Delightful Cranberry Orange Bread: Your Ultimate Holiday Baking Guide

As the holiday season draws near, there’s a special kind of warmth that only home baking can bring. This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is more than just a quick bread; it’s a festive centerpiece, a delightful breakfast treat, and a comforting snack that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Imagine the sweet tang of cranberries perfectly balanced with the bright, zesty notes of fresh orange, all in a tender, moist loaf, generously topped with a simple yet luscious cream cheese icing. It’s a recipe that promises to fill your home with an irresistible aroma and your table with a memorable treat.

This year, more than ever, we cherish moments of simple joy and comfort. Baking a delicious treat like this quick bread is a wonderful way to bring warmth and happiness into your home. It’s an opportunity to create something special, whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or simply treating yourself to a homemade delight. The act of baking itself can be incredibly therapeutic, and the reward of a warm, fragrant loaf is truly incomparable.

Cranberries are undeniably the stars of holiday cooking and baking. Their vibrant color and distinct flavor are synonymous with festive cheer, making them an indispensable ingredient for seasonal treats. I find myself constantly reaching for them, incorporating them into various dishes and desserts throughout the cooler months. Beyond this delectable bread, you might enjoy my Cranberry Bliss Bars for a rich, sweet indulgence, or perhaps a refreshing Cranberry Wine Spritzer to toast the season. There’s just something magical about cranberries that elevates any holiday gathering, bringing a burst of color and a delightful tartness.

Why This Cranberry Orange Bread Will Be Your New Favorite

For those who adore cranberries, this recipe is a true gem. It’s not just a bread; it’s an experience. In my household, this Cranberry Orange Bread is eagerly anticipated each holiday season, serving as a perfect snack, a quick breakfast on busy mornings, or a delightful after-dinner treat. What truly sets this recipe apart is the incredible infusion of orange flavor. The citrusy brightness from both orange zest and orange segments creates a harmonious pairing with the tart cranberries that is simply unforgettable. The combination is classic for a reason – the tartness of the cranberries is perfectly mellowed by the sweet, aromatic notes of orange, resulting in a flavor profile that is both comforting and invigorating.

The optional cream cheese drizzle isn’t just an afterthought; it’s the crowning glory. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and a velvety texture that perfectly complements the bread’s moist crumb and vibrant fruit notes. This simple icing transforms a delicious quick bread into a truly decadent dessert, making it even more special for holiday entertaining or a cozy evening at home. If you’ve never tried a cranberry and orange combination, prepare to be amazed by how well these flavors dance together, creating a symphony for your taste buds.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Bread

Crafting the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread starts with understanding the role each ingredient plays. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this bread so special, ensuring a moist, flavorful, and beautifully textured loaf:

• Dried Cranberries: These little jewels provide bursts of tartness and a pleasing chewy texture. While fresh or frozen cranberries can be used (often requiring a slight adjustment to sugar content), dried cranberries offer a concentrated sweetness and are readily available year-round. Chopping them finely ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the bread, giving you a delightful taste of cranberry in every single bite. Cranberries are also packed with antioxidants, adding a healthy touch to your indulgent treat. If you’re a fan of dried cranberries, you absolutely must try these Almond Energy Bites or this Coconut Cranberry Chia Seed Granola!
• Oranges and Orange Zest: The magic of this bread truly lies in its invigorating citrusy kick. We utilize both orange zest and chopped orange segments. The zest, extracted from the vibrant outer peel, contains aromatic oils that deliver an intense burst of fresh orange flavor without adding extra liquid, ensuring the bread remains moist, not watery. The chopped orange segments contribute juicy pockets of sweetness and a pleasant textural contrast, making each bite an exciting blend of flavors. The holiday season, from late autumn through winter, is prime time for oranges, when they are at their peak sweetness and juiciness, making this bread a truly seasonal delight.
• Buttermilk: A crucial ingredient for quick breads, buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to create a light, tender crumb. Its acidity also helps to break down gluten, resulting in a wonderfully moist and delicate texture. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a liquid measuring cup, then filling the rest of the cup with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles. This simple trick ensures you never have to skip a recipe just because of one ingredient.
• Cream Cheese (for the Icing): While the bread is utterly delicious on its own, the optional cream cheese icing takes it to another level of indulgence. The creaminess and slight tang of cream cheese beautifully complement the sweet and tart flavors of the bread, adding a luxurious, velvety finish. When combined with powdered sugar and a touch more orange extract, it creates a perfectly balanced drizzle that is both beautiful and irresistible. Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for the smoothest, lump-free icing.
• All-Purpose Flour, Sugars (Brown and Granulated), Baking Powder, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Eggs, Melted Butter, Orange Extract: These pantry staples form the backbone of our quick bread. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, while a combination of light brown sugar (packed for moisture and a hint of caramel flavor) and granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps retain moisture. Baking powder and baking soda are the essential leavening agents that work together to make the bread rise, creating that lovely airy texture. Cinnamon offers a hint of warming spice, perfectly complementing the fruit flavors. Large eggs bind the ingredients together and add richness, and melted butter contributes a wonderful tenderness and buttery flavor. Finally, a little extra orange extract intensifies that delightful citrus aroma and taste throughout the loaf.

