Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread

introduction

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the zesty brightness of oranges with the tart sweetness of cranberries. This bread is moist, flavorful, and ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. The vibrant flavors make it a wonderful addition to your table during the holiday season or any time of year.

why make this recipe

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is a great way to enjoy a burst of flavor with very simple ingredients. This recipe is beloved for several reasons. First, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for even novice bakers. You don’t need advanced skills or fancy equipment to make this bread.
Second, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma as it bakes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Additionally, this bread is incredibly versatile. Not only can you serve it for breakfast, but it also makes a delightful addition to lunch boxes, potlucks, or as a snack. It stays moist for days and can easily be frozen for later enjoyment.
Lastly, the combination of orange and cranberry not only tastes wonderful, but it also brings a festive touch to your dining table, making it an ideal recipe for celebrations or gatherings.

how to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent the bread from sticking.

2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these ingredients together until they are well-mixed and set aside.

3. Whisk the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Ensure these ingredients are fully blended; the orange zest adds a lovely fragrance and enhances the orange flavor in the bread.

4. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. The batter should be slightly lumpy but well incorporated.

5. Fold in cranberries: Next, gently fold in the cranberries. If you are using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them first; they will warm up as the bread bakes.

6. Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake the bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You will know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cooling: Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing it to cool will help the texture develop and make it easier to slice.

9. Make the glaze: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze. In a small mixing bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the 2 tablespoons of orange juice until it is smooth. This glaze will add a sweet finishing touch to your bread.

10. Drizzle the glaze: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will add a nice shine and sweet orange flavor.

how to serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread can be served in many delightful ways:

• Breakfast: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or tea. It pairs wonderfully with butter or cream cheese spread on top for added richness.

• Snacks: Pack slices in lunchboxes for a sweet treat during the day. They also make a great afternoon snack.

• Dessert: Serve slices as a light dessert. You can top a piece of bread with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful end to a meal.

• Gifts: This bread also makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family. Slice it up and wrap it in cellophane or a nice box for a sweet surprise.

• Brunch: Add it to your brunch spread, alongside eggs, fruit, and other pastries. The vibrant orange and cranberry flavors will be a hit.

how to store Orange Cranberry Bread

To preserve the freshness of your Orange Cranberry Bread:

1. At room temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

2. In the refrigerator: For longer storage, you can keep the bread in the refrigerator. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent dryness. It will last about a week in the refrigerator.

3. In the freezer: For the best long-term storage, freeze the bread. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer bag. Frozen Orange Cranberry Bread can last for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or reheat it briefly in the oven.

tips to make Orange Cranberry Bread

• Use fresh cranberries: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries whenever possible. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup without affecting the overall texture much.

• Add nuts: If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider folding in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries.

• Zest carefully: When zesting the orange, be sure to avoid the white pith, as it can be bitter. Use the fine side of a grater or a zester to get just the orange peel.

• Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the bread light and fluffy.

variation (if any)

This Orange Cranberry Bread recipe is versatile, and you can modify it in several ways:

• Gluten-free version: To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may also need to add a bit of xanthan gum, depending on the blend used.

• Add spices: Spice it up by adding 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor, especially nice during the fall and winter months.

• Dried fruits: You could replace the cranberries with dried fruits like raisins or apricots for a different taste.

• Lemon instead of orange: For a different citrus flavor, you can substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest.

• Icing instead of glaze: For a more decadent treat, top the bread with a thicker icing made from powdered sugar, lemon or orange juice, and milk instead of the simpler glaze.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of sugar?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. You could also try coconut sugar for a more health-conscious option.

Q2: How do I know when the bread is done?
Use a toothpick to check. Insert it in the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is done. Make sure not to overbake, as this can lead to dry bread.

Q3: Can I add other fruits to this bread?
Yes! Besides cranberries, you could add blueberries, raspberries, or even diced apples for additional flavor.

Q4: How can I enhance the orange flavor?
Adding a bit more zest, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of orange extract, or using freshly squeezed juice from a zesty orange will intensify the orange flavor.

Q5: What can I do with leftover bread?
If you have leftover bread, consider making French toast or bread pudding. You can also toast it and spread peanut butter or jam for a tasty snack.

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is not only an enjoyable baking experience but also a delightful treat that everyone will love. With its simple ingredients, easy steps, and wonderful flavor combination, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection. Enjoy baking and sharing this delicious bread with family and friends!

Orange Cranberry Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful bread combining the zesty brightness of oranges with the tart sweetness of cranberries, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest until blended.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries.
6. Transfer the batter to the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
9. For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth, and drizzle it over the cooled bread.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh cranberries. Can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 50mg