Cranberry Orange Delight
Say hello to your new favorite autumn treat: Cranberry Orange Delight. This quick bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet, citrusy zing of orange, making it a perfect seasonal snack or dessert.
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Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Delight
The base of this recipe is all-purpose flour, providing structure and balance. Granulated sugar sweetens the bread just enough to balance the tart cranberries. Both baking powder and baking soda work together to give the loaf a nice lift. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.
Now, for that citrus punch, orange zest and orange juice are key. The zest adds the essential oils for a fragrant aroma, while the juice moistens and flavors the bread. Unsalted butter, melted, adds richness, and a large egg helps bind everything together. Finally, the stars of the show: fresh cranberries, chopped for bursts of tartness, and walnuts (optional) for texture.
Cranberry Orange Delight Tips & Tricks
- If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can toss the cranberries in a bit of sugar before folding them into the batter.
- For a stronger orange flavor, replace some of the orange juice with a splash of orange extract.
- To avoid sinking cranberries, coat them in flour before adding to the batter.
Serving Ideas for Cranberry Orange Delight
This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of mascarpone or cream cheese. For a savory twist, try it with a slice of sharp cheddar. If you’re serving it for dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a delightful companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
- Yes, just thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
- Absolutely, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
- How should I store the bread?
- It keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to a month.
Cranberry Orange Delight Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9x5 inch loaf pan and give it a good greasing. This ensures your bread will slip out easily after baking, avoiding any disasters!
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir in 1 tablespoon of orange zest to infuse the dry ingredients with a citrusy note. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed.
In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of melted butter, and 1 beaten egg. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. You don’t want to overmix here; a few lumps are okay.
Fold in 1 1/2 cups of chopped fresh cranberries and, if you're feeling nutty, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. This is where you can see the beautiful colors come together.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the oven for 60-70 minutes. You'll know it's done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set up nicely and makes slicing easier.
Why This Cranberry Orange Delight Works
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Moist and tender texture with a delightful crunch from optional walnuts.
- Easy to make with everyday ingredients you probably have at home.
- Great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a gift.
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 tablespoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- 2. In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- 3. Stir in the orange zest for a fresh burst of flavor.
- 4. In another bowl, combine the orange juice, melted butter, and beaten egg.
- 5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- 6. Fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if using.
- 7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- 8. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.