Orange Cranberry Bread

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Why Make This Recipe

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright flavor of oranges with the tartness of cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert, this loaf bread is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. The wonderful combination of flavors makes this bread an excellent choice for holiday gatherings, family brunches, or just when you’re craving something sweet at home.

This recipe provides a simple and foolproof method to create a fresh, moist loaf that is bursting with zestiness. As you bake this bread, your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting aroma of oranges, making it hard to resist sneaking a slice even before it has cooled down. This dish also offers a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal cranberries into your baking, bringing a pop of color and flavor to your table.

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is straightforward, thanks to its simple ingredients and clear directions. This recipe will allow you to whip up a gorgeous loaf without a lot of fuss. Here’s how you can do it at home:

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan so that your bread will come out easily after baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until it is well mixed and there are no lumps.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and grated orange zest together until everything is well blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough.
Add Cranberries: Fold in the cranberries gently, distributing them throughout the batter without breaking them apart.
Pour into Loaf Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the 2 tablespoons of orange juice until it is smooth.
Glaze and Serve: Once the bread is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Slice your bread and serve it as you’d like.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

Serving Orange Cranberry Bread is as easy as slicing it up and placing it on a beautiful platter. You can enjoy it neat or with a variety of spreads. Here are some ideas on how to serve this tasty loaf:

With Butter: A pat of butter on a warm slice can elevate the flavors even more, adding richness to the sweet and zesty bread.
With Cream Cheese: For a tangy twist, spread a layer of cream cheese over a slice. This adds a smooth texture and complements the orange flavor beautifully.
With Jam: Experiment with different fruit jams, such as apricot or raspberry, to enhance the fruitiness of the bread.
As a Breakfast Item: Serve the bread as part of a breakfast spread alongside coffee or tea, making it a perfect start to the day.
For Dessert: It can be served as a light dessert option with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

How to Store Orange Cranberry Bread

Storing your Orange Cranberry Bread properly will ensure that it remains fresh and tasty for longer. Here are some tips on how to best store it:

Room Temperature: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it soft and prevents it from drying out.
Refrigerate: If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate the bread. Just make sure to wrap it well so it doesn’t absorb other flavors in the fridge. It will stay fresh for about a week.
Freezing: Orange Cranberry Bread freezes well. To freeze, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven.

Tips to Make Orange Cranberry Bread

Here are some helpful tips to ensure that your Orange Cranberry Bread turns out perfectly every time:

Use Fresh Cranberries: If possible, use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture. However, if you are using frozen ones, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, which you want to avoid.
Check for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes of baking. The toothpick test is a reliable method to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and any other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and to ensure even baking.
Zest Fresh Oranges: For the best flavor, zest fresh oranges instead of using pre-packaged zest. This gives your bread a more vibrant orange flavor.

Variation

While the classic Orange Cranberry Bread is delicious on its own, you can try these variations to add a twist to the recipe:

Nutty Addition: Incorporate nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the orange and cranberry.
Dried Fruits: Instead of cranberries, you can use other dried fruits like raisins or chopped dates for a different taste.
Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor that complements the citrus notes.
Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter version, fold in some chocolate chips to create a chocolate-orange combination that is sure to please those with a sweet tooth.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries instead of fresh. However, dried cranberries will make the bread sweeter and change the texture slightly. You may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe if you are using dried cranberries.

2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure the blend you use has a binding agent to help the bread rise properly.

3. Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Yes, you can get creative with the glaze! You may add a bit of vanilla extract or even swap orange juice for lemon juice to change the flavor profile.

4. How can I tell when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, give it more time in the oven.

5. Do I need to let the bread cool before glazing?

It’s best to let the bread cool completely before glazing. This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from melting into the bread.

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is a simple yet rewarding baking project that everyone will love. Whether for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home! So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy every bite of this zesty, fruity delight. Happy baking!