Cranberry Orange Bread

Craving a burst of citrusy sweetness with a hint of tartness? This Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect combination of bright, zesty orange and juicy cranberries, baked into a soft and moist loaf.

With a tender crumb and a delightful orange glaze, this quick bread is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.

Ingredients List

Creating this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread requires a few essential ingredients that bring out the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Bread Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• Zest from 2 large oranges
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups fresh cranberries, halved

Optional Orange Glaze

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure a smooth baking experience, gather these essential kitchen tools before you begin:

1. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two bowls: one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
2. Whisk & Spatula – A whisk helps mix the dry and wet ingredients smoothly, while a spatula ensures every bit of batter is incorporated.
3. 9×5 Loaf Pans – This recipe makes two loaves, so prepare two standard loaf pans. You can also use mini loaf pans for individual servings.
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons – Accuracy is key in baking, so use proper measuring tools for flour, sugar, and liquids.
5. Zester & Juicer – A fine zester will extract the aromatic orange zest, while a juicer makes squeezing fresh orange juice effortless.
6. Wire Cooling Rack – Helps cool the bread evenly after baking.

Preparing the Batter

A well-mixed batter ensures a perfectly textured Cranberry Orange Bread. Follow these steps for the best results:

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and orange zest. Stir well to release the citrusy aroma.
2. Add flour, salt, and baking powder. Whisk together until evenly combined. Set aside.

Preparing the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
2. Stir until fully blended and smooth.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the bread dense.
2. Fold in the halved cranberries carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Baking the Cranberry Orange Bread

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor depends on proper baking. Follow these steps to ensure a beautifully golden, moist loaf.

Preparing the Loaf Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spray two 9×5-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease them with butter.

Baking Process

1. Evenly divide the batter between the two prepared loaf pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
2. Place the pans in the center rack of the preheated oven.
3. Bake for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   • If using mini loaf pans, reduce the baking time to 35-45 minutes.
   • If the top of the bread browns too quickly, loosely cover it with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Cooling the Bread

1. Remove the loaves from the oven and place them on a wire cooling rack.
2. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
3. Use a knife to loosen the edges, then carefully remove the loaves from the pans.
4. Allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.

Adding the Orange Glaze

A sweet, tangy orange glaze takes this bread to the next level, enhancing its citrusy flavor.

Preparing the Glaze

1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency as needed:
   • If the glaze is too thick, add a few more drops of orange juice.
   • If it’s too thin, mix in a little more powdered sugar.

Drizzling the Glaze

1. Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top using a spoon or piping bag.
2. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

This flavorful bread is perfect for:

• Breakfast or Brunch – Serve with coffee or tea for a refreshing morning treat.
• Snack or Dessert – Enjoy a slice on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Holiday Gifting – Wrap a loaf in festive packaging for a homemade gift.

Storage Instructions

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh:

• Room Temperature: Wrap tightly and store for 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
• Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

With its moist crumb, bright citrus flavor, and tart cranberry bursts, this Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a make-ahead treat, it’s sure to impress. Try this easy recipe today and savor the perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors!