Cranberry Orange Loaf: 1 Easy, Delicious Quick Bread

Introduction to the Irresistible Cranberry Orange Loaf

There’s nothing quite like the smell of a freshly baked quick bread wafting through the kitchen, is there? For me, it’s pure magic. Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my all-time favorite recipes: the irresistible cranberry orange loaf. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that truly brightens any day.

This cranberry orange loaf perfectly marries the tangy burst of cranberries with the sunny, zesty notes of fresh orange. Every bite is a little celebration! The tender crumb of this homemade bread makes it incredibly comforting and utterly delicious. It’s truly a special treat that feels both fancy and down-to-earth.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast, a lovely afternoon snack with your coffee, or a simple yet elegant dessert, this easy cranberry orange loaf recipe fits the bill. It’s a wonderful way to gather loved ones around the table, sharing warm slices and creating sweet memories. Baking this quick bread is not just about the ingredients; it’s about the joy it spreads.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Amazing Cranberry Orange Loaf

Before we dive into baking this delightful cranberry orange loaf, let’s gather all our ingredients. Having everything ready makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable! This list ensures you have the right measurements for a perfect quick bread, crowned with a vibrant orange glaze.

Ingredients

• Cranberries
  • 1½ cups cranberries fresh or frozen, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• Quick Bread
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¼ cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup butter unsalted and melted
• Orange Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tablespoon orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest

Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Loaf

Now for the fun part – let’s get baking! Following these steps will help you create a beautiful and incredibly flavorful cranberry orange loaf. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each stage, from mixing up the batter to drizzling that lovely orange glaze. Let’s make some magic in your kitchen!

Make The Cranberry Orange Bread

1. Get Ready to Bake: First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Then, grab your 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This prepares your pan for the delicious cranberry orange loaf, ensuring it comes out easily.
2. Cranberry Prep: In a small bowl, sprinkle one teaspoon of all-purpose flour over your roughly chopped cranberries. Gently toss them to coat. This little trick is a chef’s secret! It helps prevent those juicy cranberries from sinking to the bottom of your cranberry orange loaf while it b bakes. If you’re using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them—just use them as they are!
3. Dry Mix Magic: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Give them a good whisk until all the dry ingredients are perfectly blended.
4. Wet Mix Wonders: Grab a separate medium-sized bowl. Here, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and ¼ cup melted unsalted butter. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined and looks ready to mingle with our dry mix.
5. Combine and Conquer: Pour your wet ingredients right into the dry ingredients. Now, with a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed, mix gently until they are just combined. The key is not to overmix! Stop as soon as those large lumps of flour disappear. Overmixing can make your cranberry orange loaf tough, and we want it wonderfully tender.
6. Fold in the Berries: It’s time to add the stars of the show! Gently fold those floured cranberries into your batter using a spatula. Be careful not to mash them; you just want to distribute them evenly throughout the quick bread batter.
7. Pan It Up & Bake: Spoon the mixed batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Carefully transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake your cranberry orange loaf for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Since each oven is a bit different, be sure to check as it bakes!
8. Test for Doneness: To check if your cranberry orange loaf is perfectly baked, simply insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready! If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes and test again.
9. Cool Down: Once baked to golden perfection, remove the loaf pan from the oven. Let your beautiful cranberry orange loaf cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This important step helps the bread set properly and keeps it from crumbling when sliced.

Make The Orange Glaze

10. Glaze Perfection: While your loaf cools, let’s make that bright glaze! In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons orange juice, and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Whisk everything together until it’s super smooth. Start with one tablespoon of orange juice and add more, just a little at a time, until your glaze reaches a nice pourable consistency. It should be thick enough to coat, but not too runny for your cranberry orange loaf.

Finally

11. Drizzle and Serve: Once your cranberry orange loaf is completely cool, take that glorious orange glaze and generously drizzle it all over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice into your homemade delight. It’s time to enjoy your amazing cranberry orange loaf!

Chef’s Secrets for a Perfect Cranberry Orange Loaf

Making a truly amazing cranberry orange loaf isn’t hard, but a few chef’s secrets can make all the difference! First, never overmix your batter. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together only until the flour streaks are gone. Overmixing develops too much gluten, leading to a tough, dense quick bread instead of a tender cranberry orange loaf.

For that beautiful, even distribution of cranberries throughout your cranberry orange loaf, don’t skip tossing them in flour. This simple step stops them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated; a consistent temperature helps your loaf achieve a perfect rise and golden-brown crust. If you love quick breads, exploring other seasonal flavors like a delightful pumpkin cranberry bread can also be a wonderful baking adventure.

