Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread

introduction

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful loaf that combines the bright and tangy flavors of oranges with the sweet-tartness of cranberries. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert, making it a versatile addition to your baking repertoire. With a moist, tender crumb and a hint of citrus flavor, this bread is sure to please everyone. Plus, it fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma while it bakes, creating an inviting atmosphere.

why make this recipe

There are many reasons to make Orange Cranberry Bread. First, it highlights seasonal ingredients, especially around the holidays, when fresh cranberries are available. Second, it’s simple to prepare, requiring no special skills or hard-to-find ingredients. You can whip it up in no time, making it a great choice for both beginner bakers and seasoned ones.

Moreover, Orange Cranberry Bread is perfect for sharing. Whether you’re bringing it to a gathering or whipping it up for a friend, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy. The zesty orange and tart cranberry flavors create a delightful balance that makes each slice a burst of flavor. And let’s not forget about the glaze! A touch of sweetness on top makes this bread even more irresistible.

Finally, this recipe allows for creativity. You can customize the bread by adding nuts, different fruits, or even chocolate chips. Making Orange Cranberry Bread can easily become a delightful tradition in your home.

how to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Ingredients:

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

Directions:

1. Preheat: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure that the bread does not stick after baking.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well so that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.

5. Add Cranberries: Fold in the cranberries gently. If you’re using frozen cranberries, you do not need to thaw them before adding.

6. Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it’s even.

7. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool: Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Make the Glaze: To prepare the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.

10. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.

how to serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Orange Cranberry Bread is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it plain or add a variety of toppings to enhance its flavor.

1. Breakfast: Serve it warm or at room temperature for breakfast. Pair with a cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of orange juice for a refreshing morning start.

2. Snack Time: Cut slices for a mid-afternoon snack. It can be paired with butter or cream cheese for an extra treat.

3. Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on the side for dessert. This will complement the flavors of the bread.

4. Gifts: Wrap slices in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and tie them with a ribbon for a lovely homemade gift. Your friends and family will appreciate the thoughtfulness and deliciousness of this bread.

how to store Orange Cranberry Bread

To keep your Orange Cranberry Bread fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

1. Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the bread within a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture.

2. Refrigerator: If you live in a humid climate, storing it in the fridge may be a good option. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out.

3. Freezing: To store the bread for a longer period, you can freeze it. First, allow the bread to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently heat in the oven.

tips to make Orange Cranberry Bread

Here are some tips to help ensure that your Orange Cranberry Bread turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure that your eggs are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a better batter consistency.

2. Fresh Cranberries: If possible, use fresh cranberries. They offer the best flavor and texture. If using frozen cranberries, try not to thaw them before adding to the batter.

3. Don’t Overmix: As mentioned earlier, mix until just combined. Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense loaf.

4. Test for Doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. You may need to check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later than the recipe suggests.

5. Add Nuts: For a different texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They complement the flavors beautifully.

variation

You can customize Orange Cranberry Bread to suit your taste. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Add Spices: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for extra warmth and flavor.

2. Citrus Variations: Mix in other citrus fruits like lemon or lime zest for a different twist. This can brighten the flavor profile of the bread even more.

3. Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter version, add semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to the batter. The chocolate pairs nicely with the tart cranberries.

4. Nut Variations: In addition to walnuts, try using almond or hazelnuts for a different flavor.

5. Healthy Swaps: For a healthier take, replace part of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use honey instead of sugar.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

   • Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh. However, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly as dried cranberries are often sweetened.

2. What can I substitute for vegetable oil?

   • You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.

3. How do I know when the bread is done baking?

   • Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking and check again in a few minutes.

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

   • Yes! You can divide the batter into mini loaf pans. Reduce the baking time to about 25-30 minutes, but check for doneness with a toothpick.

5. How long will the bread stay fresh?

   • If stored properly, Orange Cranberry Bread will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature or up to 3 months in the freezer.

6. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

   • Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it if not included.

With its delicious blend of flavors and simple preparation, Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy baking and sharing this delightful loaf with friends and family!

Orange Cranberry Bread

Print Recipe

A delightful loaf that combines the bright and tangy flavors of oranges with the sweet-tartness of cranberries, perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Total Time: 75 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries gently.
6. Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To prepare the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.
10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set for a few minutes before slicing.

Notes

Store the bread at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg