some butter for a cozy morning treat.

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make cranberry orange bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

Don’t have some ingredients? Try these swaps:

• Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose for a healthier twist.
• Swap vegetable oil with melted butter or coconut oil.
• No buttermilk? Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice.

For the cranberries, you can use dried ones if fresh aren’t available. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.

Want to add some crunch? Toss in 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.

For a sweeter bread, increase sugar to 1 1/4 cups or add 1/4 cup honey.

Remember, baking is flexible. Feel free to adjust ingredients to your taste!

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, mix sugar and orange zest. Add flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir well.

In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Mix until just blended. Don’t overmix!

Gently fold in the cranberries.

Pour the batter into your greased pan. Bake for about 60-70 minutes.

Check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove it and cool completely on a wire rack.

Slice and enjoy your delicious cranberry orange bread!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your cranberry orange bread extra special with these helpful tips:

Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. If you only have frozen, don’t thaw them before adding to the batter.

Zest your orange before juicing it. This makes the process much easier!

Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined to keep your bread light and fluffy.

Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready.

To store your bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2-3 days.

For longer storage, pop your wrapped bread in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months.

To serve frozen bread, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds if you like.

Try adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra crunch and flavor.