Experience the delightful fusion of tart cranberries and sweet orange in this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread, a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dessert! This moist and flavorful quick bread is an absolute essential for adding a touch of festive cheer throughout the holiday season.
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The culinary world has long celebrated the exquisite partnership of cranberries and oranges, a duo truly meant for each other. If this vibrant flavor combination captures your heart as much as it does ours, you'll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic recipes. Dive into these irresistible Cranberry Orange Cookies, indulge in the creamy richness of this Cranberry Orange Cheesecake, savor a hearty Cranberry Orange Baked French Toast Casserole, or treat yourself to charming Cranberry Orange Cupcakes. Each recipe beautifully showcases the unique harmony of these two beloved ingredients, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
The Irresistible Allure of Cranberry and Orange
For many, the pairing of cranberry and orange isn't just a flavor combination; it's a sensory experience that instantly evokes the magic and warmth of the holiday season. There's an undeniable charm in how the bright, citrusy notes of orange mingle with the refreshing tartness of cranberries, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and invigorating. This dynamic duo truly embodies the essence of festive joy.
Beyond the exquisite taste, the visual appeal of Cranberry Orange Bread is simply stunning. The deep, ruby reds of the cranberries contrasted with the golden hues of the orange zest and the bread itself are a feast for the eyes, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering. We often eat with our eyes first, and this bread certainly delivers on visual promise, setting a beautiful tone for your holiday table.
Your Go-To Holiday Quick Bread
This Cranberry Orange Bread is more than just a recipe; it's a holiday tradition waiting to happen. Its simplicity and incredible flavor make it a staple throughout November and December. Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of this bread baking, ready to be served alongside a festive breakfast spread – perhaps with these equally delicious Cranberry Orange Scones! But its versatility extends far beyond the breakfast table.
Its balanced sweetness means it's equally delightful as a light afternoon snack, a charming addition to a holiday brunch, or even a sophisticated, not-too-heavy dessert. It also makes for thoughtful and delicious neighbor gifts or hostess presents, sharing the taste of homemade warmth during the season of giving. This quick bread is a crowd-pleaser that truly shines at any time of day, embodying the spirit of celebration in every slice.
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
Crafting this flavorful quick bread begins with a selection of common pantry staples, elevated by the star ingredients: fresh cranberries and bright oranges. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some valuable tips for each:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our quick bread. All-purpose flour provides the perfect structure and tender crumb characteristic of a classic loaf. While we stick to all-purpose for best results, some bakers might experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though results may vary slightly in texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetness, sugar also contributes to the bread's moisture and tender texture, and aids in achieving that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Baking Powder: Our primary leavening agent. Baking powder is crucial for giving quick bread its characteristic rise and light, airy texture. You might notice the recipe now calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons, a slight adjustment from an earlier version. This change was made after careful re-testing to ensure consistent, perfect results, addressing feedback while maintaining optimal rise without any off-flavors.
- Salt: A pinch of salt is vital for balancing the flavors, enhancing the sweetness of the orange and tartness of the cranberries, and bringing out the overall deliciousness of the bread.
- Zest of 1 Large Orange: This is where a significant portion of that bright, citrusy flavor comes from! Use a microplane zester to finely grate just the outermost orange layer of the peel. Be careful to avoid the white pith underneath, as it can impart a bitter taste to your bread.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Complementing the zest, fresh orange juice adds moisture, tang, and a deeper orange flavor. It's often easiest to zest the orange before slicing and squeezing. Depending on the size and juiciness of your oranges, you might need 2-3 to yield the required amount. Freshly squeezed is always best for optimal flavor.
- Large Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the bread together, and contribute to its rich flavor and moist texture. We recommend using large eggs for consistency in the recipe.
- Vegetable Oil: Using a neutral oil like vegetable oil results in an incredibly moist and tender quick bread. You can also use other neutral oils such as canola or grapeseed. For a richer, buttery flavor profile, an equal amount of melted and cooled butter can be substituted, which adds a different dimension of taste without compromising moisture.
- Fresh Cranberries: These jewel-toned berries are the star! Fresh cranberries are typically abundant in grocery stores during November and December. If fresh aren't available, frozen cranberries work just as well; there's no need to thaw them – simply stir them directly into the batter. This ensures their tartness and texture remain intact during baking.
