Experience the bright and festive Cranberry Orange Bread, a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the citrusy zing of orange. This bread is perfect for holiday mornings, as a sweet snack, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. The addition of crunchy walnuts offers a nice texture contrast to the moist, flavorful loaf.
Ideal for baking enthusiasts and those who love combining fruit flavors, this recipe is straightforward yet yields impressive results. Ready to bake a loaf that bursts with flavor and brings cheer to any table? Let’s get started!
Fresh, Fruity, and Festive: A Perfect Holiday Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread is more than just a simple loaf; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors that are sure to evoke the spirit of the holidays or brighten any ordinary day.
Here’s how to ensure your bread is perfectly moist, bursting with fruit, and irresistibly aromatic, making it a hit for any occasion.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread:
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries for a burst of tartness and bright color in every slice.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Maximize the citrus flavor by using both the zest and the juice of the orange.
- Gentle Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to prevent overworking the batter, which can make the bread tough.
- Fold Carefully: Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts to evenly distribute them without crushing the fruit.
- Proper Baking: Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean but be careful not to overbake, as this can dry out the bread.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe:
- Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50-60 minutes
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Equipment: 9×5 inch loaf pan
This bread is a wonderful way to enjoy the festive flavors of cranberry and orange in a homemade treat that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange zest, orange juice, buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Ready to Enjoy!
Serve your Cranberry Orange Bread as a delightful breakfast, a sweet snack, or a dessert. This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon breaks. Enjoy the festive flavors and the compliments it brings!
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Cranberry Orange Bread
This bread is a wonderful way to enjoy the festive flavors of cranberry and orange in a homemade treat that’s both comforting and refreshing.
- Total Time: 46 minute
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 orange, zest and juice
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange zest, orange juice, buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring just until moistened. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
