This Cranberry Orange Bread is a cheerful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack! The tart cranberries mix beautifully with the zesty orange flavor, making every bite a joy.
Whenever I make this bread, my whole house smells amazing. It’s like a holiday hug! I love to enjoy a slice warm, maybe with a bit of butter on top—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Fresh Cranberries: Tart and vibrant, they make this bread special. If cranberries aren’t in season, you can use frozen ones. Just don’t thaw them beforehand; this keeps them from turning mushy in the batter.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: These add moisture and richness. If you need a dairy-free alternative, use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream instead.
Orange Zest: This brings a fresh pop. If you don’t have fresh oranges, bottled orange zest isn’t as flavorful but can work in a pinch. Just use less, about half a tablespoon.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming the butter and sugar is essential for a light and fluffy texture. Here’s how to get it right:
- Take your butter out ahead of time to soften at room temperature.
- Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes until it turns pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything blends well.
- Remember, this step adds air to your batter, making your bread rise beautifully!
Following these tips will make your Cranberry Orange Bread delightful and memorable. Enjoy baking!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (some for the batter, some for topping)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped orange segments or candied orange peel
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and roughly 55-65 minutes for baking. After baking, let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan and then cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. Overall, you’re looking at around 1.5 hours of time before you can enjoy this lovely bread!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. This will help distribute the baking powder evenly when you mix it with the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air to the mixture, which helps the bread rise!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, blending everything smoothly.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
Now, mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and freshly squeezed orange juice until everything is well combined. This will help keep the bread moist and flavorful!
6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want a tender bread, so some lumps are okay!
7. Add Cranberries:
Fold in the fresh cranberries and any optional chopped orange segments or candied orange peel you might be using. This adds a lovely burst of flavor and color to the bread.
8. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cranberries on top before baking.
9. Bake the Bread:
Place your loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the top; if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
10. Prepare the Glaze:
While the bread is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. This glaze will add sweetness and a nice finish!
11. Cool the Bread:
Once the bread is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Glaze the Bread:
Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm bread and allow it to set before slicing it up.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice your beautiful bread and serve it plain or with a pat of butter. Enjoy the deliciously moist cranberry and orange flavors that deliver a delightful taste in every bite!
This Cranberry Orange Bread is not only moist and aromatic but also festive enough for every occasion! Enjoy the burst of citrus and tart berry sweetness!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming mushy.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Orange Bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, you can substitute it with sour cream or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt. Each option will keep your bread moist and delicious!
What Can I Use Instead of Orange Zest?
If you don’t have fresh orange zest, you can use bottled orange zest, but use only half the amount for a more concentrated flavor. Alternatively, the zest of lemon or lime can work as a different citrus flavor.
