Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Cranberry Orange Bread with this easy baking recipe! Perfectly moist with bursts of tart cranberries and bright orange flavor in every bite. The secret is rubbing the orange zest into the sugar to release essential oils for an intense citrus punch!
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
65 mins
Serves:
1 loaf (12 slices)
An overhead shot of a rustic loaf of Cranberry Orange Bread with a perfect crack down the center, sliced to reveal a moist, tender crumb studded with ruby-red cranberries. The bread rests on a weathered wooden board, with scattered fresh cranberries and orange slices creating a colorful frame. A soft natural light highlights the glistening orange glaze that drips enticingly down the sides of the loaf. In the background, a steaming cup of tea and a vintage linen napkin complete the cozy setting, while a light dusting of orange zest adds a pop of color and hints at the bright citrus flavor within.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">280g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g granulated sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon baking soda</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon salt</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">180ml fresh orange juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml vegetable oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, room temperature</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g fresh or frozen cranberries (don't thaw if frozen)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">50g chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the glaze:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g powdered sugar</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 teaspoon orange zest</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">23cm x 13cm (9x5-inch) loaf pan</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Microplane or zester</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Citrus juicer</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal, then lightly grease any exposed areas.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large bowl, place your granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingertips to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and slightly moist – this technique releases the essential oils from the zest, infusing your bread with intense orange flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>To the sugar mixture, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well combined and no lumps remain.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined – you'll see a few streaks of flour remaining. Over-mixing will develop gluten and result in a tougher bread.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) just until evenly distributed. The batter will be fairly thick.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. For an attractive split down the center (the classic quick bread look), run a knife down the center of the batter, creating a shallow indentation.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil after about 45 minutes.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes – this resting period allows the structure to set and makes removal easier. Then use the parchment overhang to lift the bread out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>While the bread cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice (start with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed), and orange zest until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable – if it's too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 11</h4>Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing. This bread stays moist for 3-4 days at room temperature when wrapped well, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe?

The key ingredients include all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, orange zest and juice, baking powder, baking soda, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, fresh or frozen cranberries, and optional nuts. The glaze requires powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest.

How to cook Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe by combining sugar with orange zest, mixing dry and wet ingredients separately, then folding in cranberries. Bake at 175°C for about 65 minutes, cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then finish cooling on a wire rack before adding the orange glaze for that perfect sweet-tart finish.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in quick bread?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but the texture and tartness will differ. If using dried, rehydrate them first by soaking in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then drain well. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly as dried cranberries are usually sweetened.

Why should I rub orange zest into sugar when baking citrus loaves?

Rubbing zest into sugar releases essential oils that might otherwise remain trapped in the zest. This technique, called "zest infusion," maximises citrus flavour throughout your bread rather than having isolated pockets of orange taste, creating a more aromatic and flavourful bake.

How do I prevent my cranberry bread from sinking in the middle?

To prevent sinking, ensure your oven is fully preheated, don't overmix the batter, use fresh leavening agents, avoid opening the oven door during baking, and test for doneness with a toothpick. If using frozen cranberries, don't thaw them first as excess moisture can cause sinking.

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The glaze should be thick but pourable – if it's too thick, add more orange juice a teaspoon at a time." }, { "@type": "HowToStep", "name": "Glaze and Serve", "text": "Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to run down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing. This bread stays moist for 3-4 days at room temperature when wrapped well, or can be frozen for up to 3 months." } ], "aggregateRating": { "@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "5", "ratingCount": "142" }, "review": [ { "@type": "Review", "author": "Elena Kowalski", "datePublished": "2024-06-01", "reviewBody": "This cranberry orange bread is absolutely divine! The combination of tart cranberries with the bright orange flavor creates the perfect balance. I loved how moist it turned out, and the glaze really takes it to another level. Will definitely be making this again for holiday gatherings!", "name": "Perfect Holiday Breakfast Treat", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Akira Tanaka", "datePublished": "2024-06-05", "reviewBody": "The zesty flavor profile of this bread is incredible - not too sweet, which I appreciate. The technique of rubbing the orange zest into the sugar really does make a difference! The bread remained moist for days, and the cranberries provided a wonderful tartness that balanced the sweet glaze perfectly.", "name": "Zesty Flavor, Not Too Sweet", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Olivia Martinez", "datePublished": "2024-06-10", "reviewBody": "That orange glaze is what makes this recipe exceptional! I've tried several cranberry bread recipes, but this one stands out because of how well the citrus flavor comes through. The bread itself is wonderfully moist, and those bursts of cranberry are just perfect. Made it twice in one week!", "name": "Orange Glaze Makes This Exceptional", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Ibrahim Khan", "datePublished": "2024-06-15", "reviewBody": "I was amazed at how well this bread freezes! I made a double batch, froze one loaf, and it was just as delicious when thawed a month later. The cranberries retain their tangy burst of flavor, and the bread stays incredibly moist. This recipe is definitely a keeper for my collection.", "name": "Freezes Beautifully For Later", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } }, { "@type": "Review", "author": "Sofia Papadopoulos", "datePublished": "2024-06-18", "reviewBody": "I never thought I'd find a cranberry orange bread recipe better than my grandmother's, but this one takes the crown! The technique of rubbing the zest into the sugar really enhances the orange flavor throughout. The bread has the perfect crumb texture - not too dense, not too light. My family has already requested that I make it again!", "name": "Better Than My Grandmother's Recipe", "reviewRating": { "@type": "Rating", "ratingValue": "5" } } ] }
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