Looking for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy in a cozy homemade treat? This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is packed with citrusy orange zest, juicy cranberries, and a soft, moist texture that’s irresistible. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this loaf is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This creates a uniform base for your bread.
3. Blend the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
5. Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts
Carefully fold in the cranberries and walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve and enjoy the sweet-tangy goodness!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread
- Fresh is best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
- Frozen cranberries work too: No need to thaw; just toss them in!
- Avoid overmixing: Stirring too much can lead to a dense texture.
- Add a glaze: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze for extra sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The bright orange zest and tart cranberries create the perfect flavor combination.
- Simple and Quick: With minimal prep time, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for holidays, brunch, or as a cozy snack with tea or coffee.
Recipe Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: 250 kcal per slice
- Servings: 10 slices