- Pecans: Nuts add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that beautifully complements the fruit. While pecans are our preferred choice for their buttery texture, walnuts or almonds are excellent alternatives. For those with nut allergies or preferences, feel free to omit them entirely; the bread will still be delicious!
Crafting Your Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this delicious Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice bakers. The key to a tender, flavorful loaf lies in mindful preparation and gentle mixing. Let's walk through the steps:
- Prepare Your Loaf Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, prepare your 9x5-inch loaf pan. A crucial step for easy removal is to spray the pan thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Ensure the parchment paper extends beyond the edges of the pan, creating "handles." These will be your best friend for effortlessly lifting the baked bread out of the pan once it's cooled.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and prevents lumps, ensuring a smooth, even texture in your final bread. After sifting, stir in the vibrant orange zest, distributing its fragrant oils throughout the dry mixture.
- Create a Well for Wet Ingredients: Using a spoon or your hand, make a "well" or a deep hollow in the center of your dry ingredients. This depression acts as a bowl within a bowl, preparing the perfect spot for the liquid components.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the fresh orange juice, lightly beaten eggs, and vegetable oil directly into the center of the well you just created.
- Gently Combine Batter: Now comes one of the most important steps for quick breads: mixing. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir the wet and dry ingredients together. Mix only until they are just moistened and barely combined. It's perfectly fine if a few small lumps of flour remain; over-mixing will develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough, chewy bread rather than a tender one.
- Fold in Fruit and Nuts: Carefully fold the fresh (or frozen) cranberries and chopped pecans into your batter. Distribute them evenly, but again, avoid over-mixing. A few gentle turns are all you need to incorporate these delicious additions.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the finished batter into your prepared loaf pan. Transfer it to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 45 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
- Test for Doneness: You'll know your Cranberry Orange Bread is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, without any wet batter clinging to it. Another indicator is if you gently press the top center of the bread, it should spring back slightly.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set up and prevents it from crumbling. Then, use the parchment paper handles to carefully lift the loaf out and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. This patience ensures the best texture and flavor!
Choosing the Right Loaf Pan: A Guide to Perfect Quick Breads
One of the most common challenges bakers face when making quick breads is the dreaded overflow. This issue is almost always tied to the size and capacity of the loaf pan used. It's a surprisingly tricky area, as "standard" pan sizes can vary significantly between manufacturers.
Through my own experience, I've discovered that even pans labeled 9x5-inches can have different dimensions – some are wider at the top and taper down, while others might be a good half-inch smaller in actual usable space than advertised. To avoid any baking mishaps and ensure your bread has ample room to rise without spilling over, the most accurate way to gauge pan suitability is by its volume capacity.
For this Cranberry Orange Bread recipe, I successfully used a pan labeled as 9x5-inches that held approximately 8 cups of liquid. This capacity proved to be ideal, as my loaf rose beautifully without coming close to overflowing. This suggests that the recipe is quite forgiving, and you might even get away with a slightly smaller pan, perhaps one holding 7-7.5 cups, though I haven't tested it personally.
Beyond standard loaves, this versatile batter also lends itself well to other formats. You could easily transform it into mini loaves, which are fantastic for gifting or individual servings. The exact number of mini loaves you'll yield will, of course, depend on the specific size of your mini loaf pans. Alternatively, the batter can be baked into muffins, providing another delightful way to enjoy these festive flavors. Just remember to adjust baking times accordingly for smaller portions.
Expert Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread
Achieving a perfectly moist, tender, and flavorful Cranberry Orange Bread is simple with a few key techniques. These tips will help ensure your loaf turns out beautifully every time, from mixing to storage:
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most crucial rule for any quick bread. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, chewy, and dense texture. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just moistened and barely combined. A few small lumps are perfectly acceptable and actually desirable for a tender crumb.
- Freezing for Future Enjoyment: This bread freezes exceptionally well, making it ideal for meal prepping or preparing holiday gifts in advance. Once the loaf has cooled completely to room temperature, wrap it very tightly in several layers of plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped loaf into a freezer-safe container or a large ziplock bag, ensuring as much air as possible is removed. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for several hours until fully defrosted.
- Optimal Storage for Freshness: For any leftover slices or a partially eaten loaf, proper storage is key to maintaining its moisture and flavor. Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days, making it a wonderful treat to enjoy throughout the week.
- Elevate with a Glaze or Icing: While this Cranberry Orange Bread is wonderfully flavorful on its own, if you desire a sweeter finish or an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a simple glaze. A basic orange juice glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little fresh orange juice) or a cream cheese icing can transform this already delightful bread into an even more decadent dessert, perfect for special occasions.
- Don't Forget the Zest: The orange zest provides the most concentrated orange flavor. Make sure you use a fine zester or microplane to get all those fragrant oils, avoiding the bitter white pith.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both work beautifully! If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand. Simply toss them into the batter as directed. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: As mentioned in the instructions, lining your loaf pan with parchment paper that overhangs the sides makes removing the baked bread incredibly easy and mess-free. It's a small step that makes a big difference.
Explore More Delicious Quick Bread Recipes
If you've fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of quick breads, you're in for a treat! This category of baking is incredibly versatile and perfect for everything from simple breakfasts to impressive desserts. Here are some of our other favorite quick bread recipes that you'll surely want to add to your baking repertoire:
- Eggnog Quick Bread with Eggnog Icing: A festive and creamy bread, perfect for holiday indulgence, complete with a delightful eggnog-infused glaze.
- Classic Banana Bread Recipe: The ultimate comfort food! This staple recipe uses ripe bananas to create a moist, sweet, and incredibly satisfying loaf.
- Homemade Zucchini Bread Recipe: A fantastic way to use up garden zucchini, this bread is surprisingly moist, subtly spiced, and utterly delicious.
- Tropical Coconut Bread: Transport yourself to an island paradise with this tender bread infused with the sweet, tropical flavors of coconut.
- Rich Chocolate Cinnamon Bread: A decadent combination of rich chocolate and warm cinnamon, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day.
Essential Tools for Baking Success
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience, especially when it comes to quick breads. For this Cranberry Orange Bread, these items will ensure a smooth process and a perfect result:
- You will definitely need a 9x5-inch loaf pan for this recipe. A good quality pan promotes even baking and browning.
- Lining the pan with parchment paper is a game-changer! It greatly simplifies the process of removing the baked bread from the pan without any sticking or breaking.
- For sifting dry ingredients, I highly recommend using a fine mesh strainer. This helps remove any lumps and incorporates air, resulting in a lighter texture. You can also use a dedicated flour sifter. If neither of these is available, a simple wire whisk will do a decent job of aerating and combining the dry ingredients.
- A microplane zester is invaluable for getting fine, flavorful orange zest without any bitter pith.
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Cranberry Orange Bread
Deborah Harroun
10 minutes
45 minutes
55 minutes
12
servings
Bread
American
Pin
This Cranberry Orange Bread offers the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet orange juice, making it an ideal choice for breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful dessert. It's truly the quintessential quick bread for celebrating the festive Christmas season.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder*
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- grated zest of 1 large orange
- 2/3 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray and then lining it with parchment paper, ensuring extra overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the orange zest until evenly distributed. Create a well (a hollow) in the center of the dry ingredients. Into this well, pour the fresh orange juice, lightly beaten eggs, and vegetable oil. Gently stir everything together until just moistened and barely combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough loaf. Finally, gently fold in the fresh (or frozen) cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Pour the prepared batter into your lined loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean, indicating it is fully cooked.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper handles. Transfer the loaf to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before slicing and serving for the best texture.
Recipe Notes:
Pan Size Guidance: I used a 9x5-inch loaf pan with an 8-cup liquid capacity for this recipe. It’s important to note that while many pans are labeled 9x5, their actual volumes can vary. This recipe has been developed and tested with an 8-cup capacity pan; performance in smaller or larger pans may differ.
Substitutions for Cranberries: Feel free to use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them; simply mix them directly into the batter. This recipe has not been tested with dried cranberries; while they might work if rehydrated by soaking in orange juice first, the texture and final result would certainly be different.
Oil Alternative: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil in equal amounts.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze the loaf, ensure it has cooled completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or a large ziplock bag. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw the loaf at room temperature until fully defrosted.
Storage: Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The provided nutrition information is an estimate only. Variations can occur due to different brands and products used. This information should be considered a general guide.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1
slice
,
Calories:
208
kcal
(10%)
,
Carbohydrates:
26
g
(9%)
,
Protein:
4
g
(8%)
,
Fat:
10
g
(15%)
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
(6%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat:
6
g
,
Trans Fat:
0
g
,
Cholesterol:
31
mg
(10%)
,
Sodium:
110
mg
(5%)
,
Fiber:
1
g
(4%)
,
Sugar:
11
g
(12%)
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