Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Moist and flavorful, it’s easy to make and sure to brighten your day with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
• 8 ounces canned whole cranberries in sauce
• 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a bread loaf pan to prepare it for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients: beaten eggs, canned cranberries with sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil. Mix well to fully incorporate.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: For muffins, fill greased muffin tins about 2/3 full with batter and bake for 20 to 23 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• Swap canned cranberries with fresh or frozen ones if available, adjusting the liquid slightly.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use orange zest generously for a brighter citrus aroma.
• Applesauce can be replaced with Greek yogurt for a richer texture.

Storage

Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat slices gently in a toaster or oven.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes, fresh cranberries can be used but they are more tart and less sweet than canned. You might want to increase the sugar slightly to balance the tartness, and consider adding a bit more orange juice for moisture.

Is it necessary to include the almond extract?

Almond extract adds a subtle, complementary flavor to the bread, but you can omit it if you prefer or if you have allergies. The bread will still be delicious with just the orange and cranberry flavors.

Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 104 reviews

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining the tartness of whole cranberries with fresh orange zest and juice. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and a hint of almond extract, this quick bread makes a delightful snack or breakfast treat that is easy to prepare and perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet and tangy treat.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) or 12 muffins 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
• 8 oz canned whole cranberries in sauce
• 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a bread loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this bowl aside.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the slightly beaten eggs, canned cranberries in sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and vegetable oil until well blended.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold and mix just until all ingredients are incorporated without overmixing to keep the bread light and tender.
5. Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
6. Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Optional Muffin Variation: For muffins, spoon the batter into greased muffin tins filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh cranberries for canned, but make sure to blend them into a sauce or finely chop to distribute evenly.
• Applesauce acts as a natural fat replacer and keeps the bread moist while reducing calories.
• Adjust sugar quantity based on your preference for sweetness.
• Store bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This bread freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To enhance texture, you can fold in chopped nuts or add dried fruits if desired.

Keywords: cranberry bread, orange bread, quick bread, holiday bread, sweet bread, cinnamon cranberry bread