The Zesty Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Baking this orange cranberry bread will transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warm, citrusy aromas.

Tart cranberries dance alongside sweet orange zest, creating a symphony of flavors that sing through every slice.

Pulling a golden-brown loaf from the oven, its surface glistening with a delicate sugary crust.

Soft, tender crumbs promise a delightful texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a simple recipe that feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The combination of bright citrus and tangy berries makes this bread perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.

Grab a mug of tea and savor each delectable morsel of this irresistible bread that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Tips For Baking Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• Zest Like a Pro: Roll the orange on the counter before zesting to release more flavorful oils and make zesting easier.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Moisture Magic: Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version without losing the bread's signature moistness.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the bread's tender texture.
• Storage Savvy: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months for longer preservation.

How To Store Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Properly

• Refrigerate: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
• Freeze: Slice the bread before freezing. Place individual slices in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast lightly in a toaster oven. For best results, add a small pat of butter before reheating to restore moisture and enhance flavor.
• Room Temperature: If serving within 1-2 days, store the bread covered at room temperature in a cool, dry place. Use a bread box or wrap loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying out.

Best Pairings With Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Complement the orange and cranberry flavors with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the bread's bright, zesty notes.
• Match with Creamy Cheese Spread: Serve alongside a light cream cheese spread infused with honey or a touch of orange zest, creating a delightful contrast to the bread's sweet-tart profile.
• Brew Spiced Chai Tea: Enjoy the bread with a warm, aromatic chai tea that echoes the bread's warm spices and provides a comforting, soothing companion to each slice.
• Complement with Vanilla Yogurt: Top the bread with a dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt, adding a cool, smooth texture that balances the bread's rich, moist crumb.

New Ways To Flavor Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• Lemon Cranberry Delight: Swap orange zest and juice with fresh lemon, creating a bright and tangy bread that sings with citrusy notes. Lemon's sharp flavor complements the tart cranberries perfectly.
• Almond Cranberry Classic: Incorporate 1/2 cup of sliced almonds into the batter and sprinkle additional almonds on top before baking. Add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a rich, nutty undertone.
• Whole Wheat Cranberry Boost: Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and a deeper, nuttier flavor profile. The bread becomes heartier while maintaining its moist texture.
• Spiced Winter Cranberry: Mix in 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients. These warm spices transform the bread into a cozy, seasonal treat that feels like a warm hug.

FAQs For Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• What makes this orange cranberry bread so moist?

The combination of sour cream, melted butter, and fresh orange juice ensures a tender, soft texture that keeps the bread incredibly moist and delicious.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Toss the cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps distribute them evenly throughout the bread and prevents them from sinking.

• Is it necessary to use fresh orange zest?

Fresh orange zest is strongly recommended as it provides a more vibrant, intense citrus flavor compared to dried or bottled zest. The natural oils in fresh zest make a significant difference in the bread’s overall taste.

Why Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Feels Like Winter In A Slice

• Burst of Citrusy Freshness: The orange zest and juice infuse the bread with a bright, tangy flavor that dances on your taste buds, creating a refreshing and vibrant experience.
• Textural Delight: Bursting cranberries provide unexpected pops of tartness and juicy surprise, perfectly complementing the soft, moist bread with their delightful texture.
• Quick and Simple Baking Magic: This recipe requires minimal preparation and basic ingredients, making it an effortless baking adventure for both novice and experienced home bakers who want a delicious treat without complicated steps.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet accompaniment to coffee, this bread works wonderfully for casual gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply as a comforting homemade snack.

Ingredients For Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents that help the bread rise and become fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Sugar, Orange Zest: Sweetens the bread and adds bright, citrusy flavor.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Melted Butter: Adds richness and keeps the bread moist.
• Sour Cream: Creates a tender crumb and adds tanginess.
• Orange Juice: Boosts the orange flavor and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides depth and warmth to the bread's flavor.

• Cranberries: Adds tartness and bursts of color throughout the bread.
• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice, Orange Zest (for Glaze): Creates a sweet, citrusy topping that complements the bread.

Steps To Make Moist Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a generous coating of butter or cooking spray. Line the pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy bread removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Awaken the Citrus Flavors

• Granulated sugar
• Fresh orange zest

Use your fingers to massage the zest into the sugar, releasing those incredible citrusy oils.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Fresh orange juice
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Unite the Mixtures

Slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined – don’t go crazy with mixing! Tenderly fold in the vibrant cranberries.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Rest

Let the bread hang out in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper edges and place on a cooling rack.

Step 8: Create Zesty Glaze (Optional)

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Stir until silky smooth. Add more juice or sugar to get your desired drizzling consistency.

Step 9: Dress and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Moist Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet orange cranberry bread weaves zesty citrus and tart berries into a delightful quick bread experience. Crumbly yet tender slices promise a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup (180 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) orange zest (from 1 large orange)

Fruit and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 ½ cups (180 g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

Orange Glaze (Optional):

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) orange juice
• ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and lining it with parchment paper, ensuring excess paper hangs over the sides for effortless bread removal.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly blending flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt using a whisk until evenly distributed.
3. Create a fragrant base by massaging orange zest into sugar, releasing essential citrus oils. Incorporate melted butter, eggs, fresh orange juice, sour cream, and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent toughening the batter. Carefully integrate the cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even top. Position the pan in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean.
6. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and place on a wire cooling rack.
7. For an optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until achieving a silky, pourable consistency. Adjust the texture by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.
8. Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the citrusy glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Slice and serve to reveal the vibrant, moist interior.

Notes

• Zest Technique: Roll the orange on the counter before zesting to release more essential oils and boost citrusy flavor.
• Cranberry Tip: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a little flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• Moisture Magic: Use room temperature eggs and sour cream to ensure a consistently smooth, tender bread texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure and texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg