Cranberry Orange Bread – Experience the combination of cranberries and zesty oranges with our amazing recipe, for Cranberry Orange Bread. This versatile creation is perfect for enjoying breakfast, as a snack in the afternoon, or even as a treat to end your day on a sweet note. Embrace the fusion of flavors in every slice. Indulge in the satisfaction of baking and savoring this delicious delicacy.
The first time I made this Cranberry Orange Bread my kitchen was filled with an aroma that captivated me. The citrusy scent of oranges. The freshness of cranberries combined to create something extraordinary. That moment remains etched in my memory becoming a part of our family gatherings and morning meals.
My husband’s face lit up with delight as he took his first bite relishing the blend of flavors. Even my picky child, who usually avoids fruity treats couldn’t resist asking for more. This bread instantly became a family favorite symbolizing not just its taste but also the joy it brings into our home.
What makes this Cranberry Orange Bread truly special?
What makes our Cranberry Orange Bread truly special is its versatility. It effortlessly transitions from being a morning indulgence to a dessert fit for entertaining guests. The combination of cranberries and the refreshing citrusy hints of orange come together harmoniously resulting in a medley of flavors that tantalize your palate. With its moist texture and a subtle touch of sweetness, every slice captures the essence of deliciousness.
What You Need To Make This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe?
Orange: The vibrant orange in this recipe adds a burst of citrusy brightness. Make sure to choose a ripe orange with an aroma for the best zest and juice. If possible opt for organic oranges when using the zest as they are free from wax or chemicals.
Butter: It’s best to use unsalted butter to have control over the saltiness of your bread. Make sure it’s at room temperature so that it can easily blend with the sugar.
Sugar: Granulated sugar forms the foundation of our bread. It is recommended to use granulated sugar for even distribution but feel free to experiment with other sugars like brown sugar for interesting variations.
Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature ensures that they blend well into the batter resulting in a uniform texture in your bread.
Light Cream or Milk: The choice between light cream and milk depends on your preference for richness. Light cream will give your bread a mouthfeel while milk will add a lighter touch.
Flour: All-purpose flour acts as the canvas on which you create your bread masterpiece. Accurate measurement of flour is crucial, for accurate results. To ensure even distribution sift the tablespoon of flour used to dust the cranberries and prevent any lumps.
Baking Powder: This ingredient is responsible, for making the bread rise and giving it a texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results.
Salt: Adding a pinch of salt enhances the flavors in baked goods by balancing out the sweetness and tartness. It’s recommended to use high-quality salt.
Cranberries: The star of this recipe fresh cranberries bring their tartness. When incorporating them into the batter make sure they are well coated with flour to prevent sinking during baking. If using frozen cranberries, thaw them and pat dry before adding.
Glaze:
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar powdered sugar adds sweetness and smoothness to the glaze. Remember to sift it before mixing to avoid any lumps.
Milk: The component of the glazed milk provides the perfect consistency, for drizzling. Adjust the amount of milk according to your desired thickness.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Steps To Make Cranberry Orange Bread:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour an 8×4 inch loaf pan so the bread comes out easily after it’s baked.
Step 2: To capture the oils of the orange zest it first. Then squeeze it to gather 1 tablespoon of juice. Keep both the zest and juice aside; they will provide the essence of our bread.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl cream together granulated sugar and unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy. Add the eggs and light cream (or milk). Mix until everything is well incorporated. Add a tablespoon of the reserved orange juice to give a citrusy twist to the batter.
Step 4: In another bowl combine all-purpose flour baking powder, salt, and orange zest to create a fragrant dry mixture.
Step 5: Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients being careful not to overmix. This step marks the beginning of a fusion of flavors and textures in creating a batter that’s both tempting and satisfying.
Step 6: Set aside a couple of tablespoons of cranberries for the finishing touch. Toss the remaining cranberries in a tablespoon of flour so that they don’t sink to the bottom while baking. Carefully fold these flour-coated cranberries into the batter, for an even distribution of fruity goodness.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the loaf pan that you have prepared and sprinkle the cranberries that you set aside on top.
Step 8: Let it bake for around 50 to 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Once it’s perfectly baked allow the bread to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool
Step 9: To add a touch whisk together some sugar and milk until smooth creating a delicious glaze. Take a chopstick or any similar utensil. Make holes across the surface of the loaf. Drizzle the glaze, over the bread letting it seep inside and enhancing each bite with sweetness.
Tip:
To enhance the citrusy taste you may want to think about including a teaspoon of orange zest, to the glaze mixture. This gentle addition will elevate the glaze. Establish a connection between the zesty aroma within the bread and the sweet drizzle, on its surface. Even a small amount of zest can have an effect on taking bread to heights and turning it into an extraordinary treat that lingers on your taste buds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
While it’s recommended to use fresh cranberries for their taste and texture you can substitute with frozen cranberries. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Orange Bread actually gets better the day as the flavors blend together. You can store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I replace the orange zest with another citrus zest?
Certainly! While the orange zest adds a scent you can try using lemon or even lime zest for a twist, on the recipe.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature
- ½ cup light cream or milk
- 1 ½ cups flour + 1 tbsp. for dusting cranberries
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups cranberries
Glaze:
- 2 tbsp. powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp. milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Flour an 8x4 inch pan.
- Grate the orange peel. Squeeze out 1 tablespoon of juice. Keep them aside.
- Whisk together the sugar and butter until it becomes light and creamy. Then add the eggs and cream followed by stirring in 1 tablespoon of orange juice.
- In a bowl combine the flour baking powder, salt and grated orange peel.
- Gently incorporate the dry mixture into the butter mixture stirring until just combined.
- Set aside 2 tablespoons of cranberries. Toss the remaining cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. Fold them into the batter. Pour the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with the reserved cranberries on top.
- Bake for 50 55 minutes. Until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Once done allow the bread to cool on a rack.
- Prepare a glaze by mixing sugar with milk. Poke holes in the loaf using a toothpick or fork and drizzle the glaze over it. Let it cool completely before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
