Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

• Flour: All-purpose flour forms the base of the bread, providing structure and texture to the loaves.
• Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugars adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and enhance the orange flavor.
• Baking powder: Baking powder acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon and nutmeg: These warm spices add depth of flavor and complement the fruit flavors in this cranberry orange bread recipe.
• Egg: The room-temperature egg binds the ingredients together and contributes to the moistness of the bread.
• Milk: Milk adds moisture to the batter and helps create tender loaves.
• Orange juice and orange zest: The zest and juice of an orange infuse a fresh, citrusy flavor into the loaves that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• Oil: Canola oil adds moisture and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cranberries: The star of the recipe, chopped fresh or frozen cranberries add a tart burst of flavor and juiciness throughout the bread.
• Apple: A peeled and chopped apple adds natural sweetness and moisture, balancing the tart cranberries.
• Glaze (optional): An optional glaze of confectioners’ sugar, orange juice, orange liqueur and orange zest creates a sweet and tangy topping to enhance the bread’s flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients

Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the flour, both sugars, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg, whisking the ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Editor’s Tip: To ensure your bread has a light texture, sift the dry ingredients before mixing them with the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, orange juice, canola oil and orange zest until well combined.

Editor’s Tip: For maximum orange flavor, zest your orange before juicing it to release oils that contain the characteristic citrus flavor you’re looking for in these loaves.

Step 3: Combine the wet and dry

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just blended. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense texture.

Step 4: Add the fruits

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and apple till they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake the bread

Pour the batter into two greased 8×4-inch loaf pans. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

Editor’s Tip: If the tops of the loaves start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking.

Step 6: Make the glaze

If you’re adding the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar, orange liqueur and orange zest, then stir in enough orange juice to reach the desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves, then sprinkle the top with additional orange zest, if you like.

Cranberry Orange Bread Variations

• Add nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries and apple. For an even richer flavor, toast the nuts before adding them to the batter.
• Use different fruits: Substitute the apple with diced pears or dried cranberries for a different flavor profile.
• Swap out the citrus: Swap the orange juice and zest with lemon juice and zest for a different citrusy twist to these cranberry orange bread loaves.
• Use a streusel topping: Mix 1/4 cup each of flour, brown sugar and cold butter with 1/2 cup chopped pecans for a classic streusel topping. Sprinkle it over the batter before baking.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread

Store any leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate the loaves for up to a week.

Can you freeze orange cranberry bread?

Yes, you can freeze this cranberry orange bread. Wrap the cooled loaves tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store them in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the bread overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Cranberry Orange Bread Tips

How do you prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

To prevent cranberries from sinking, toss them in a tablespoon of the flour before adding them to the batter. This light flour coating helps them stay suspended throughout the bread during baking.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can easily swap dried cranberries into this orange cranberry bread recipe if fresh or frozen cranberries are not available. Change the amount to 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries, and plump them up by soaking them in hot water for a few minutes before adding them to the batter.

Can you make this cranberry orange recipe into muffins instead of loaves?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make muffins. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin tins about 2/3 full with batter, and bake the muffins at 350° for 18 to 22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.