This Cranberry Orange Bread is a sweet and tangy delight! With juicy cranberries and fresh orange zest, it’s the perfect treat for breakfast or a snack.
Every bite feels like a little party in your mouth! I love to enjoy it warm, slathered with butter. It’s a great way to brighten up any gloomy day! 🍊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base ingredient. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour mix that measures cup-for-cup. I’ve had great success using Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal, but if you can’t find them, frozen ones work just fine. Just remember to toss them in a bit of flour before incorporating them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.
Butter: I recommend using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the bread. If you’re aiming for a dairy-free option, plant-based butter can be used instead.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This ingredient adds moisture. If you prefer, you can use buttermilk or even a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice from oranges really brightens the flavor. If you’re in a pinch, bottled juice will work, but fresh is best! You can also use lemon zest for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Texture in Your Bread?
Texture is key when baking this delicious Cranberry Orange Bread. The following tips will help ensure you get that moist, tender crumb you want:
- Measure Carefully: Use the spoon-and-level method for your flour to avoid packing it down, which can lead to dense bread.
- Cream Butter & Sugar Well: This step is crucial. Make sure to cream them until light and fluffy to incorporate air, helping your bread rise.
- Avoid Overmixing: When you add dry ingredients, stir until just combined. Overmixing can make your bread tough.
- Check Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes.
Follow these techniques, and you’ll have a delightful loaf every time! Enjoy this bread plain, or top it with a bit of butter or the glaze for extra sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Optional: additional cranberries for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
You will need about 15 minutes for preparation and 55-65 minutes for baking. After baking, allow 10-15 minutes for cooling in the pan, and then a little more time to cool completely on a wire rack before adding your glaze. Overall, you’ll be savoring your delicious bread in about 90 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to make for easy removal later.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer for about 3-5 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air into the mixture for a soft, airy bread.
4. Adding the Eggs and Flavor:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest, which will fill the batter with wonderful flavors.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Next, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream (or yogurt). Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—don’t overmix to keep the bread tender!
6. Folding in the Cranberries:
Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without smashing them.
7. Baking the Bread:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too much, you can tent it with some foil halfway through baking.
8. Cooling the Bread:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial, as it helps the bread set up nicely!
9. Making the Glaze:
While the bread is cooling, prepare your glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar or juice if necessary.
10. Glazing and Serving:
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Optionally, you can garnish with extra cranberries for a lovely presentation. Now slice, serve, and enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Bread with a cup of tea or coffee!
This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat throughout the day. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first. Just toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter to help prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Can I Substitute the Sour Cream?
Yes! You can use plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk as a substitute for sour cream. These alternatives will add a similar tangy flavor and moisture to the bread.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Is It Possible to Make This Bread Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can bake the bread a day in advance and simply wrap it well after it has cooled. It will maintain its flavor and moisture for the next day. Just add the glaze right before serving for the best presentation!
