The aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the kitchen is enough to lift anyone’s spirits, especially during the holiday season. There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and bright citrus that brings a festive cheer to the table. I’m excited to share my easy recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread, which not only comes together in under 90 minutes but also offers a nutritious twist perfect for whipping up in a flash. This delightful loaf is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed warm with a smear of butter or as a wholesome snack throughout the day. Ready to fill your home with an irresistible scent and leave your guests asking for the recipe? Let’s get baking!

Why is this bread a must-try?

Quick and Easy: This Cranberry Orange Bread comes together in under 90 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gatherings.

Bursting with Flavor: The lively combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a vibrant taste profile that dances on your palate.

Nutrient-Rich Delight: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, this bread is not just delicious but also a wholesome choice that can easily fit into your healthy eating plans.

Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with a pat of butter, or pair it with tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack. It’s also divine as a breakfast treat!

Gifting Ready: Consider making mini loaves as delightful gifts for friends and family! If you’re interested, try pairing with my Cream Cheese Bread for a delightful assortment.

Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread, sure to impress your family and friends!

For the Bread

All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the bread; substitute with gluten-free flour blend if desired.
Sugar – Adds sweetness and enhances browning; consider using coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring a nice rise in the bread.
Baking Soda – Complements the baking powder for additional rise; critical for achieving that perfect texture.
Salt – Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness; essential for delicious taste.
Orange Zest – Adds aromatic flavor and intensifies the citrus profile; fresh zest is recommended for the best results.
Orange Juice – Moisturizes the bread while adding acidity to activate the baking soda; fresh juice delivers the best flavor.
Eggs – Provides moisture and binds the ingredients together; consider vegan substitutes like flaxseed meal for egg replacement.
Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread moist; melted coconut oil can be a healthier alternative.
Fresh Cranberries – Offers tartness and vibrant color; feel free to use frozen cranberries directly without thawing.
Walnuts (optional) – Adds crunch and a nutty flavor; omit for a nut-free version.

This delightful recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy afternoon at home!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent baking temperature, allowing your Cranberry Orange Bread to rise perfectly. While the oven heats, gather all your ingredients and equipment, including a 9×5-inch loaf pan, to keep everything organized and ready for action.

Step 2: Prepare the Pan
Grease the loaf pan lightly with vegetable oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking. This step is crucial to prevent the bread from sticking, ensuring that you get all that delicious, moist goodness out of the pan intact.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Blend these ingredients well for about 30 seconds until they are evenly combined. This step is essential for the correct texture of your Cranberry Orange Bread, providing both structure and sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, eggs, and vegetable oil. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. The vibrant colors in your bowl will be a delightful indicator that you’re on the right track to weaving those citrus flavors into your bread.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Using a spatula, mix gently until just combined, being cautious not to overmix. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing can lead to a dense texture in your Cranberry Orange Bread, so keep it light and fluffy.

Step 6: Add Cranberries and Walnuts
Fold in the fresh cranberries and any optional chopped walnuts. Use a careful motion to ensure the berries are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Their vibrant color will add beautiful flecks to your bread, making it as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Step 7: Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This step ensures that your Cranberry Orange Bread will bake uniformly, resulting in a lovely dome. The anticipation builds as you prepare for the delightful aroma that will soon fill your kitchen.

Step 8: Bake Perfectly
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes; it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 9: Cool the Bread
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting period makes it easier to remove your Cranberry Orange Bread without it falling apart and allows the steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom.

Step 10: Final Touches
After 10 minutes, gently transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This final cooling step enhances the flavor and texture of the bread, ensuring every slice is perfectly tender and ready for serving.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter; gently combine wet and dry ingredients to keep your Cranberry Orange Bread light and fluffy.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: For the best flavor, use fresh orange juice and zest. These ingredients add a vibrant citrus aroma that makes your bread irresistible.
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check for doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for perfectly baked bread.
Cool Before Slicing: Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This allows the flavors to develop and helps maintain the ideal texture.
Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness, sliced for easy use later.

Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Bread

Room Temperature: Store uncut Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it nice and moist.

Fridge: If you live in a humid environment, consider refrigerating it to prolong freshness, but be aware it may dry out slightly.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze slices of the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy frozen slices, thaw them in the fridge overnight or pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread

Delight in a full meal experience that’s vibrant, comforting, and perfect for sharing during the holidays.

Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery, smooth texture of creamy mashed potatoes balances the bright spices of your bread, enhancing the overall meal.
Herbed Roasted Vegetables: These deliciously seasoned veggies add a pop of color and a savory depth that complements the tartness of the bread beautifully.
Fresh Spinach Salad: Crisp greens drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette will brighten your palate between each bite of the rich, zesty bread.
Honey-Glazed Carrots: The sweetness of honey-glazed carrots provides a wonderful contrast to the cranberry’s tartness while keeping your meal feeling wholesome and delightful.
Cheese Platter: Pairing your bread with a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese creates a gourmet touch that is both inviting and satisfying.
Warm Apple Cider: A steaming cup of spiced apple cider acts as a cozy beverage that pairs perfectly with your Cranberry Orange Bread by playing off its rich flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For dessert, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a luscious finish, contrasting the bread’s warmth while enhancing its sweet and tangy notes.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzling dark chocolate on top of your bread offers a decadent touch, adding richness that will thrill chocolate lovers.

Each serving suggestion harmonizes beautifully with the bright, zesty flavors of Cranberry Orange Bread, making every bite a special moment to savor.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Orange Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt) in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Additionally, you can mix the wet ingredients (orange zest, orange juice, eggs, and vegetable oil) up to 24 hours ahead. To maintain quality, refrigerate the wet mixture if stored overnight to keep the eggs fresh. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the fresh cranberries and walnuts, and continue with the instructions to enjoy a delightful loaf just as fresh and flavorful!

Cranberry Orange Bread Variations

Feel free to get creative with your cranberry orange bread by trying out these delightful twists and substitutions!

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a deliciously inclusive treat.
Sweetener Swap: Opt for coconut sugar or maple syrup for a healthier sweetness that adds depth of flavor.
Fruit Twist: Replace cranberries with chopped apples or pears for a different fruity twist that’s just as scrumptious.
Nuts or No Nuts: Substitute walnuts with pecans, or leave them out entirely for a nut-free version that’s equally delightful.
Spice It Up: Incorporate warm spices like cinnamon or ginger for a cozy flavor profile, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Zesty Topping: Add a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice on top for a sweet, shiny finish.
Streusel Topping: For added crunch, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel mix on top before baking. It elevates the texture beautifully!
Mini Loaves: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans for adorable individual servings, making them perfect for gifting or entertaining!

And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes to complement your cranberry orange bread, why not try my Alfredo Garlic Bread or enjoy a slice alongside my Feta Cranberry Rigatoni for a full, festive spread? Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh cranberries, look for ones that are firm and glossy, without any dark spots or blemishes. Avoid cranberries that are wrinkled or have a mushy texture, as they may be overripe. If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the batter!

What’s the best way to store Cranberry Orange Bread?
I recommend storing your Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re in a particularly humid area, you can refrigerate it, but this may slightly dry it out. To keep it fresh longer, freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.

Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bread?
Definitely! Freezing is a great way to extend the life of your bread. To do this, slice the bread first, as it makes thawing much more convenient. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or microwave for about 15-20 seconds.

What should I do if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
If your Cranberry Orange Bread doesn’t rise, it might be due to expired baking powder or baking soda. Always check the expiration date on these leavening agents before using them. Additionally, make sure to combine the wet and dry ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to a dense loaf rather than a light and fluffy texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you have egg allergies, consider using flaxseed meal as an egg replacement (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg). If you’re preparing the bread for pets, remember that cranberries may not be suitable for dogs in large amounts—always check with your veterinarian before sharing any baked goods.