Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges. It’s an exceptional choice for breakfast, dessert, or as a delightful snack with tea or coffee. The moist texture and sweet orange glaze elevate it to an impressive dish for any gathering or celebration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange creates a mouth-watering taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, toasted, or even as a base for a tasty bread pudding.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields ten servings, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and family events.
• Easy to Customize: Add nuts or spices to suit your preferences and make this bread your own.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious Cranberry Orange Bread, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Loaf pan
• Rubber spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space to combine your ingredients without spills.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are key for the perfect texture and flavor in your bread.
• Loaf pan: A good quality loaf pan ensures even cooking and helps shape the bread well.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly moist, deliciously dense, loaded with orange flavor and juicy cranberries, and finished with a sweet orange glaze. Just 15 minutes to prep!

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup canola oil (or other neutral-tasting oil)
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the bread bakes evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
2. Whisk together until fully mixed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Whisk together buttermilk, canola oil, orange juice, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2. Gently fold until just combined; do not overmix.
3. Carefully fold in fresh cranberries.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
2. Bake in preheated oven for 60-75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While baking:
1. In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
2. Adjust consistency by adding more juice if necessary.

Step 7: Cool and Glaze

Once baked:
1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
2. Drizzle with sweet orange glaze while still warm for maximum absorption.

Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Bread!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it as a breakfast option or a dessert, its sweet and tart flavors make it versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

For Breakfast

• Toasted with Butter: Serve warm slices spread with a pat of butter for a comforting start to your day.
• With Cream Cheese: Spread cream cheese on top for a creamy contrast to the sweet bread.

As a Snack

• With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy slices alongside your favorite hot beverage for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with seasonal fruit like berries or sliced apples for a refreshing snack.

As Dessert

• Drizzled with Glaze: Enhance the sweetness by drizzling more orange glaze over each slice before serving.
• With Ice Cream: Serve warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert option.

How to Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

Creating the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread takes a few key steps. Follow these tips to ensure your bread turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of the bread.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Proper measurement helps maintain the right balance of flavors and ensures the correct texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so be gentle!
• Let It Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing. This helps set its structure and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread pairs wonderfully with several side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Greek Yogurt: The tangy creaminess of Greek yogurt adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the bread.
2. Chia Seed Pudding: Light and nutritious, this pudding can be flavored with vanilla or almond milk for added taste.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits balances out the richness of the bread, making for a refreshing side.
4. Granola Parfait: Layer granola and yogurt for a crunchy, creamy side that adds texture to your meal.
5. Nut Butter Toasts: Spread almond or peanut butter on whole-grain toast as a hearty side that complements the sweet flavors.
6. Smoothie Bowl: A smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds can provide a healthy balance to your sweet bread indulgence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cranberry Orange Bread is simple, but a few common mistakes can impact your results.

• Boldly skip the zest: Not using orange zest reduces the bread’s flavor. Always add fresh zest for brightness.
• Boldly overlook baking powder: Forgetting this crucial ingredient can lead to denser bread. Ensure you measure accurately.
• Boldly ignore proper mixing: Over-mixing can toughen the bread. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Boldly use stale ingredients: Using old baking powder or expired cranberries affects freshness. Check your pantry before baking.
• Boldly neglect cooling time: Cutting into the bread too soon may result in a gummy texture. Allow it to cool completely before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Alternatively, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for added freshness.

Freezing Cranberry Orange Bread

• Freeze the bread by wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It lasts up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice before freezing so you can easily take out portions as needed.

Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid and warming each slice for about 2-3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Cranberry Orange Bread.

Can I use frozen cranberries in my Cranberry Orange Bread?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture.

How do I know when my Cranberry Orange Bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with only a few crumbs attached.

Can I customize my Cranberry Orange Bread recipe?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or other fruits like blueberries for variety.

What should I serve with Cranberry Orange Bread?

This bread pairs well with cream cheese or butter spread. Enjoy it as breakfast or dessert!

Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines vibrant flavors and moist texture, making it perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins too! Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress!