Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the vibrant flavor of oranges. Perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe is easy to prepare and makes an excellent addition to holiday gatherings or cozy brunches. Moist and dense, each slice is finished with a sweet orange glaze that enhances its citrusy appeal, making it irresistible for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this bread in the oven quickly.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a snack, breakfast, or dessert; it fits any meal perfectly.
• Moist and Dense Texture: The addition of buttermilk ensures a rich and moist loaf that stays delicious for days.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this recipe is accessible and straightforward for cooks of all levels.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cranberry Orange Bread, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Loaf pan
• Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of dry and wet ingredients without spills.
• Loaf pan: This is essential for shaping your bread, ensuring it bakes evenly.
• Rubber spatula: Useful for folding in ingredients gently, maintaining the bread’s texture.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly moist, deliciously dense, loaded with orange flavor and juicy cranberries, and finished with a sweet orange glaze. Just 15 minutes to prep!

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup canola oil (or other neutral tasting oil)
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your bread bakes evenly from the start.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Grease your loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
2. Whisk together until well blended.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon orange zest, ½ cup buttermilk, ½ cup canola oil, ½ cup orange juice, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.
2. Ensure everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
1. Stir gently using a rubber spatula until just combined.
2. Fold in 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, being careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan:
1. Bake in preheated oven for about 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While cooling:
1. In a small bowl, mix together 1 cup powdered sugar with enough orange juice (about 2-3 tablespoons) until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Bread, perfect for any occasion!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, here are some tasty suggestions.

For Breakfast

• Toast with Butter – Lightly toast slices and spread butter for a warm, comforting start to your day.
• Cream Cheese Spread – Top with a creamy layer of cream cheese for added richness.

As a Snack

• With Tea or Coffee – Enjoy a slice alongside your favorite hot beverage for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Yogurt Parfait – Crumble pieces into a bowl of yogurt and add fresh fruits for a delicious parfait.

As Dessert

• Drizzled with Glaze – Enhance its sweetness by drizzling the glaze over the bread just before serving.
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Pair two slices with vanilla ice cream in between for a fun dessert twist.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Bread turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Cranberries – Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture; frozen can make the bread soggy.
• Don’t Overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the bread tender; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready.
• Cool Completely Before Slicing – Let it cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to retain moisture.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement its flavors.

1. Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and balances the sweetness of the bread.
2. Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the citrus notes in the bread.
3. Chia Seed Pudding – This light and nutritious dish offers a perfect contrast to the dense texture of the bread.
4. Oatmeal Cookies – Pairing with oatmeal cookies creates a delightful combination of textures and flavors.
5. Cheese Platter – Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese can beautifully contrast with cranberry’s tartness.
6. Honey Butter – Whip honey into softened butter for a sweet topping that complements every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people make mistakes while baking Cranberry Orange Bread, leading to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Using incorrect measurements can ruin the texture of your bread. Always use a kitchen scale or standard measuring cups for accuracy.
• Boldly skipping the zest: Not using orange zest means losing a burst of flavor. Make sure to add fresh zest for the best taste.
• Boldly overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create dense bread instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until combined for optimal results.
• Boldly ignoring the oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may cause uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Boldly not checking doneness: Skipping the toothpick test can lead to undercooked or overcooked bread. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when done.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread

• Boldly using an oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Boldly using a microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Boldly using a stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cranberry Orange Bread.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Cranberry Orange Bread?

You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate its taste. A pinch of these can complement the tartness of cranberries beautifully.

Can I substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones?

Yes, you can! Dried cranberries will add sweetness but may change the texture slightly. Consider reducing sugar if you do this.

What makes this Cranberry Orange Bread moist?

The combination of buttermilk and oil contributes to its moisture, keeping it dense yet tender.

How do I know when my Cranberry Orange Bread is done baking?

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Bread is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or swapping out cranberries for other berries. Give this recipe a try and enjoy its delightful flavors!