Name: Classic Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: A Zesty Holiday Treat!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: PT-491688H48M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange); 3/4 cup fresh orange juice; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional); ; **For the glaze:**; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1–2 tbsp orange juice

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Are you tired of serving the same predictable desserts during the holiday season? Looking for that perfect balance of tangy and sweet that gets everyone asking for your recipe? This Classic Cranberry Orange Bread recipe delivers bright, festive flavors that will become your new holiday tradition!

As someone who has been perfecting quick bread recipes for over a decade, I can confidently say this cranberry orange bread achieves what many others miss – the perfect moisture level combined with bursting flavor in every bite. The secret lies in fresh orange zest and the right proportion of cranberries.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the best ingredients, mixing techniques for the perfect texture, baking tips for consistent results, and creative serving suggestions that will impress your holiday guests. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be ready to create a cranberry orange bread that’s both beautiful and delicious!

Why This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Works

Uses simple pantry staples combined with seasonal fruit for maximum flavor
Quick prep time (under 15 minutes) before baking
Perfect balance of sweet bread with tart cranberry bursts
Versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or holiday dessert tables
Makes a beautiful homemade gift for neighbors and friends

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

Best Cranberries for This Recipe

Fresh cranberries create the most vibrant flavor and texture in this bread. When in season (October through December), select firm, plump berries with a deep red color. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before adding to your batter—this prevents color bleeding and mushy texture.

Orange Selection Tips

Look for heavy, firm oranges with bright, colorful skin. Naval oranges work wonderfully for this recipe, as they provide both excellent juice and zest. The oils in the zest contain the most concentrated orange flavor, so don’t skip this ingredient!

Substitution Options

No fresh cranberries? Dried cranberries can work in a pinch—just reduce the sugar slightly as they’re already sweetened. For a different flavor profile, blueberries or chopped apples make delicious alternatives while maintaining the bread’s moist texture.

Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Orange Bread

Classic Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: A Zesty Holiday Treat!

Essential Prep Steps

Bring all refrigerated ingredients to room temperature before mixing
Zest orange before juicing for maximum efficiency
Chop cranberries lightly for better distribution throughout the bread
Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy

Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
¾ cup fresh orange juice
2 large eggs
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1½ cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Pantry Staples and Equipment

You’ll need a 9×5-inch loaf pan, parchment paper, mixing bowls, and a whisk or electric mixer. Having an orange zester or microplane makes zesting much easier and more efficient.

Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Bread Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cranberry Orange Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the long sides for easy removal
Whisk together all dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt) in a large bowl
In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients (orange juice, eggs, melted butter, orange zest)

Mixing Method for Cranberry Orange Bread

Create a well in the center of dry ingredients
Pour wet ingredients into the well
Stir gently until just combined (overmixing creates a tough bread)
Fold in chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) with a few gentle strokes

Baking Cranberry Orange Bread

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and smooth the top
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
If the top browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil after 30 minutes

Cooling and Storing Cranberry Orange Bread

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes
Use parchment paper to lift bread out of the pan and cool completely on a wire rack
Store at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week

Looking for more seasonal recipes to complement your cranberry orange bread? Check out our Lemon Pesto Rigatoni for a delicious meal before dessert!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

Avoiding Common Cranberry Orange Bread Mistakes

Don’t overmix the batter – this develops gluten and creates a tough texture
Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation
Test for doneness with a toothpick in the center, not just the edges
For extra moisture, brush the warm bread with an orange glaze

Tool Recommendations

A microplane zester makes collecting orange zest effortless and leaves behind the bitter white pith. A silicone spatula helps fold in cranberries without deflating your batter, and a digital kitchen thermometer can confirm when your bread reaches 200°F internally (perfect doneness).

Make-Ahead Options

This bread actually improves in flavor after a day, making it perfect for advance preparation. You can also freeze the fully cooled loaf, tightly wrapped, for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

For more holiday baking ideas and inspiration, browse our collection on Pinterest where we share seasonal favorites and creative twists on classic recipes!

Cranberry Orange Bread Flavor Variations

Sweet and Spicy Twist

Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warming, spiced version. A pinch of cardamom elevates the orange flavor beautifully.

Health-Conscious Options

Reduce sugar to ¾ cup and replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. For a dairy-free version, substitute melted coconut oil for butter.

Seasonal Flavor Enhancements

Variation	Add-In Ingredients	Special Instructions
Cranberry Orange Almond	½ cup sliced almonds + ¼ tsp almond extract	Sprinkle extra almonds on top before baking
Cranberry Orange Chocolate	½ cup white or dark chocolate chips	Fold in gently with cranberries
Cranberry Orange Streusel	Top with mixture of 3 Tbsp butter, ⅓ cup flour, ⅓ cup brown sugar	Add streusel last 20 minutes of baking
Cranberry Orange Glaze	½ cup powdered sugar + 1 Tbsp orange juice	Drizzle on cooled bread

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Bread

This versatile quick bread shines on its own but becomes an event when properly paired. Serve warm slices with a spread of orange-honey butter for breakfast. For dessert, try it toasted with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

For a complete holiday meal, serve after our Chicken and Swee t Potato Bowls for a balanced dinner experience.

Beverage pairings that complement the citrus notes include:

Hot chai tea
Coffee with a touch of cinnamon
Sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice

Cranberry Orange Bread FAQs

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Yes, though the bread will be sweeter. Use 1 cup of dried cranberries and reduce sugar by 2 tablespoons.

Q: Why did my bread crack on top?
A: This is actually desirable! The crack forms as the exterior sets while the interior continues to rise, showing your bread has good leavening.

Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for all-purpose flour. Add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it.

Q: Can I make this as muffins instead of a loaf?
A: Absolutely! Divide the batter among 12 muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes at the same temperature.

Conclusion

This Classic Cranberry Orange Bread brings together the best flavors of the season in one easy-to-make loaf. The bright pop of citrus paired with tart cranberries creates a memorable treat that’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, afternoon tea, or as a homemade gift.

Don’t save this recipe just for the holidays! The refreshing flavor combination works year-round when you need something special. And if you enjoyed this recipe, you’ll love our Grilled Zucchini Rollups for another fresh and flavorful dish.

Remember that the key to this bread’s success lies in fresh ingredients, gentle mixing, and proper baking time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this forgiving recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. Happy baking!

Classic Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: A Zesty Holiday Treat!