Cranberry Orange Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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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.

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.

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 Suggestions

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 You'll Love This Recipe

  • 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.

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