Description
This Orange Cranberry Bread is a moist, citrusy loaf bursting with tangy cranberries and bright orange flavor. Perfect for holiday mornings, afternoon coffee, or as a sweet gift, this bread comes together easily and keeps well for days. Serve it warm, toasted, or drizzled with glaze—it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
⅓ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.
4. Stir in orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, milk or buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries. (Optional: toss cranberries with a tablespoon of flour first to prevent sinking.)
7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
9. Let cool in pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Optional: Drizzle with orange glaze (mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice).
Notes
For even cranberry distribution, coat them in flour before folding into the batter.
Use buttermilk for a tender crumb, or make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice.
To make muffins, bake in a lined muffin tin at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: orange cranberry bread, cranberry loaf, citrus bread