There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your kitchen. The sweet, tangy notes of cranberry and orange intermingle, creating a sensory experience that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug. refreshing salad option When you slice into this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread, the vibrant colors and inviting scent will have everyone gathering around, eager for a taste. For more inspiration, check out this fresh herbed tuna salad recipe.
This delightful recipe is perfect for cozy Sundays, festive gatherings, or just an ordinary day when you need a little pick-me-up. Imagine serving it warm with a pat of butter as you reminisce about childhood baking sessions with loved ones. perfect holiday treat It’s the kind of bread that creates memories and warms hearts, making every bite a delicious trip down memory lane.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry orange quick bread is incredibly easy to whip up; you don’t need any fancy equipment
- Each slice bursts with bright flavors that dance on your taste buds
- Its beautiful golden crust paired with vibrant cranberry speckles makes it visually stunning
- Serve it for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day
Baking this quick bread has always brought smiles to my family’s faces, especially when we enjoyed it fresh from the oven on chilly mornings.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our bread; choose unbleached flour for better flavor and texture.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the bread; adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it or your bread will taste flat.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use whole cranberries for bursts of tartness; frozen can work too but avoid those mushy ones.
- Orange Zest: Adds a fragrant citrus touch; use fresh zest for maximum flavor impact.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is best; it brings out vibrant citrus notes in the bread.
- Eggs: They help bind everything together; use large eggs at room temperature for even mixing.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender; feel free to substitute with melted butter if desired. elegant dinner centerpiece.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile; opt for pure extract if possible.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter so your bread slides right out later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of the leavening agents.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine orange juice, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly until everything is blended nicely.
Combine Mixtures Gently: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently using spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your quick bread light and fluffy.
Add Cranberries**: Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. Each piece will add a burst of flavor in every slice!
Bake Away!: Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top lightly with a spatula. Bake in preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful Cranberry Orange Quick Bread, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing—if you can resist! For more inspiration, check out this lemon blueberry cream cheese sourdough bread recipe.
This quick bread isn’t just food; it’s an experience waiting to happen! Whether you’re enjoying it solo with coffee or serving it at brunch, each slice promises joy wrapped in flavors that’ll brighten anyone’s day!
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry orange quick bread bursts with flavors and makes for a perfect holiday treat
- The vibrant colors and zesty aroma fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere
- Plus, it’s an easy recipe that even your least culinary-inclined friend can master
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, mix your dry ingredients first, then add the wet ones gradually. This method ensures even distribution of flavors and avoids any clumps, making your cranberry orange quick bread a dream to slice.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for blueberries or add chopped nuts for extra crunch. You can also play with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of your cranberry orange quick bread. savory pie recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry orange quick bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to three months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Fresh cranberries are tart and flavorful; they create a punchy contrast with sweet bread
- Don’t overmix your batter; this prevents tough bread
- Always let it cool before slicing to avoid a crumbly mess
Creating my first loaf of cranberry orange quick bread was a memorable experience. Friends gathered around, eagerly awaiting their taste test, and their smiles were worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry orange quick bread?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just toss them in flour before adding them to the batter.
How do I know when my cranberry orange quick bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend for delicious results.

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. This easy-to-make recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the tartness of cranberries, creating a moist and flavorful loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Its inviting aroma will fill your kitchen, making it an irresistible treat for family and friends. Serve warm with butter for a cozy experience that brings back fond memories.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (60g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg