Cranberry Orange Bread: A Sweet Embrace of Citrus and Berry
There’s something utterly delightful about the aroma of Cranberry Orange Bread wafting through your home—a sweet embrace of citrus mingling with the tartness of cranberries. This recipe marries the zing of fresh oranges with the burst of juicy cranberries, evoking cozy memories of festive gatherings and warm afternoons. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick breakfast treat, a delightful afternoon snack, or a charming dish to share at a potluck, this bread is your answer. It’s fast, easy, and absolutely kid-friendly, making it a go-to for any home baker. Let’s dive into why this luscious bread is worth making.
Is there anything more satisfying than freshly baked bread filled with bold flavors?
Picture this: You pull a golden loaf from the oven, its surface glistening with a sweet orange glaze. The moment you slice into it, you’re greeted with the vibrant contrast of orangey-yellow and ruby-red cranberries. As the first bite melts in your mouth, the sweetness dances with a hint of tartness, calling to your taste buds with every nibble. Can you resist the urge to indulge in a warm slice right away, perhaps with a light spread of butter?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Bread offers numerous benefits that make it a must-try:
- Easy Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, you can create this delicious bread in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its unique flavor profile appeals to everyone, from kids to adults.
- Minimal Ingredients: You might have most of these staples in your pantry already.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it fits right in.
- Versatility: It’s delightful served plain, alongside coffee, or even toasted!
Ingredients
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Softened butter: Creamy and rich, providing a tender crumb to your bread.
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Granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the zestiness of the oranges and the tartness of the cranberries.
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Orange juice: The bright essence of the fruit adds depth and moisture.
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Orange peel (zest): For an aromatic punch that wakes up your palate with every bite.
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Eggs at room temperature: They help in achieving a velvety texture.
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Half-n-half: A luxurious addition that enhances the bread’s richness.
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Vanilla extract: A subtle depth of flavor that marries the various components beautifully.
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All-purpose flour: The foundation of your bread, creating the perfect structure.
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Baking powder: For that lift, making your bread light and airy.
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Fresh or frozen cranberries: Bursting with flavor, lending your bread a gorgeous color.
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Confectioners’ sugar: To create a dreamy glaze that enhances the presentation and sweetness.
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Milk: For the glaze, ensuring that your finished product looks as good as it tastes!
Timing
Want something fast and indulgent? Look no further! This Cranberry Orange Bread takes minimal time from prep to baking. However, if you’re in a slow and luxurious mood, you can savor the process as you take in the scents that fill your kitchen, crafting a loaf that’s truly a labor of love.
Step-by-Step Instruction
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Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper to ensure a flawless release post-baking.
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In a bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a wonderful airy base.
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Mix in the orange zest, eggs, and half-n-half, allowing the fresh aroma to envelop your senses.
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Gently add the flour and baking powder to the mixture, keeping it delicate to avoid a dense loaf.
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Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
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Layer some tart cranberries on top of the batter, their bright colors peek through the loaf.
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Repeat layering with the remaining batter and cranberries, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
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Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about an hour or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
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Let the bread cool completely in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack.
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Drizzle your warm loaf with a luscious orange glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange juice.
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Store your masterpiece wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
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For longer preservation, freeze individual slices up to two months for indulgent treats later on.
Nutritional Information
A single slice of Cranberry Orange Bread typically contains around 200-250 calories. It’s important to note that while this bread is a sweet indulgence, enjoying a slice every now and then can be a delightful way to embrace life’s special moments—especially with the wholesome ingredients it offers.
Healthier Alternatives
Looking to tweak this delicious recipe? Here are some healthier alternatives:
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Use a low-sugar substitute for granulated sugar to keep sweetness without the extra calories.
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Swap out half-n-half for almond milk or coconut milk to achieve a dairy-free version.
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Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
Serving Suggestions
Imagine this: a warm slice of Cranberry Orange Bread, toasted just right, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—a heavenly dessert option! Alternatively, serve it at brunch with fresh fruit or alongside your morning coffee. It makes a delightful offering during holiday festivities too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overbaking: Keep a watchful eye to prevent a dry loaf; a toothpick should come out clean but not dry.
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Mismatched Texture: Be careful not to overmix when blending in the dry ingredients to maintain a tender crumb.
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Messy Releases: Always line your loaf pan; otherwise, you might find yourself wrestling with sticking bread!
Storing Tips
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Freezing Portions: Slice your bread before freezing so you can grab a single piece whenever the craving strikes.
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Reheating Instructions: Pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or toast for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience.
Tempted to Bake It ASAP?
With every bite, Cranberry Orange Bread delivers a taste of nostalgia, a hint of sweetness, and a splash of zest. Its vibrant colors and flavors make it a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. So, why not put on your apron and bring this delicious loaf to life in your kitchen? Trust us, your future self will thank you!
FAQs
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Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but you should soak them in warm water or juice to plump them up before use. -
How can I make it gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. -
Can I reduce the sugar in this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust sugar levels to suit your taste buds. -
How do I know if the bread is done?
Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. -
What can I substitute for half-n-half?
For a lighter option, consider using almond milk or oat milk as a one-to-one replacement.
Cranberry Orange Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of sweet oranges and tart cranberries in a tender bread, perfect for breakfast or snacks.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange peel (zest)
- 2 eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 cup half-n-half
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the orange zest, eggs, and half-n-half.
- Gently add the flour and baking powder to the mixture.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan.
- Layer some cranberries on top of the batter.
- Repeat layering with the remaining batter and cranberries.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 60 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let the bread cool completely before transferring to a cooling rack.
- Drizzle with a glaze made from confectioners’ sugar, milk, and orange juice.
- Store wrapped at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for a week.
Notes
For variations, use almond milk for a dairy-free option or whole wheat flour for added fiber. Freeze individual slices for longer preservation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 225
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
