Orange Cranberry Bread

Why Make This Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and simple baked treat, Orange Cranberry Bread is a fantastic option. This bread combines the tangy flavor of fresh cranberries and the sweet zest of orange. It’s not just tasty; it also brings a burst of color to your table, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack. The bright flavors of orange and cranberry make this bread a good choice for festive occasions, but it is simple enough to enjoy any day of the year. With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, this bread is a wonderful project for both seasoned bakers and beginners.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is a straightforward process that anyone can follow. You’ll start by gathering your ingredients, then mixing them together, pouring the mixture into a loaf pan, and baking it until it’s golden brown and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1 tablespoon orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While this heats, you can get everything else ready.

2. Grease the Loaf Pan: Take a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it well. You can use some butter or cooking spray to ensure your bread will easily come out once it’s baked.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until everything is mixed evenly.

4. Add Cranberries: Next, add the chopped fresh cranberries to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them in well, so they get coated in flour. This prevents the cranberries from sinking to the bottom when you bake the bread.

5. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Beat these ingredients together until they are well combined. The orange zest is crucial because it carries that wonderful citrus aroma and flavor into the bread.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Now it’s time to pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Carefully stir the mixture together until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over mix; it’s fine if there are a few lumps.

7. Pour into Pan: Once the batter is mixed, pour it into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making it even.

8. Bake the Bread: Place your loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know the bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Cool the Bread: After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully take it out of the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, you can make the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.

11. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a sweet and tangy finish that enhances the orange and cranberry flavors.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread can be served in various ways, making it a flexible treat. Here are some ideas for serving it:

1. For Breakfast or Brunch: Slice the bread and serve it warm or at room temperature alongside butter or cream cheese. The creamy spread complements the fruity flavors wonderfully.

2. As a Snack: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the afternoon. The fruitiness pairs nicely with any hot beverage.

3. As a Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delightful dessert.

4. Gifts or Gatherings: This bread is perfect for gift-giving. Wrap a loaf in pretty paper or put it in a decorative tin to share with friends and family.

5. Toppings and Accompaniments: You can also serve it with additional glaze, fresh orange slices, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added flavor and texture.

How to Store Orange Cranberry Bread

Storing Orange Cranberry Bread is quite easy, and there are several methods to keep it fresh:

1. At Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the bread within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It should stay fresh for about 2-3 days.

2. In the Refrigerator: If you want to keep it longer, you can store the bread in the refrigerator. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. It can last up to a week this way.

3. Freezing: For even longer storage, Orange Cranberry Bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

Tips to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

1. Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries instead of dried. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the bread perfectly.

2. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Start by reducing the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust to your taste.

3. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender. Overmixing can make it dense.

4. Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They pair nicely with the flavors of cranberry and orange.

5. Zest is Key: Don’t skip the orange zest! It really enhances the bread’s flavor and makes it smell divine.

6. Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark to prevent overbaking.

7. Glaze Variation: Feel free to add a bit of vanilla extract to the glaze for a different flavor profile.

Variation

If you’re interested in trying different twists on the classic Orange Cranberry Bread, here are a few variations:

1. Nutty Version: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.

2. Chocolate Chip: Stir in a handful of dark chocolate chips for a sweet and delicious combination with the tart cranberries.

3. Spice It Up: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice flavor, making it great for fall or winter occasions.

4. Lemon Twist: Swap out some or all of the orange juice for lemon juice, and add lemon zest instead of orange for a refreshing change.

5. Dried Fruit Add-ins: Mix in some dried fruit like raisins, cherries, or apricots for additional sweetness and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh. However, the texture and tartness will be different. Dried cranberries are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly.

2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum included or add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum to help with the texture.

3. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time to bake.

4. Can I make mini loaves instead of one large loaf?

Absolutely! You can divide the batter into smaller, greased loaf pans. Mini loaves will bake faster, so check them for doneness around 30-40 minutes.

5. Can I omit the glaze?

Yes, you can omit the glaze if you prefer a simpler bread. It will still be delicious without it, but the glaze adds a nice touch of sweetness.

6. What can I do if my bread is too dense?

If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and mix just until combined for a lighter result.

7. Can I add citrus zest other than orange?

Yes, you can use lemon, lime, or even grapefruit zest for a different but equally delightful flavor. Each variety brings a unique twist to the bread.

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Baking Orange Cranberry Bread can be a satisfying and enjoyable experience. With this simple recipe, you’ll have an appealing loaf that bursts with bright flavors and inviting aromas. Whether you decide to serve it fresh at breakfast, share it with friends, or enjoy it as a mid-day snack, this bread is sure to delight everyone’s taste buds. Happy baking!

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