Cranberry Orange Bread

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Cranberry Orange Bread is the ultimate festive treat to bring joy to your holiday table. This beautiful pull-apart bread is soft, fluffy, and glazed with a tart-sweet cranberry-orange compote and a hint of zesty citrus. It’s the kind of bread that not only looks stunning but fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of winter spices and fresh fruit. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or as a gift-worthy bake, it’s sure to steal the show.

The golden crown of the loaf hides swirls of fresh cranberries and rich orange zest, perfectly balanced by a tender crumb and glossy finish. A topping of crushed pistachios and a dusting of sugar adds delightful texture and a festive pop of color. It’s just the right amount of indulgence—comforting and celebratory all at once.

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What Kind of Cranberries Should I Use?

Fresh cranberries are ideal for this bread because they retain their shape and give a juicy burst with every bite. You can use frozen cranberries as well—just be sure not to thaw them before adding to the dough, or they may bleed too much color and moisture. Dried cranberries can work in a pinch, but they lack the tang and juiciness that makes this bread pop.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Orange Bread

All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure for the dough. Make sure to spoon and level it to avoid a dense loaf.

Instant Yeast – Helps the dough rise beautifully and gives it a light, fluffy texture.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the cranberries.

Whole Milk – Warmed to help activate the yeast and enrich the dough.

Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and softness to the crumb.

Eggs – Bind the dough and add richness.

Salt – Enhances the overall flavor.

Fresh Cranberries – Offer a juicy, tart contrast to the sweet dough.

Orange Zest & Juice – Infuse the bread with citrusy brightness that perfectly complements the cranberries.

Pistachios (optional) – Add crunch and a hint of nutty flavor for visual and textural contrast.

Powdered Sugar (optional glaze) – For a simple drizzle that makes the bread extra festive.

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How To Make the Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

Warm the milk (not hot—around 110°F) and mix it with a tablespoon of the sugar and the yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it’s foamy. This step ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help the dough rise.

Step 2: Make the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, remaining sugar, salt, eggs, and softened butter. Pour in the yeast mixture and stir until a sticky dough forms. Knead for about 8–10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Let It Rise

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

While the dough rises, mix your cranberries with orange zest and a touch of juice. You can add a bit of sugar if your cranberries are especially tart. Set aside.

Step 5: Shape the Bread

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out into a large rectangle. Spread the cranberry-orange mixture evenly over the dough, then roll it up into a log and cut into equal sections.

Step 6: Assemble and Rise Again

Arrange the cut pieces into a greased bundt or springform pan in a ring shape. Cover and let it rise again for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The top should be glossy and slightly firm to the touch.

Step 8: Glaze and Garnish

While the bread is warm, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze or brush with melted butter and sprinkle with chopped pistachios and extra orange zest for a sparkling finish.

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How to Serve and Store Cranberry Orange Bread

Serve this bread slightly warm or at room temperature as a gorgeous centerpiece for holiday brunch or dessert. Pair it with hot coffee or mulled wine for extra seasonal flair. It’s also delightful with a smear of cream cheese or butter.

To store, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices individually for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the oven to restore its softness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. After the first rise, punch it down, cover tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping.

Can I use dried cranberries instead?

You can, but they won’t offer the same juicy burst. If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up.

What kind of pan should I use?

A bundt pan creates a beautiful wreath shape, but a springform pan or even a loaf pan can work. Just ensure the pieces are snug but not too packed.

How do I know when the bread is done?

The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read around 190°F.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is flavorful enough on its own, but the glaze does add a touch of sweetness and a polished finish.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to check yeast compatibility with the flour mix.

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Want More Bread Recipes with a Twist?

If you’re loving the seasonal flavors in this Cranberry Orange Bread, you might want to try these other comforting bakes:

• Strawberry Cheesecake Banana Pudding – creamy, fruity, and layered with flavor.
• Triple Chocolate Banana Bread – rich, moist, and utterly chocolatey.
• Oreo Stuffed Cinnamon Rolls – a playful twist on the classic roll.
• Whipped Shortbread Cookies – melt-in-your-mouth tender with buttery flavor.
• Cinna Bun Cake – all the cinnamon swirl goodness in cake form.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how your Cranberry Orange Bread turned out! Did you add nuts, glaze it, or keep it simple? I love hearing your creative takes. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other bake our best.

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