Cranberry Bread: 7 Reasons You’ll Adore This Cozy Treat

novembre 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh, let me tell you about cranberry bread! It’s one of those cozy, comforting recipes that just makes my heart sing. The moist texture and the burst of tart cranberries combined with a hint of sweetness create a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. I remember the first time I made this cranberry bread; the whole house filled with a warm, inviting scent that pulled everyone into the kitchen. It’s a recipe I hold dear because it brings together friends and family during the holidays, making our gatherings extra special. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up! Trust me, once you slice into that golden-brown loaf and see the beautiful flecks of red from the cranberries, you’ll understand why this cranberry bread is a must-have in your baking repertoire. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get this deliciousness in the oven!

Ingredients List

For this delightful cranberry bread, you’ll need these simple ingredients to create that perfect balance of moisture and flavor:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (feel free to use whichever you have on hand!)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (or your favorite nuts for a twist)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (this adds a nice brightness!)

(Tip: For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some fresh orange zest!)

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious cranberry bread! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a golden loaf that’ll impress everyone. Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it gets the oven nice and hot for baking.
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the dry ingredients: the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Give it a good stir to make sure everything’s evenly mixed.
Next, toss in the cranberries and chopped walnuts. I love this step because it adds so much color and texture to the bread!
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: the vegetable oil, beaten eggs, vanilla extract, and orange juice. You want to make sure it’s all blended well—this will help keep the bread moist.
Now, pour this lovely wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine!
Once your batter is ready, pour it into a greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it fills the pan nicely.
Pop that pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Oh, the smell will be heavenly!
When it’s all baked up, let the cranberry bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for that perfect texture!

And just like that, you’ve created a delicious loaf of cranberry bread! Can you smell it already? It’s going to be hard to wait for it to cool, but trust me, it’s worth it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a quick and easy recipe that anyone can master, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen!
The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange juice creates a delightful flavor that dances on your taste buds.
This cranberry bread is incredibly moist, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
It fills your home with the most inviting aroma while baking—trust me, your family will come running!
It’s versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of year, but it really shines during the holidays.
You can easily customize it by adding your favorite nuts or even swapping in different dried fruits.
This recipe yields a generous loaf, perfect for sharing with friends and family or for freezing for later!

Tips for Success

To ensure your cranberry bread turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my top tips that I’ve learned through plenty of practice (and maybe a few mishaps!):

Measure your flour accurately: Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!
Don’t skip the orange juice: It really brightens up the flavor of the bread. If you don’t have orange juice, lemon juice works as a great substitute!
Try different nuts: While walnuts are my go-to, pecans or almonds can add a lovely crunch and flavor twist. You can even leave them out if you prefer a nut-free version!
Store it right: Keep your cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, slice it and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight before enjoying!
Add-ins are welcome: Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips or a handful of chopped apples for extra sweetness and texture. The world is your oyster here!
Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 60-minute mark. If it’s browning too quickly, just cover the top with foil to prevent burning.

With these tips in hand, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most scrumptious cranberry bread that will wow everyone who gets a slice!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit, there are endless ways to customize this cranberry bread to suit your taste! Here are some of my favorite variations that can elevate your baking game:

Nuts Galore: While I love walnuts, try using pecans or slivered almonds for a different crunch. You can also toast the nuts beforehand for an extra depth of flavor!
Fruit Fusion: Swap in other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples for a delightful surprise in every slice. Dried cranberries work just as well if you want to keep it simple!
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger to add warmth and complexity. A teaspoon of nutmeg can create a lovely cozy vibe!
Citrus Zing: Besides orange juice, try adding the zest of a lemon or lime to brighten up the bread even more. It really enhances the tartness of the cranberries!
Chocolate Delight: For a sweet twist, fold in some dark chocolate chips or chunks. Chocolate and cranberries are a match made in heaven!
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too!

These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to tailor the cranberry bread to your preferences. So go ahead, get creative, and let your taste buds guide you!

Nutritional Information Section

Here’s a quick look at the nutritional information for a slice of this delightful cranberry bread. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g

This cranberry bread not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also packs a nice punch of flavor and texture! Enjoy it as a tasty breakfast option or a delightful snack throughout the day.

FAQ Section

Got some questions about cranberry bread? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I’ve heard (and even asked myself!) while baking this delightful treat:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well in this recipe. Just toss them in straight from the freezer—there’s no need to thaw them first. They’ll add that lovely burst of tartness!

What can I do if my cranberry bread is too dry?

If your bread turns out a bit dry, it might be due to overbaking or too much flour. Next time, check for doneness a little earlier and make sure to measure your flour correctly. If you’re looking to salvage a dry loaf, try serving it with butter or cream cheese for added moisture!

Can I make cranberry bread ahead of time?

Definitely! This cranberry bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Just make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping!

How should I store leftover cranberry bread?

Store any leftover cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice it up and freeze it. Just wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and it’ll last for about 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying!

Can I add more sugar if I like it sweeter?

Of course! Feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. Just keep in mind that adding too much sugar can affect the texture of the bread, so I’d recommend not exceeding an additional 1/4 cup. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve baked this scrumptious cranberry bread, let’s talk about how to enjoy it! There are so many delightful ways to serve it that will take your experience to the next level:

With a Pat of Butter: Slathering a warm slice with a little butter is pure heaven! It melts into the bread and enhances that moist texture.
As French Toast: Transform your leftover slices into delicious French toast! Just dip them in a mixture of eggs, milk, and vanilla, then cook them on a skillet for a sweet breakfast treat.
Accompanied by Cream Cheese: Spread some cream cheese on top for a creamy contrast to the tart cranberries. You can even mix in some herbs or spices for a savory twist!
With a Cup of Tea or Coffee: Enjoying a slice with your favorite hot beverage makes for a cozy afternoon snack. The warm flavors of the bread pair beautifully with both tea and coffee!
As a Dessert: Serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a fun dessert twist. The combination of warm bread and cold ice cream is irresistible!
Toast it Up: Try toasting slices for a crunchy texture that brings out the flavors even more. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of day!

Whatever way you choose to serve it, this cranberry bread is sure to bring smiles to the table. Enjoy the deliciousness!

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Sur moi

Bonjour, je m'appelle Julia, je suis le cœur de Vihaad Recettes et une passionnée de bonne cuisine. Mon amour pour la cuisine a commencé dans mon enfance, inspirée par les délicieux repas de ma grand-mère. Aujourd'hui, je partage des recettes savoureuses qui rassemblent les gens à travers le plaisir de manger ensemble.