Orange Cranberry Bread

Why Make This Recipe

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat filled with bright flavors and a perfect balance of sweet and tart. It’s a velvety bread that brings a burst of freshness from orange juice and cranberries. This recipe’s charm lies not just in its taste but also in its simplicity. Baking this bread fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma, making it an ideal option for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, this bread is sure to brighten your day.

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is an excellent way to use cranberries, whether you have fresh ones or frozen leftovers from the holiday season. Plus, the addition of orange zest and juice enhances the flavor, providing a refreshing twist. This bread is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served at family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just as a comforting snack with your afternoon tea or coffee.

This recipe offers a great opportunity to get kids involved in baking as mixing the ingredients and folding in the cranberries can be fun and hands-on. It also allows for creativity—feel free to experiment with the glaze or add some nuts if you like. With a quick and straightforward process, anyone can whip up a batch of this tasty bread and enjoy the results.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is simple and requires basic baking skills. Follow these easy steps to create your own delicious loaf.

Ingredients

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with a little oil or baking spray to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir these dry ingredients well to evenly distribute the baking powder and salt.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the zest of 1 orange. Make sure everything is well mixed, blending the ingredients smoothly together.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the bowl of wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay.

5. Add Cranberries: Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries. If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them—you can add them straight to the batter.

6. Transfer to Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top gently with a spatula to make it even.

7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

8. Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is baking, you can make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth and creamy.

9. Cool and Glaze: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Carefully turn the bread out of the pan and place it on a wire rack. Once it has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread is wonderfully versatile, and there are many ways to enjoy it.

1. Freshly Baked: Serve slices warm right after baking, allowing the flavorful bread to shine on its own. The warmth enhances the sweetness of the cranberries and the citrus notes from the orange.

2. Breakfast Delight: Top it with a pat of butter or cream cheese for a luscious breakfast treat. Pair it with your favorite coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a balanced start to your day.

3. Sweet Snack: Enjoy it as an afternoon snack. It’s perfect for a quick bite, providing a satisfying combination of energy and flavor.

4. Toast It: For additional texture, slice the bread and toast it lightly, which brings out a different flavor profile.

5. Dessert Option: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy and elegant dessert. This twist on serving adds a delightful finish to any meal.

6. Gift It: Wrap it neatly and give it as a thoughtful homemade gift. People appreciate homemade treats, and this bread is a popular choice during holidays or special occasions.

How to Store Orange Cranberry Bread

Storing your Orange Cranberry Bread properly will keep it fresh and tasty for longer.

1. At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, keep it at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. This method will help to maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out.

2. Refrigeration: If you live in a warm climate or you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerating the bread is a good option. Again, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil, and put it in an airtight container. Though refrigeration can slightly change the texture, it can still be delicious.

3. Freezing: To keep the bread for a longer time, consider freezing it. First, slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Then put them into a freezer bag or an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply take it out and let it thaw at room temperature or pop it in the toaster for a quick heat-up.

4. Best Use: For the best taste and texture, try to consume the bread within 2 weeks if stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, and within 3 months if frozen.

Tips to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Here are some tips to ensure your Orange Cranberry Bread turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh cranberries and fresh orange juice for the best flavor. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them as this can change their texture.

2. Experiment with Zest: Adding a little extra orange zest will boost the flavor even more. Zest is flavorful, and a little goes a long way.

3. Adjust Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar slightly. The sourness of the cranberries can balance the sweetness, so don’t be afraid to experiment.

4. Avoid Overmixing: Mix the batter just until combined to prevent a dense loaf. Over-mixing activates gluten in the flour, which may lead to tougher bread.

5. Check for Doneness: Every oven is different, so make sure to check your bread before the 50-minute mark by testing with a toothpick. If it comes out with wet batter, bake it a little longer.

6. Add Nuts: If you like, you can fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.

Variation

Although the traditional Orange Cranberry Bread recipe is delightful on its own, there are a few variations you might consider to switch things up:

1. Add Spices: Spice things up by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, comforting flavor.

2. Chocolate Chip Delight: Fold in some chocolate chips along with the cranberries for a combination of tart and sweet flavors that chocolate lovers will adore.

3. Dried Fruits: Swap out the cranberries for other dried fruits like cherries, blueberries, or even raisins for a different fruit profile.

4. Orange Infused: For an extra orange kick, try adding orange extract along with the vanilla extract in the wet ingredients.

5. Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure that other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but they will alter the texture and flavor slightly. Dried cranberries are sweeter, so consider reducing the sugar in the recipe by a bit to balance the flavors.

2. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

If you want to substitute vegetable oil, you can use melted coconut oil, canola oil, or even unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative. Each will change the flavor slightly, so choose based on your preference.

3. Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (one flax egg is 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until gel-like). You can also replace the milk in the glaze with plant-based milk and use agave syrup or maple syrup as a sweetener.

4. Can I freeze the bread after baking?

Absolutely! You can freeze the bread for up to three months. Make sure it is completely cooled, then wrap it securely in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it fully before serving.

5. How long does Orange Cranberry Bread last?

If stored at room temperature in an airtight container, it will last about 3-5 days. In the refrigerator, it can last about a week. For the best taste, try consuming it sooner rather than later.

Baking Orange Cranberry Bread not only fills your home with delightful smells but also creates a treat that brings joy to family and friends alike. Enjoy experimenting with this lovely recipe and make it your own!

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