Cranberry Orange Bread: 5 Reasons to Love This Delightful Loaf

octobre 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this cranberry orange bread! It’s like a delightful hug for your taste buds, bursting with the tangy goodness of fresh cranberries and the sunny zest of oranges. Seriously, the first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how moist and fluffy the bread turned out. It’s got that perfect balance of tartness from the cranberries and just enough sweetness to make it feel like a treat without being overwhelming. I love enjoying a slice for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a cheerful addition to any table. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be craving it all year round!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Gather these simple but essential ingredients to whip up a loaf of this delightful cranberry orange bread. Make sure to grab fresh cranberries for that pop of flavor!

2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread, giving it structure and a lovely crumb.
1 cup fresh cranberries: These little gems add the tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness.
1 cup sugar: Just the right amount to balance the flavors and keep the bread moist.
1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, bringing a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the bread.
1/4 cup vegetable oil: This helps keep the bread moist and adds a touch of richness.
2 large eggs: They’re crucial for binding everything together and giving the bread its lovely rise.
1 tablespoon orange zest: Don’t skip this! It intensifies the orange flavor and adds a zing.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This is your leavening agent, making the bread rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for that perfect fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors!

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into making this scrumptious cranberry orange bread! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful loaf ready in no time.

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because you want your bread to bake evenly and rise perfectly. While that’s warming up, grab your favorite loaf pan and grease it lightly with some butter or cooking spray. This helps ensure your bread doesn’t stick and makes for easy slicing later on!

Mix the Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s get to those dry ingredients! In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk them together well—this helps distribute the leavening agents evenly. Trust me, you want that fluffy texture in every bite!

Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, it’s time to mix the wet ingredients! Combine 1 cup of sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/2 cup of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Use a whisk or a fork to blend everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. The smell at this point is heavenly, and you’ll be so excited to keep going!

Combine and Fold

Now comes the fun part—combining everything! Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet mixture. Don’t just dump it all in at once; this way, you can stir gently and avoid overmixing. You want to fold it together until just combined. Then, gently fold in those beautiful fresh cranberries. Be careful not to squish them—those lovely bursts of tartness are what we’re after!

Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 60 minutes. Now, here’s a little tip: check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re all set! Once done, let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here, but I promise it’ll be worth it when you slice into that warm, fragrant bread!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, let me tell you, there are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this cranberry orange bread! First off, the flavors are simply out of this world. The tart cranberries dance perfectly with the sweet and zesty orange, creating a delightful symphony in every bite. It’s like a burst of sunshine wrapped in a soft, moist loaf!

And the best part? This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up! With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can nail it. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just some mixing bowls and a loaf pan. Plus, it doesn’t take forever to bake, so you’ll be enjoying your delicious creation in about an hour.

But wait, there’s more! This cranberry orange bread is super versatile. You can serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a delightful dessert. It’s fantastic on its own, but feel free to slather a bit of butter on a warm slice or pair it with a dollop of cream cheese for an extra treat. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped up nicely, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Honestly, once you make this, you’ll find all sorts of occasions to enjoy it!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry orange bread turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to help you nail this recipe every time.

Use Fresh Cranberries: Trust me, fresh cranberries make all the difference! They provide that bright, tart flavor that’s essential to this bread. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cranberries will work, but don’t thaw them before adding; just toss them in while still frozen to prevent the batter from turning pink.
Measure Accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements are key! Use a kitchen scale if you have one—it’ll give you the most accurate results. If you’re using cups, spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid packing it down.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, and we want it light and fluffy! A few lumps are totally fine.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the right temperature. If it’s too hot or too cool, your bread might not bake properly.
Cool Before Slicing: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting your bread cool completely before slicing is crucial. This helps it set and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, the flavors will deepen as it cools!
Add a Glaze or Topping: For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled bread. Or, sprinkle some chopped nuts on top before baking for a delightful crunch!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the most delicious cranberry orange bread that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve baked this heavenly cranberry orange bread, you might be wondering how to store it to keep it fresh and delicious! The good news is, it’s super easy. First, let the bread cool completely in the pan, then transfer it to an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but I bet it won’t last that long!

If you want to keep it for longer (because trust me, you’ll want to), pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about a week. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in!

Now, if you find yourself with leftover slices and want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the bread. Slice it up, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. You can also toast it lightly for that fresh-baked taste!

Whether you’re snacking on it fresh or reheating, this cranberry orange bread is sure to bring a smile to your face every time you take a bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this cranberry orange bread! Each slice is a delightful treat, and here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect:

Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 5.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 30mg
Sodium: 150mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and any variations you make to the recipe. But no matter the numbers, I promise this bread is a delicious and satisfying delight that’s worth every bite!

FAQ About Cranberry Orange Bread

Got questions about this cranberry orange bread? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my answers to help you bake the perfect loaf.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work just fine. Just toss them in straight from the freezer without thawing. This helps prevent the batter from turning pink and keeps that lovely tartness intact!

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The best way to check for doneness is by inserting a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready! If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes and check again.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with something else?

Sure! If you prefer, you can use melted butter or even applesauce for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor might change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!

What if I don’t have orange juice?

No worries! You can substitute it with another citrus juice like lemon or even a mix of water and a bit of orange extract. Just remember that the flavor will be a little different, but still tasty!

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cranberry orange bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld. Just store it properly in an airtight container, and you’ll be good to go!

What’s the best way to serve this bread?

This bread is fantastic on its own, but I love to slather a bit of butter or cream cheese on warm slices. You can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up!

Can I add nuts or other fruits to the recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also experiment with adding other fruits like blueberries or chopped apples. Just keep the ratios in mind to maintain the batter consistency.

If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I’m here to help you bake the best cranberry orange bread ever!

cranberry orange bread - detail 1
orange juice is best for this recipe, bringing a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens the bread.

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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.