There's nothing like the aroma of freshly baked Orange Cranberry Bread filling your kitchen. The tangy sweetness of orange zest paired with the tartness of cranberries creates a delightful harmony that’s perfect for any season. Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee or as a midday snack, this bread is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

I first made this recipe on a chilly winter afternoon, looking for a way to use up a bag of cranberries left from holiday baking. Little did I know, it would become a family favorite, requested year-round! Let’s dive into what makes this bread so special.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible Orange Cranberry Bread. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds – it’s also a breeze to make and packed with flavor!

First off, this recipe is incredibly quick and easy. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques, making it perfect even for beginner bakers. In just under an hour, you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to enjoy.

The combination of zesty oranges and tart cranberries creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s a refreshing twist on traditional sweet bread recipes, making it a versatile option for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option. This bread freezes beautifully, so you can bake a couple of loaves and enjoy them whenever the craving strikes.

Lastly, this recipe is incredibly customizable. Whether you prefer to add a glaze, sprinkle in nuts, or swap out ingredients for a healthier twist, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Orange Cranberry Bread lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one contributes to the bread’s unique flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is as delicious as the last.

Fresh Cranberries: These jewels add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the bread. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones work just as well – no need to thaw them before use.
Orange Zest and Juice: The zest is key to infusing the bread with that signature citrusy aroma, while the juice adds moisture and enhances the tangy flavor. Make sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of the bread, creating a tender crumb. For a slightly heartier loaf, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour.
Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness. If you’d like a slightly healthier version, try swapping it for coconut sugar or reducing the amount by ¼ cup.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: These ingredients add moisture and richness, ensuring the bread doesn’t dry out. If you’re dairy-free, plain non-dairy yogurt works beautifully.

Special Equipment: A loaf pan and a zester are all you need. A hand or stand mixer is optional but helpful for combining the ingredients smoothly.

How To Make This Orange Cranberry Bread

Making this Orange Cranberry Bread is as simple as mix, bake, and enjoy! Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your loaf turns out perfectly every time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients – flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This ensures even distribution and avoids clumps in the batter.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the orange zest and juice.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the Greek yogurt or sour cream. Mix until just combined – overmixing can make the bread dense.

Gently fold in the cranberries. For an extra flavor boost, toss them in a bit of flour beforehand; this prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Storage Options

Storing this Orange Cranberry Bread is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or gifting.

Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on the counter.
Refrigeration: If you want to extend its shelf life, refrigerate the bread. Properly wrapped, it can last up to a week without losing its moist texture.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the bread. Slice it first, then wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can defrost only what you need.

To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some fun ways to make it your own:

Add a Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice to create a drizzle for a sweeter finish.
Incorporate Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Swap the Sweetener: Try using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a natural sweetness.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Turn it into Muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for individual servings.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe uniquely yours – it’s hard to go wrong with such a versatile base!

This Orange Cranberry Bread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Whether you’re baking it for your family, gifting it to friends, or simply treating yourself, it’s a recipe that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Enjoy!