Mix a fresh loaf Cranberry Orange Bread in just 5 minutes hands on time! It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch snacks and gifting and is full of bright flavor!
Cranberry Orange Bread is a bright twist on my easy Cranberry Bread recipe. My viral sweet bread is blended with cranberries, orange zest and topped with an orange slice for a sweet, delicious treat that will disappear as quickly as it takes to make it! It’s one of our favorite cranberry recipes!
This easy cranberry orange bread is perfect for holiday entertaining. Cranberry orange bread is the perfect addition to Christmas brunch and makes a delicious snack. It also makes a beautiful hostess gift, neighbor or coworker gift.
Ingredients
- Sugar – Granulated white sugar to sweeten the bread.
- Flour – All purpose flour, no need to sift!
- Baking Powder – The leavening agent for this no-yeast bread.
- Salt – Balances the sweet flavors in this easy bread recipe.
- Eggs – Large eggs will bind the ingredients and also help with leavening. Don’t overmix.
- Milk – Use whatever you have on hand – anything from skim to vitamin D! Almond milk works as a dairy free alternative. Milk contributes to the light texture and color of the bread.
- Vegetable Oil – Oil makes this bread moist!
- Orange zest – Zesting the outer, colorful skin of unwaxed oranges (clementines or mandarins also work) adds a lot of flavor and aroma. Simply use a zester to zest the orange. Reserve the fresh orange to slice and garnish the top of your bread.
- Fresh Cranberries – You can also sub with frozen whole cranberries.
Variations
- Glaze – This bread is amazing on its own, but you can also cover it (or drizzle if you show any restraint) with Classic Glaze or Cream Cheese Glaze.
- Cranberry Orange Almond Bread – Add sliced almonds.
- Make it Healthier –Replace half the oil with unsweetened apple sauce.
Tools to Use
- Mixer (You can also mix by hand)
- Measuring Cups + Measuring Spoons
- Ceramic Mini Loaf Pans – 5.23″ x 3.54″ x 2.16″ size. Michael’s generally offers seasonal versions in their Celebrate It® line of baking products. I love these for their size and price point!
- Loaf Pans (Mini kraft paper)
- Or, try these Mini Ceramic Loaf Pans
Tips
- Don’t Overfill Your Loaf Pan – Fill 2/3 full to compensate for rise.
- Grease Baking Dishes – Be sure to grease your baking dishes for easy removal.
- Use the Toothpick Test – Bake time varies with oven, altitude, loaf pan size and material. Use the toothpick test to determine when your loaves are baked through. When a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
- Orange Zest – Use fresh zest for the best results, but you can use dehydrated orange zest. It’s not a 1-1 substitution because it is more concentrated, so start with 1/3 of the amount and add to taste.
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Cranberry Orange Bread recipe makes a beautiful breakfast, brunch and gift perfect for holidays and beyond! Sink your teeth into the tender crumb and amazing bright flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 6 miniature baking dishes and set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk to combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Set aside.4 cups all-purpose flour, 2 cups white granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon salt
- In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with this paddle attachment, add eggs, milk and oil and beat on medium low until combined. Gradually add dry mixture into wet mixture until just combined. Fold in orange zest and cranberries.2 large eggs, 2 cups milk, ⅔ cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1½ cups fresh cranberries
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pans, leaving an inch below to the rim to compensate for rise.Optional: Garnish with orange slices, cranberries and dust with sugar.
- Bake 40 minutes in the center of pre-heated oven or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. (Note: you can place individual loaf pans on sheet pan for easy removal.)Place on a wire rack to cool before slicing.
Julie’s Tips
Don’t Overfill Your Loaf Pan – Fill 2/3 full to compensate for rise.
Toothpick Test – Insert a toothpick into the center of a loaf. When it comes out clean, it’s baked to perfection.
To Store
- Room Temperature – Allow to cool, place in a plastic bag or covered in saran wrap at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze – Wrap room temperature loaves in heavy foil, saran wrap or place in freezer bags (I use 2 freezer bags to prevent freezer odors from seeping in), and freeze up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature to serve.
Calories: 107kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 56mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 28IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
I made the Cinnamon sweet bread today. We love it. I’ll make the orange cranberry recipe tomorrow. Thanks.
Thank you, Marti! Enjoy!
Can I use dried cranberries, or should they be fresh?
Either, your preference. Enjoy!
Thank you for sharing these recipes! I started making this last night and ran into an issue where I had to leave the house. I put the batter in the fridge until I have the chance to bake it this evening. Have you ever refrigerated the batter before baking? Should I let it sit out for a bit before baking or should it turn out the same either way?
Thanks!!
You should be just fine – just keep an eye they the don’t overflow. Enjoy!
Have made this recipe twice – great for gift giving and I got rave reviews!
Thank you, Kate! That brings me so much joy! Don’t forget to subscribe for my free quick bread ebook! Merry Christmas!
On the Facebook page there was a comment about where to buy the $1.00 pans but now answer. Would you let me know where to get the pans please as I’d like to try these recipes for Christmas. Thank you
My apologies! I try to stray away from the internet on the weekend. Michael’s – they are $2 regular price and run them ALL the time during the holidays for $1. They have color and patterned ones, too. Enjoy! They have 2 different versions, this is one: loaf pan