Orange Cranberry Bread

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why make this recipe

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and oranges. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack throughout the day. The bread is not only delicious but also easy to make, requiring simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. The bright, citrusy taste of the orange pairs wonderfully with the slight tartness of the cranberries, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.

This bread is versatile as well. You can enjoy it plain, or you can add a sweet glaze on top for a bit of extra indulgence. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for friends and family, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s a great way to use seasonal ingredients, and it can be enjoyed any time of the year. If you’re looking to try something new, or you simply want to impress your guests with a homemade treat, Orange Cranberry Bread is an excellent choice.

how to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few steps. You begin by gathering all the ingredients, followed by mixing the wet and dry components separately before combining them. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the recipe:

Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 orange (zested and juiced)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the bread cooks evenly when it’s placed inside.
Prepare the Pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can use butter, oil, or cooking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix well to ensure all the dry ingredients are evenly mixed.
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of one orange, 1/2 cup of orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. This will create a flavorful mixture that brings moisture and richness to the bread.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can make the bread tough.
Add Cranberries: Fold in the cranberries gently. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it.
Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.
Cool the Bread: Once the bread is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a sweet finish.

how to serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread is versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain, savoring the natural flavors of the cranberries and orange. It makes for a perfect morning treat with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to jazz it up, consider serving it with a little butter or cream cheese spread on top; this adds a rich, creamy element that complements the bread beautifully.

For a festive touch, you could slice the bread and arrange it on a platter. It is great for gatherings, holiday brunches, or family breakfasts. Whether served as a sweet snack or paired with a hearty meal, Orange Cranberry Bread is sure to be a hit!

how to store Orange Cranberry Bread

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your Orange Cranberry Bread. Here are some tips on how to store it:

Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, simply keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and softness.
Refrigeration: If you want to keep the bread for a longer period, you can refrigerate it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. Make sure it’s stored in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: For even longer storage, you can freeze Orange Cranberry Bread. Slice it first, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This makes it easy to pull out a slice whenever you have a craving. The bread can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, simply remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature or warm it in a toaster.

tips to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries when possible. They provide a vibrant taste that enhances the overall flavor of the bread.
Zest Fully: Make sure to properly zest the orange; this adds essential oils that elevate the bread’s flavor. Only zest the orange’s colorful outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix the batter. Mixing too much can lead to a dense loaf. Stir until just combined and then gently fold in the cranberries.
Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature, so check your bread a few minutes before the suggested baking time. If the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Just be mindful that it may affect the texture slightly.

variation

While the traditional recipe is delightful on its own, there are several variations you can try to customize your Orange Cranberry Bread:

Nutty Addition: Consider adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter. They add a nice crunch and flavor balance to the soft bread.
Dried Fruits: Replace or mix cranberries with other dried fruits like raisins or dried apricots for an alternative flavor combination.
Spice it Up: Add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a hint of warmth and complexity in flavor. Just a teaspoon or so of cinnamon can make a big difference.
Chocolate Chip Twist: For a sweeter twist, throw in some white or dark chocolate chips. The chocolate adds a rich and indulgent touch to the tangy bread.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute an equal amount of gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make this bread gluten-free.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available. However, they are sweeter, so you may want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.

2. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the bread a day or two ahead of your event. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The flavors will actually develop more as it sits.

3. How do I know when my bread is done baking?

To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, allow it to bake for a few more minutes.

4. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure to use a larger mixing bowl and baking pans. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if using multiple pans.

5. What can I use if I don’t have orange juice?

If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with another citrus juice like lemon juice, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. You can also use an equal amount of milk or unsweetened applesauce for a different twist.

By following this simple and straightforward guide, you’ll be on your way to creating a delicious loaf of Orange Cranberry Bread that everyone will love. Happy baking!