Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of sunshine to your table, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Orange Cranberry Bread is one of my absolute favorites. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with a warm and inviting aroma and makes you feel like you’re celebrating the holidays every day. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family gathering, this bread is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up that it feels like a little hug in baked form!

The combination of zesty oranges and tart cranberries creates a balance that is simply divine. Each slice is moist, flavorful, and just sweet enough to brighten your day. You’ll be surprised how quickly this Easy Orange Cranberry Bread disappears when you share it with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This bread comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet-tart flavor combination, so it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week or serve it fresh for guests.
• Deliciously fragrant: The smell of oranges baking will have everyone asking what’s cooking in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this delightful Easy Orange Cranberry Bread. You probably have many of these items already in your pantry!

For the Bread

• 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 3 large oranges
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 Tablespoon orange juice (fresh)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped or halved)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are a few ideas to make this Easy Orange Cranberry Bread even more exciting:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Citrus mix: Experiment with lemon or lime zest alongside the orange for a zesty twist.
• Dried fruits: Substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or even raisins for a different texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavors during baking.

How to Make Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important because having the oven ready ensures that your bread bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Loaf Pan

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well. This step helps prevent sticking, making it easier to remove the bread once it’s done baking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agent evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, whisk together the orange zest, buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to your bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold them together until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Just before everything comes together, stir in those beautiful cranberries.

Step 6: Bake Your Bread

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in preheated oven for about an hour. You’ll know it’s ready when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your home with holiday cheer!

And there you have it! Enjoy every slice of your homemade Easy Orange Cranberry Bread!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

This delightful bread is easy to whip up, but a few tips can make it even more special!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and oranges will give your bread the brightest flavor. Dried cranberries can work in a pinch, but nothing beats the juicy burst of fresh fruit!

• Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. You want your bread to be light and fluffy, with just the right amount of rise.

• Zest with Care: Make sure you only zest the outer orange layer of the peel. The pith (the white part) can be bitter and detract from the sweet flavor you’re aiming for.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens vary! Start checking your bread around 50 minutes by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when done.

• Let it Cool: Cooling your bread in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack helps maintain its structure. This prevents it from breaking apart as you slice.

How to Serve Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

Serving this beautiful orange cranberry bread creates an inviting atmosphere perfect for any gathering or cozy family breakfast.

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting adds elegance and a touch of sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Orange Zest: Sprinkling some additional zest on top not only looks pretty but also intensifies that citrus aroma.

Side Dishes

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits complements the tangy flavors of the bread while providing a refreshing contrast.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries makes for a deliciously creamy side that pairs beautifully with the zesty notes of your bread.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea enhances the cozy feeling this bread brings. Choose something like chamomile or mint for a soothing experience.
• Cheese Plate: Soft cheeses like cream cheese or ricotta spread on warm slices add a savory contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries.

Enjoy sharing this Easy Orange Cranberry Bread with friends and family – it’s bound to become a holiday favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Orange Cranberry Bread is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week. Whether you’re making it ahead for a gathering or simply want to have some on hand for breakfast or snacks, storing it correctly ensures that it stays fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, slice the bread if desired.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped bread in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For individual slices, use a toaster or microwave until warmed through.
• For the whole loaf, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the bread, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Easy Orange Cranberry Bread without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute eggs with unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) or a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water for each egg).

What type of cranberries should I use for Easy Orange Cranberry Bread?

Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe. They provide a tart flavor that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the bread. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen ones; just ensure they are still partially frozen before adding them to your batter.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Easy Orange Cranberry Bread?

Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. You can also experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or lime for extra zing!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Easy Orange Cranberry Bread as much as I do! Its zesty aroma and sweet-tart flavor make it a special treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a gathering or simply indulging yourself, this recipe is sure to bring joy and warmth into your kitchen. Happy baking!