How to Bake the Most Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread

Making this festive quick bread is incredibly straightforward, perfect for bakers of all skill levels. Just follow these simple, detailed steps for a perfectly moist, flavorful, and show-stopping loaf:

For the Bread:

1. Prepare Your Pans and Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when the bread goes in, promoting an even rise. Lightly grease or spray with a non-stick cooking spray two 8×4-inch loaf pans, or one standard 9×5-inch loaf pan. If using a single 9×5-inch pan, you might have a little batter leftover; this can be baked in a mini loaf pan or as a few muffins, adjusting the baking time accordingly. Proper greasing prevents sticking, ensuring a beautiful loaf.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar (packed firmly for accurate measurement and moisture), granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together for about 30 seconds until they are well-incorporated and there are no visible lumps. This crucial step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent rise throughout the bread.



3. Add Wet Ingredients: Create a shallow well in the center of your dry ingredients. Add the room temperature eggs, buttermilk, melted butter (cooled slightly to avoid cooking the eggs), orange zest, and orange extract. Gently whisk these wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until they are combined. It’s important not to overmix; overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough bread instead of the desired light and tender crumb. A few small lumps are perfectly fine and often indicate you haven’t overmixed.



4. Fold in Fruit: Gently fold in the finely chopped dried cranberries and chopped orange segments using a spatula. Be gentle to ensure the fruit is evenly distributed without crushing it or overworking the batter. This step adds those wonderful bursts of flavor and texture that define this bread.



5. Bake: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pans. Bake on the center rack of the oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Baking times can vary depending on your oven and pan size, so start checking for doneness around 45 minutes. The top should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.



6. Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pans for approximately 10 minutes before carefully inverting them onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely. This initial cooling in the pan prevents the bread from sticking and helps it maintain its structural integrity. It’s essential that the bread is fully cooled before you proceed with icing, otherwise, the warm bread will melt the beautiful drizzle.

For the Creamy Orange Icing:

1. Prepare the Icing: While the bread cools, prepare the delicious icing. In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer) to combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, half and half, and orange extract. Start on a low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar without creating a cloud, then increase to medium-high and beat until the icing is smooth, creamy, and free of lumps.
2. Adjust Consistency: If the icing appears too thick for drizzling, gradually add a little more half and half (about half a tablespoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. You want it thin enough to elegantly drizzle over the bread but thick enough to cling to the surface and not simply run off.
3. Drizzle and Serve: Once the bread is completely cool to the touch, use a fork or spoon to generously drizzle the creamy orange icing over the top of each loaf. You can create a simple back-and-forth pattern or be more artistic. Allow the icing to set slightly for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving for the best presentation and texture.

Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

Achieving quick bread perfection is easy with a few key considerations:

• Don’t Overmix: This cannot be stressed enough for quick breads. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a dense, tough, and chewy texture instead of a light and tender crumb. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined; a few small lumps in the batter are perfectly normal and preferred.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs, buttermilk, and cream cheese (for the icing) are at room temperature. This allows them to incorporate more easily and evenly into the batter, creating a smoother, more emulsified mixture. Room temperature ingredients also produce a better final texture and a more consistent bake.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For accurate and consistent results, always measure your flour using the “spoon and level” method. Spoon your flour into the measuring cup until it overflows, then level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Do not scoop directly from the bag or container, as this can compact the flour and lead to using too much, which will result in a dry and heavy bread.
• Zest Before Juicing: If you’re using fresh oranges for both zest and segments, always zest your oranges before you cut and juice them! It is significantly easier and more efficient to get the fine, aromatic zest from a whole, firm fruit.
• Cool Completely Before Icing: Resist the urge to slice into your warm bread, especially if you plan to add icing. The bread continues to set and firm up as it cools, and warm bread will cause the icing to melt and run off, creating a messy rather than a beautiful finish. Patience is key for that perfect drizzle!

Delicious Variations and Add-ins

This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to get creative with these delicious variations to make it truly your own:

• Nuts: For an added crunch and a deeper, nutty flavor, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds along with the cranberries. Lightly toasting the nuts beforehand can enhance their flavor significantly.
• Additional Spices: While cinnamon is wonderful, a pinch of nutmeg, ground cloves, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger can add more warmth and complexity, deepening the festive holiday flavors. Experiment with a quarter teaspoon of your favorite warm spice.
• Other Citrus: While orange is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with lemon or lime zest and segments for a different, equally bright citrus profile. A lemon-cranberry bread or a lime-cranberry bread can be equally delightful.
• White Chocolate: For an extra touch of sweetness and decadence, fold in 1/2 to 1 cup of white chocolate chips along with the cranberries and orange segments. The creamy white chocolate melts beautifully, creating pockets of smooth sweetness that complement the tart fruit.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: If using fresh or frozen cranberries instead of dried, you might want to slightly increase the sugar content in the bread by 1/4 cup, as dried cranberries are often sweeter. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking, toss them with a tablespoon of the all-purpose flour before adding them to the batter.
• Glaze Instead of Icing: For a lighter touch, you could skip the cream cheese icing and make a simple orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Bread is incredibly versatile and perfect for any occasion throughout the holiday season and beyond:

• Breakfast or Brunch: A warm slice pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or tea, making for a festive and satisfying start to the day. It’s also a wonderful addition to any holiday brunch spread.
• Snack: Enjoy a slice as a delightful mid-day pick-me-up, a comforting treat with a glass of milk, or a quick energy boost.
• Dessert: Serve it as a light and flavorful dessert after a holiday meal. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can elevate it further.
• Hostess Gift or Holiday Favor: Baked in mini loaf pans, this bread makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift for neighbors, friends, colleagues, and teachers during the holidays. Wrap it in cellophane with a festive ribbon for a charming presentation.

Storage Tips:

To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh and delicious for as long as possible:

• Room Temperature: Once completely cooled and iced, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The icing helps to seal in moisture and keep the bread tender.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer to extend its freshness, especially in warmer climates, or if your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. For best flavor and texture, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
• Freezing: Cranberry Orange Bread freezes beautifully! For best results, freeze the cooled, *un-iced* loaf. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before preparing and adding the fresh icing. This way, the icing remains creamy and doesn’t get icy or watery.

I hope this comprehensive guide and recipe bring a little extra joy and flavor to your holiday season. It’s a classic for a reason, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in so many homes. The combination of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors makes it truly irresistible. Happy baking!

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Cranberry Orange Bread

By Julia Jolliff

Prep: 15 minutes mins

Cook: 50 minutes mins

Total: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 6

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Learn how to make Cranberry Orange Bread, the perfect festive treat.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• ▢ 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• ▢ 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ▢ 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• ▢ 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• ▢ 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ▢ 1 cup buttermilk
• ▢ 8 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
• ▢ 3/4 teaspoon orange extract
• ▢ 1 1/2 tablespoons orange zest
• ▢ 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries , chopped fine
• ▢ 1 cup orange segments, chopped (from about 1 large orange)

For the Icing

• ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
• ▢ 2 tablespoons half and half, or milk
• ▢ 1/4 teaspoon orange extract

Instructions

For the Bread:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray with a non-stick spray, either two 8×4-inch loaf pans or one 9×5-inch loaf pan. If using a single 9×5-inch pan, you may have a bit of batter leftover; this can be baked in a mini loaf pan or as a few muffins.
2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown and white sugars, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Whisk well to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. 3. Add the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, orange zest, and orange extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
4. 4. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped orange segments until evenly distributed.
5. 5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pans. Bake on the center rack of the oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
6. 6. Cool in pans for approximately 10 minutes, then carefully remove the loaves to a wire rack to finish cooling completely before icing.

For the Icing:

1. 1. Using an electric mixer, mix together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, half and half, and orange extract until smooth and creamy.
2. 2. If the icing is too thick, add in a little more half and half (about 1/2 tablespoon at a time) until it reaches a drizzle consistency. Drizzle generously over the top of the cooled loaf using a fork or spoon.

Nutrition

Serving: 6g,
Calories: 874kcal,
Carbohydrates: 155g,
Protein: 11g,
Fat: 26g,
Saturated Fat: 15g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 7g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 120mg,
Sodium: 481mg,
Potassium: 294mg,
Fiber: 4g,
Sugar: 105g,
Vitamin A: 957IU,
Vitamin C: 18mg,
Calcium: 238mg,
Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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