Orange Cranberry Bread

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Bright, bold, and bursting with flavor, this Orange Cranberry Bread is the perfect balance of sweet citrus and tart berries. Every bite offers a moist, tender crumb that’s dotted with juicy cranberries and kissed with fresh orange zest. It’s finished off with a simple orange glaze that adds just the right amount of zing and shine.

This quick bread is perfect for breakfast, a cozy afternoon treat, or even as a holiday gift. It’s one of those no-fail recipes you’ll turn to anytime you have fresh or frozen cranberries on hand. Whether it’s a brunch spread or a chilly afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The tartness of cranberries complements the sweet, citrusy orange perfectly.
• Easy to make: No mixer required! Just a few bowls and ingredients.
• Versatile: Serve it for breakfast, dessert, or even wrap it up for a homemade gift.
• Freezer-friendly: Make ahead and freeze for future cravings.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in this bread. Just toss them in straight from the freezer—no need to thaw. This helps prevent bleeding and keeps them evenly distributed throughout the loaf.

---

Ingredients for the Orange Cranberry Bread

All-purpose flour – The foundation of the loaf, giving it structure.

Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.

Baking powder – Helps the bread rise for a light, fluffy texture.

Salt – Enhances overall flavor.

Egg – Binds the ingredients and adds richness.

Whole milk – Adds moisture to the bread, helping it stay tender.

Vegetable oil – Keeps the bread soft and moist.

Orange juice – Infuses the loaf with citrusy brightness.

Orange zest – Provides concentrated orange flavor.

Vanilla extract – Adds a touch of warmth and depth.

Fresh or frozen cranberries – The stars of the show, bringing tart pops of flavor.

Powdered sugar (for glaze) – Creates a smooth, sweet finishing touch.

Extra orange juice (for glaze) – Thins the glaze and adds even more citrus punch.

---

How To Make the Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add the Cranberries

Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons orange juice to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the loaf and let set.

---

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

This bread is ideal for cozy mornings or afternoon tea. Serve it warm or room temperature with a smear of butter or cream cheese. This recipe yields 1 loaf, serving 8 to 10 slices comfortably.

---

Best Way to Store This Bread

Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and enjoy!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, though the result will be sweeter and less tart. Rehydrate them in warm water or orange juice before using.

2. How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?
Toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter. This helps suspend them more evenly.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just bake the loaves side-by-side and rotate the pans halfway through.

4. Is this bread overly sweet?
Not at all. The glaze adds a little extra sweetness, but the loaf itself is balanced perfectly.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.

---

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If this Orange Cranberry Bread got you in the mood for more, check out these other crave-worthy quick breads:

• Pumpkin Bread that tastes like fall in every bite.
• Cream Cheese Cranberry Loaf for a richer spin.
• Lemon Zucchini Bread with a hint of veggie goodness.
• Apple Bars that double as dessert or snack.
• Cinnamon Apple Bread full of warm spices and comfort.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the glaze? Try a citrus twist? I love seeing your photos and swaps. Let’s inspire each other in the kitchen!

Explore more daily recipes on my Pinterest: Life With Livia

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?