Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: A Sweet-Tart Delight

Whipping up a delightful orange cranberry bread can spark joy in your kitchen faster than you might expect.

Fresh oranges and tart cranberries create a magical combination that dances across your taste buds.

The zesty citrus notes perfectly complement the bright, ruby-red berries nestled throughout each slice.

Pulling a warm, fragrant loaf from the oven, its golden-brown crust promising incredible flavor.

Seasonal ingredients transform this simple recipe into something truly special for weekend brunches or afternoon tea.

Simple steps and common pantry items mean you can craft this bread without stress or complicated techniques.

Each bite promises a burst of tangy sweetness that will make you feel like a baking champion.

Let’s turn those ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat that everyone will adore.

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Questions Answered

• Why use buttermilk in this orange cranberry bread recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, moist texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread. It also helps activate the baking soda, making the bread lighter and more fluffy.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter. Frozen cranberries work great and help prevent them from bleeding color throughout the entire bread.

• How do I know if I'm rubbing the orange zest into sugar correctly?

When you rub the zest with sugar, you’ll notice the sugar becomes slightly moist and releases a strong, fragrant orange smell. This technique helps distribute the orange oils more evenly, intensifying the citrus flavor throughout the bread.

• What's the best way to prevent my bread from becoming too dense?

The key is to mix the wet and dry ingredients gently and just until combined. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, which makes the bread tough and dense. Stop mixing as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks.

Why Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Is Bright And Tangy

• Burst of Seasonal Flavors: This orange cranberry bread captures the perfect balance of bright citrusy zest and tart cranberry notes, creating a harmonious taste that dances on your palate with every bite.
• Incredibly Simple Preparation: No fancy techniques required! The recipe walks you through easy steps that even beginner bakers can master, making it a stress-free baking experience from start to finish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, holiday gatherings, or casual snacking. The bread's moist texture and vibrant flavors appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone comes back for seconds.
• Quick Comfort in a Loaf: Ready in under 90 minutes, this bread delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The aromatic orange zest and tender crumb provide a comforting homemade touch that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Ingredients For Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A key structural component for the bread's texture and body.
• Baking Powder: Creates light and airy texture by helping the bread rise.
• Baking Soda: Helps with browning and provides additional leavening.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and tender crumb to the bread.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warm background flavor.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and helps with caramelization.
• Orange Zest: Provides bright, intense citrus aroma and flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and color contrast.

• Powdered Sugar, Fresh Orange Juice: Creates a sweet and tangy finishing glaze.
• Optional Orange Zest: Intensifies citrus notes in the glaze.

Steps To Bake Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Create Fragrant Sugar Base

• Granulated sugar
• Fresh orange zest

Massage the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until it becomes wonderfully aromatic and slightly damp.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Buttermilk
• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything until it’s smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Marry Ingredients Together

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is incorporated – don’t go crazy with mixing!

Step 6: Add Cranberry Surprise

Carefully fold in chopped cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Pro tip: If the top starts getting too brown, cover with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Cool Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Zesty Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice

Add a sprinkle of orange zest if you’re feeling extra fancy. Adjust thickness by adding more sugar or juice as needed.

Step 10: Finish with Flair

Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips To Get The Best Texture In Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

• Boost Orange Flavor: Zest the entire orange before juicing to maximize citrusy essence and intensify the bread's bright, aromatic profile.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Toss chopped cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Check Bread Doneness: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle near the center to ensure even testing and accurate moisture assessment.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend for celiac-friendly version, or use whole wheat flour for added nutritional value.
• Storage Secret: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining moisture and freshness.

How To Store And Slice Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

• Refrigerate: Store the orange cranberry bread in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and freshness intact.
• Freeze: Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Thaw: Remove the bread from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator, maintaining its soft texture.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven to restore the bread's original warmth and enhance its delightful orange and cranberry flavors.

Pair It With These For Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

• Brew Citrusy Tea Companion: Pair this orange cranberry bread with a light, fragrant Earl Grey tea to complement the bread's citrusy notes and enhance the orange zest flavor.
• Serve Creamy Dairy Sidekick: A dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a delightful contrast to the bread's tangy cranberry and bright orange profile.
• Craft Breakfast Beverage Match: Enjoy alongside a freshly squeezed orange juice or a smooth cappuccino to elevate the morning meal with complementary citrus and sweet undertones.
• Design Cheese Plate Partner: Add a mild, creamy goat cheese or a soft brie to balance the bread's sweet and tart characteristics, creating a sophisticated flavor experience.

Creative Twists On Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

• Lemon Cranberry Burst: Swap orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a bright, tangy bread with the same soft texture and cranberry chunks.
• Almond Cranberry Crunch: Mix sliced almonds into the batter and sprinkle additional almonds on top before baking, adding a delightful nutty crunch to the bread.
• Spiced Cranberry Warmth: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom into the dry ingredients, transforming the bread into a cozy, warming treat perfect for cold mornings.
• Maple Cranberry Classic: Replace granulated sugar with maple syrup and add a maple glaze instead of orange, bringing a rich, deep sweetness to the bread that complements the tart cranberries.

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Homemade orange cranberry bread delivers a perfect harmony of tangy citrus and sweet-tart berries in one delightful slice. Warm spices and zesty orange notes create a comforting breakfast or afternoon treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 0.5 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large orange

Orange Glaze Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh orange juice
• Zest of 0.5 an orange (optional)

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Instructions

1. Warm your oven to 350F (175C), creating a cozy environment for baking. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lightly coating with oil and dusting with flour, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, lump-free dry mixture.
3. Crush orange zest into granulated sugar using fingertips, releasing aromatic citrus oils and creating a fragrant base for the bread.
4. Whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the zesty sugar mixture until thoroughly incorporated and silky smooth.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring with a light touch to prevent overmixing. The batter should look just combined with a few small lumps remaining.
6. Carefully integrate chopped cranberries throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure bursts of tart flavor in every slice.
7. Transfer the vibrant batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top.
8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring the bread’s golden-brown crust. If edges darken too quickly, shield with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
10. Craft a luxurious glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until reaching a silky, pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over the cooled bread, letting it cascade down the sides.
11. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and serve this vibrant, citrusy treat that marries sweet and tart flavors perfectly.

Notes

• Zest Technique: Gently rub orange zest into sugar to maximize citrus oils and intensify flavor profile without bruising delicate citrus skin.
• Mixing Method: Stir batter minimally to prevent gluten development, ensuring a tender, light bread with soft crumb texture.
• Cranberry Coating: Lightly dust chopped cranberries in flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and distribute evenly throughout bread.
• Moisture Control: Use buttermilk to create rich, moist texture while adding subtle tanginess that complements orange and cranberry flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum to maintain bread’s structural integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Wrap cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months, preserving freshness and allowing make-ahead convenience.
• Serving Suggestion: Enjoy slightly warmed with a pat of butter or alongside morning coffee for a delightful breakfast treat.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 228
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg