Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

There’s something downright magical about Orange Cranberry Bread. This loaf combines the bright zestiness of citrus with the zing of tart cranberries, all wrapped up in golden, buttery crumbs. As it bakes, your kitchen fills with aromas that are cozy and bracing at the same time, hinting at winter holidays, family gatherings, and afternoon treats. This recipe is a surefire way to brighten any day—whether you serve it for brunch, tuck it into a lunchbox, or enjoy it for dessert with a hot cup of tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

At its core, Orange Cranberry Bread is about simple, fresh ingredients coming together for a loaf that looks as beautiful as it tastes. Each item on this list plays a special part, providing that perfect balance of moistness, sweetness, tartness, and color.

• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries and zesty orange.
• Orange zest: Packs a punch of fresh, aromatic citrus flavor in every slice—use a microplane for best results.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and mellow notes to support the brightness of the fruit.
• All-purpose flour: Gives body to the bread, ensuring it holds together yet stays tender.
• Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise up light and fluffy with a delicate crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind the mixture and add richness—room temperature eggs work best for smooth blending.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Brings luscious moisture and richness; melted butter ensures an even crumb.
• Buttermilk: Provides a subtle tang and a soft texture—regular milk can’t quite compare.
• Orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, intensifying the citrus notes and moistening the batter.
• Cranberries (fresh, roughly chopped): Dot the bread with tart pops of flavor and gorgeous color; chop them just enough to spread their zing throughout.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Gives a silky, sweet finish that’s just the right touch of indulgence.
• Orange juice & zest (for glaze): Double down on that citrus brightness in the drizzle—this lifts the bread from good to unforgettable!

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the granulated sugar, orange zest, vanilla extract, flour, and baking powder. Give everything a gentle tumble together; you’re not aiming for perfection, just enough to mingle those flavors and start releasing that fragrant orange zest. This dry base sets the stage for a bread that’s uplifting, aromatic, and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs with the melted butter, buttermilk, and that fresh orange juice. Mix until smooth and velvety, which helps ensure everything blends beautifully once it hits the dry ingredients. The buttermilk here is a secret hero, keeping your bread soft and light.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture straight into the bowl with your dry ingredients. With a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together until just combined—don’t overmix! Overworking the batter is the enemy of a tender Orange Cranberry Bread. A few streaks are okay; they’ll disappear as you continue.

Step 4: Stir in the Cranberries

Add those roughly chopped cranberries and give the batter one final, gentle stir. These little ruby-red bursts transform the bread into something truly special, both in taste and appearance. Try to spread them evenly for that perfect pop in every bite.

Step 5: Pour and Bake

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, then scrape your batter in and smooth the top. Slide the pan into a preheated 350 F oven and bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread looks like it’s browning too rapidly at the top, lightly tent it with foil in those final minutes.

Step 6: Cool in the Pan

When the loaf emerges from the oven, resist the urge to dive in right away! Let it rest in the pan for 30 minutes, allowing the interior to set and flavors to meld. The bread will still be slightly warm, ready for its finishing touch.

Step 7: Glaze and Finish

While your bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until it’s smooth and drizzly. Gently run a knife along the edge of the pan, invert the loaf onto a serving dish, and then drizzle the glaze lavishly over the warm bread. Let the glaze set for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. The contrast of sweet, zesty glaze over tender, tangy bread is pure bliss!

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Garnishes

Dress up each slice with an extra sprinkle of orange zest, a handful of sugared cranberries, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling playful, add thin curls of orange peel or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. These garnishes add a touch of elegance—and more citrus sparkle—to your Orange Cranberry Bread.

Side Dishes

A cup of hot tea, creamy coffee, or a glass of cold milk are natural complements to Orange Cranberry Bread. For brunch gatherings, serve slices alongside yogurt with a drizzle of honey, or with a fruit salad that echoes the bread’s zippy, fresh flavors. It also makes a fantastic nibble on a festive cheese and fruit board.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the loaf! Try slicing and toasting the bread for a breakfast treat, or cubing it to use in a decadent bread pudding. For a party-worthy platter, cut the loaf into mini slices or sticks, drizzle with glaze, and stack them up for snacking. Individual muffins using the same batter are also adorable (and portable!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Orange Cranberry Bread holds up beautifully for a few days. Wrap slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days—if it lasts that long! The flavors intensify and meld, making each new slice even more delicious.

Freezing

To keep Orange Cranberry Bread on hand for whenever a craving strikes, freeze it! Either wrap the entire glazed (completely cooled) loaf tightly in two layers of plastic wrap, or slice the bread and freeze the pieces individually. Slip everything into a freezer-safe bag. Defrost overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a couple of hours.

Reheating

A quick zap in the microwave (about 10-15 seconds per slice) brings back that fresh-baked tenderness. Alternatively, gently warm slices in the oven at 300 F for 5-10 minutes until just heated through. This not only refreshes the texture but also makes the glaze a little melty and extra inviting.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely, though the result will be a bit sweeter and less tart. If using dried cranberries, soak them in orange juice for 10-15 minutes first. This softens them and helps distribute their flavor more evenly throughout the Orange Cranberry Bread.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater, running it just across the bright outer skin (not the bitter white pith underneath). Zest straight over your mixing bowl to catch all those fragrant oils and really amp up the citrus aroma in your Orange Cranberry Bread.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Check by inserting a toothpick into the very center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re good to go! Avoid overbaking for the most moist, tender result—start checking a few minutes before the suggested bake time, especially if your oven runs hot.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (with xanthan gum included). Keep an eye on the batter’s consistency; you may need to adjust the buttermilk by a couple of tablespoons if your blend absorbs more liquid.

What can I do if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! For a quick substitute, measure out 3/4 cup milk and stir in 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about five minutes to curdle, then proceed—your Orange Cranberry Bread will still turn out soft and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cheerful, crowd-pleasing treat that’s both classic and refreshingly modern, Orange Cranberry Bread is the answer. I can’t recommend it highly enough—pour yourself a mug of something cozy and enjoy a slice (or two!) of citrus-kissed, berry-studded delight. Happy baking!

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