Orange Cranberry Bread

why make this recipe

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that brings together the bright flavor of oranges and the tartness of cranberries in a wonderfully light and fluffy bread. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy morning at home, a festive gathering, or even a simple coffee break. The sweet and zesty aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is enough to make this bread a favorite in your household.

Making this bread is incredibly simple, and it requires only a few ingredients that are easy to find. The combination of cranberries and orange not only tastes delicious but also looks beautiful, making it an impressive treat to serve to guests. Plus, it’s a great way to use fresh cranberries when they are in season.

how to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is straightforward and can be done in just a few steps. You’ll create a beautiful blend of flavors and a moist texture that makes each slice irresistible. Here’s how to do it!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll also want to prepare a greased loaf pan by spraying it lightly with a non-stick cooking spray or greasing it with butter.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients together until they are well blended.

3. Add Cranberries: Fold in the 1 cup of chopped cranberries into the dry mixture. This will ensure that the cranberries are evenly distributed in the bread.

4. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Lightly mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, or your bread might become dense. It’s alright if there are a few lumps.

6. Pour into the Pan: Once combined, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top of the mixture so it bakes evenly.

7. Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top begins to brown too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil.

8. Cool the Bread: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove from the pan without breaking.

9. Transfer to a Wire Rack: After 10 minutes, gently transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting it cool thoroughly will help it slice better.

10. Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, make the glaze by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Stir until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency.

11. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will add a sweet and tangy finish that perfectly complements the flavors of the bread.

12. Slice and Enjoy: After glazing, slice the bread into pieces and serve. Enjoy this delicious treat with a cup of tea or coffee!

how to serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Serving Orange Cranberry Bread is a wonderful experience. You can slice the bread into thick or thin pieces, according to your preference. It is great served warm or at room temperature. Here are some serving suggestions:

• With Butter: Spread a little butter on a warm slice for a rich taste. The combination of butter with the sweet and tangy flavors of the bread is delightful.

• As Breakfast: Serve it as part of a breakfast spread with coffee or tea. It pairs well with yogurt and fresh fruit.

• Brunch Delight: It’s great for brunch gatherings. You can serve it alongside other breakfast items like eggs, bacon, or a fruit salad.

• As a Dessert: You can also serve this bread as a dessert. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a sweet finish.

• Gift Idea: This bread makes a lovely gift. Simply wrap it in parchment paper or a decorative bag, and it’s ready to be shared with family and friends.

how to store Orange Cranberry Bread

Proper storage is key to keeping Orange Cranberry Bread fresh for as long as possible. Here’s how to do it:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it at room temperature. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This keeps it moist.

• Refrigeration: If you need to store it for longer than a few days, consider refrigerating it. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. It can last up to a week this way.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread. First, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature or heat it gently in the oven.

tips to make Orange Cranberry Bread

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cranberries will give you the best flavor. If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can substitute with frozen cranberries. Just make sure to chop them without thawing.

2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until just incorporated. Overmixing can result in a dense and heavy bread.

3. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar in the recipe. Starting with 3/4 cup sugar can still yield a delicious result.

4. Add Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider folding in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter.

5. Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor. A pinch of cardamom could also add a nice touch.

6. Check Doneness Early: All ovens are different, so be sure to check your bread a few minutes before the suggested time. If the toothpick comes out clean, it’s ready to go!

variation

There are many ways to put your spin on Orange Cranberry Bread! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Cranberry Orange Muffins: Instead of baking it in a loaf pan, use a muffin tin to make individual servings. Bake for around 20-25 minutes.

• Chocolate Chip Cranberry Bread: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist.

• Orange Almond Bread: Swap the vanilla extract for almond extract and add sliced almonds for a nutty flair. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with almond flour.

• Zucchini Orange Bread: Add 1 cup of shredded zucchini to the batter for added moisture and nutrition. Be sure to squeeze out excess liquid from the zucchini before adding it.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. However, keep in mind that dried cranberries are often sweeter, so you may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe a bit.

2. How long does Orange Cranberry Bread last?

When stored properly at room temperature, it can last up to 3 days. If refrigerated, it can last up to a week. For longer storage, freezing is the best option, where it can last up to three months.

3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the baking powder you choose is also gluten-free.

4. Can I make this bread without eggs?

Absolutely! To make an eggless version, you can use flaxseed meal or applesauce as a substitute. For each egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like.

5. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?

Certainly! You can experiment by adding other berries or even citrus fruits like lemon or lime. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness as needed.

6. What can I serve with Orange Cranberry Bread?

Orange Cranberry Bread is versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Serve it with butter, cream cheese, or yogurt for breakfast. It’s also a great side dish for holiday meals and brunch gatherings.

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