Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a festive holiday treat bursting with flavor and the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and sweet, citrusy orange. The moist, soft texture of the bread complements the juicy cranberries and fresh orange zest, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even as a holiday dessert. Serve it plain or with an orange glaze for extra sweetness and shine. Not only is this bread delicious, but it’s also easy to make and brings seasonal flavors right to your table. Perfect for winter mornings or as a thoughtful homemade gift.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: ~220 per slice
Cost per serving: ~€1.50

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (210 g)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 g)
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• Zest of one large orange
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (180 ml)
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted (80 g)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped (100 g)

Optional Glaze

• ½ cup powdered sugar (60 g)
• 2-3 tbsp orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the orange zest and mix to distribute it evenly throughout the flour mixture.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, and egg until well-blended.
4. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze (optional): In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread for an extra burst of orange flavor.

Nutritional Information (per slice)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen ones?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries if you prefer. However, dried cranberries are sweeter and less tart than fresh or frozen ones. To rehydrate them, soak the dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.

What can I substitute for orange juice in this recipe?

If you don’t have orange juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice, which will give the bread a slightly different but still delicious citrus flavor. You can also use milk or a combination of milk and a citrus-flavored extract.

Is it possible to add nuts to this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Adding nuts to this Cranberry Orange Bread will bring a lovely crunch and extra depth of flavor to each bite. Walnuts or pecans are great choices, as they pair beautifully with the tart cranberries and sweet orange zest.

How to Add Nuts:

• Amount: Add about ½ cup (roughly 60 g) of chopped nuts to the batter for a balanced texture. You can adjust this amount depending on how nutty you’d like the bread to be.
• Preparation: Lightly toast the nuts in a skillet or oven for a few minutes to bring out their flavor. Allow them to cool, then chop them coarsely.
• Mixing: Gently fold the nuts into the batter along with the cranberries, just before pouring the mixture into the loaf pan.

Adding nuts not only enhances the flavor but also adds a boost of healthy fats and protein, making the bread even more satisfying.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

To know if your Cranberry Orange Bread is fully baked, here are some simple steps you can follow:

1. Toothpick Test: Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes before testing again.
2. Golden-Brown Color: Look at the crust. The bread should have a golden-brown top, indicating it’s well-baked.
3. Touch Test: Gently press the top of the loaf. If it springs back, it’s likely done. If your finger leaves an indentation, it may need a few more minutes in the oven.
4. Check Internal Temperature (optional): For precise results, use an instant-read thermometer. The center should read about 190°F (88°C) when the bread is fully baked.

After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

In conclusion, this Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, making it the perfect addition to your holiday baking list. Its vibrant cranberries and fresh orange zest create a festive orange cranberry bread that’s sure to impress family and friends. As an easy cranberry orange loaf, it’s simple to prepare yet offers a delicious homemade touch that’s ideal for any gathering. Whether you’re looking for homemade holiday bread recipes to enjoy at breakfast or a sweet orange bread to share as a thoughtful gift, this recipe brings warmth and cheer to any occasion. Try this holiday cranberry bread recipe and enjoy a slice of seasonal perfection.

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