Cranberry Orange Spice Bread

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 5 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
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This Cranberry Orange Spice Bread brings a burst of seasonal flavors with every bite. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat, it combines the tartness of cranberries with the warmth of spices and a zesty orange kick.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Spice Bread

All-purpose flour serves as the base, giving structure to the bread. We use a combination of granulated sugar and light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness and subtle molasses flavor. The baking powder and baking soda help the bread rise just right. A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors.

Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves add a warm, spicy depth. Fresh orange juice and zest lend a bright, citrusy note, while vegetable oil keeps the loaf moist. Cranberries provide tart bursts, and walnuts add a satisfying crunch. Finally, a large egg binds everything together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen can work in a pinch but thaw them first.
  • Check your bread at the 55-minute mark to avoid over-baking, which can dry it out.
  • Toast the walnuts beforehand for an extra layer of flavor.
  • If you find the zesting tedious, use a microplane for quick and easy zesting.

Serving Suggestions

This bread pairs beautifully with a dollop of honey butter or cream cheese for a touch of indulgence. For a festive brunch, consider serving it alongside a savory quiche or a fresh fruit salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in hot water for 10 minutes beforehand to rehydrate them slightly.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds make a great substitute if you prefer or have them on hand.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Cranberry Orange Spice Bread Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan, making sure you reach all the corners to avoid any sticking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, both sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. It’s important to mix these dry ingredients well to ensure the baking agents are evenly distributed.

In another bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, orange zest, and egg. Mix until fully integrated. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the bread tough, so less is more here.

Now, fold in the cranberries and walnuts. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the cranberries too much. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 55-65 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. This helps it firm up a bit, making it easier to handle. Once on the rack, let it cool completely before slicing.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with fresh, seasonal ingredients that sing together in harmony.
  • Simple to make with just one bowl for the dry ingredients and one for the wet.
  • Aromatic spices make your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland.
  • Perfectly moist with a delightful crunch from the walnuts.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tbsp orange zest
1 large egg
1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, orange zest, and egg, mixing well.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 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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