Cranberry Orange Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall and winter. With its tangy cranberries and zesty orange, it brings a refreshing twist to your baking repertoire. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a festive gift, this bread is a must-try for any home baker.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

All-purpose flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure. The granulated sugar sweetens the loaf and balances the tartness of the cranberries. Baking powder and baking soda work together to help the bread rise, while a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness and moisture. Orange juice and orange zest infuse the bread with a burst of refreshing citrus flavor. Eggs bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread's soft texture. Fresh cranberries, when chopped, offer tartness and a pop of color. Finally, vanilla extract adds a warm, aromatic undertone.

Tips & Tricks

  • If your cranberries are too tart, toss them in a spoonful of sugar before adding to the batter.
  • To prevent sticking, line the loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor impact.

Serving Suggestions

This bread is delightful served slightly warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese. For a more indulgent treat, pair it with a dollop of mascarpone or a drizzle of honey. It also makes a charming addition to a brunch spread or a sweet gift wrapped in parchment and twine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before chopping.
What if I don't have fresh oranges for zest?
You can use dried orange peel, though fresh zest will provide a better flavor.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the texture will be denser. Consider using half all-purpose and half whole wheat for a better balance.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get your loaf pan greased up. Use a bit of butter or non-stick spray, just to make sure our bread won't stick. Now, in a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps distribute everything evenly, so your bread rises nicely.

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, orange juice, zest, and eggs. Whisk until you have a smooth mixture — it might smell so good that you're tempted to drink it! Pour this fragrant blend into your dry ingredients and stir until everything's just combined. No need to overdo it; just make sure there are no dry spots left.

Now, gently fold in the chopped cranberries and vanilla extract. Be tender with your folding to keep the cranberries intact — this ensures juicy bursts in every bite. Once mixed, pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula.

Pop it into the oven for 55-60 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps it set and makes it easier to slice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright, citrusy flavor complemented by tart cranberries.
  • Easy to make with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
  • Makes your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland.
  • Perfect balance of moist texture and crumbly crust.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs, whisking until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in the chopped cranberries and vanilla extract.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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