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Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist, tender quick bread that perfectly captures the essence of fall with tart fresh cranberries and bright orange zest and juice. This flavorful loaf balances sweetness and citrusy tang, making it an ideal snack or gift to warm up any autumn day.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter or oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare your ingredients and preheat the oven: Gather and measure all ingredients, zest and juice the orange, and rinse fresh cranberries. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures your leavening is evenly distributed to help the bread rise properly.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with melted butter or oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
  4. Fold wet and dry mixtures: Gently mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until combined, taking care not to overmix, which can lead to a tough bread. The batter should be thick but slightly lumpy.
  5. Add cranberries: Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully so they’re evenly spread throughout the batter without breaking, preserving their shape and color.
  6. Bake the bread: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture compared to dried or frozen varieties.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to keep your bread tender; fold ingredients gently and stop when just combined.
  • Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for smoother mixing.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center; it should come out clean.
  • Let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart and to improve flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bread, orange bread, quick bread, fall recipe, seasonal baking, cranberry orange loaf, autumn snack