Want an extra tender crumb? You can swap the milk for buttermilk. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with the baking soda, making your cranberry orange loaf even softer. If you’re out of butter, a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil can be used, though it will give a slightly different texture to your delightful cranberry orange loaf.

Delightful Cranberry Orange Loaf Variations

While our classic cranberry orange loaf is truly wonderful on its own, don’t be afraid to get creative! This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Think of it as your canvas for baking experiments.

For an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, try adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the cranberries. These nuts complement the citrus and berry flavors beautifully in your cranberry orange loaf. If you have a sweet tooth, ½ cup of white chocolate chips folded into the batter creates a heavenly combination with the tart cranberries and zesty orange. For those looking to experiment with different flour bases, you might find inspiration in an almond flour cranberry orange bread for a unique texture.

You can also play with other citrus flavors. Instead of just orange, consider using lemon zest and juice for a bright lemon cranberry loaf. Or, for a more aromatic twist, a bit of cinnamon or cardamom mixed into the dry ingredients can add a wonderful warmth to your cranberry orange loaf. Feel free to make this recipe truly your own!

A Slice of Memory: My Cranberry Orange Loaf Story

You know, some recipes just stick with you, becoming more than just instructions; they become memories. For me, the cranberry orange loaf is one of those special treats. It takes me straight back to my grandmother’s kitchen, especially during the holidays. She was the one who first showed me how simple ingredients could create something truly magical.

I remember standing on a stool, barely tall enough to see over the counter, watching her zest oranges. The bright, fragrant scent filled the air, mixing with the warmth of the oven. She always made a cranberry orange loaf, not just for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but whenever she knew company was coming. It was her signature welcome.

Her cranberry orange loaf wasn’t just food; it was a symbol of her love and hospitality. Every slice held that perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a tender texture that just melted in your mouth. Now, whenever I bake this loaf, I feel her presence in the kitchen. It’s a wonderful reminder of those cherished moments, and it’s why sharing this cranberry orange loaf recipe with you feels so special. It’s more than just a quick bread; it’s a piece of my heart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cranberry Orange Loaf

It’s natural to have questions when you’re baking something new, or even a cherished classic like our cranberry orange loaf. Here are some of the most common questions I get about this delightful quick bread. I hope these answers help you bake your best cranberry orange loaf ever!

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Cranberry Orange Loaf

You’ve done it! You’ve baked a truly wonderful cranberry orange loaf, filling your home with its incredible aroma. Take a moment to appreciate the delicious creation you’ve made with your own hands. There’s such a simple joy in home baking, and this quick bread is a perfect example of that.

Now for the best part: enjoying your cranberry orange loaf! It’s absolutely perfect with a hot cup of coffee or a comforting mug of tea. For an extra special treat, warm a slice slightly and add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. However you choose to enjoy it, this delightful cranberry orange loaf is sure to bring smiles. Happy baking and happy eating!

Cranberry Orange Loaf

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• Author: Lana
• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 minutes – 1 hrs 20 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings

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Description

This irresistible cranberry orange loaf blends tart cranberries with zesty orange for a tender, flavorful quick bread. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1½ cups cranberries fresh or frozen, roughly chopped
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup butter unsalted and melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray an 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a small bowl, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of all-purpose flour over your roughly chopped cranberries and gently toss to coat.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1½ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk them together until they are well combined.

4. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, ¼ cup milk, ¼ cup fresh orange juice, 1 tablespoon orange zest, and ¼ cup melted unsalted butter.

5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a whisk or a hand mixer on low speed, mix gently until they are just combined. Stop as soon as those large lumps of flour disappear.

6. Gently fold the floured cranberries into the batter using a spatula.

7. Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan. Carefully transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

8. To check if your cranberry orange loaf is perfectly baked, simply insert a clean toothpick into the very center of the bread. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready! If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes and test again.

9. Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.

10. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tablespoons orange juice, and 1 tablespoon orange zest. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well incorporated. Start with one tablespoon of orange juice and add more drop by drop until you reach your desired consistency.

11. Once your cranberry orange loaf has cooled completely, generously drizzle the homemade orange glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then slice and serve this delightful treat!

Notes

Never overmix the batter to keep the bread tender. Tossing cranberries in flour prevents them from sinking. Ensure the oven is fully preheated for a good rise. For an extra tender crumb, you can swap milk for buttermilk. Neutral oil can be used in place of butter for a different texture. Variations include adding ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans, ½ cup white chocolate chips, using lemon zest/juice for a lemon cranberry loaf, or adding cinnamon or cardamom. Store fresh loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. The loaf freezes well for 2-3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American