Cranberry Orange Bread
This Cranberry Orange Bread is loaded with fresh cranberries and vibrant orange zest, making it a perfect treat for the holidays or any time you’re craving a burst of citrusy flavor! The bread is soft and moist, with a hint of cinnamon for warmth, and topped with a simple orange glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a great way to use fresh cranberries, and it makes a beautiful centerpiece on any dessert table.
This Cranberry Orange Bread is a classic combination of tart and sweet, ideal for special gatherings or just when you want something a little fancy with your coffee. The yogurt keeps it super moist, and the glaze gives it an extra pop of orange flavor that’s hard to resist. It’s a loaf bread, so you can slice it easily for guests or to enjoy with your morning coffee. The optional sugared cranberries and orange zest garnish add a beautiful, festive touch!
Why you’ll love this Cranberry Orange Bread
A Slice of Sunshine on Your Plate!
This Cranberry Orange Bread is like sunshine in loaf form. The zesty orange combined with juicy cranberries makes for a bread that’s both refreshing and delicious. I love making this recipe when cranberries are in season because it fills the kitchen with such a wonderful, citrusy aroma. Plus, it’s one of those breads that looks beautiful without a lot of fuss. Garnish with sugared cranberries and a little extra orange zest for a show-stopping loaf!
Ingredients Needed for Cranberry Orange Bread
- Granulated white sugar and light brown sugar: The mix of sugars gives the bread a soft, tender crumb and adds a hint of caramel from the brown sugar.
- Orange zest: This brings in vibrant citrus flavor, so use a fresh orange and zest only the outer peel.
- Salted butter: Adds richness and helps create that tender, moist texture. Let it soften for easier mixing.
- Eggs: At room temperature, eggs blend into the batter more smoothly, helping the bread rise and stay fluffy.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the bread. Spoon and level the flour when measuring to avoid a dense loaf.
- Baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely.
- Cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with the cranberry and orange.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and tender, adding a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
- Fresh orange juice: Use juice from the zested orange for the freshest flavor.
- Fresh cranberries: Adds pops of tartness and beautiful color to the bread.
- Powdered sugar and fresh orange juice (for the glaze): These create a simple, sweet glaze that highlights the orange flavor.
How to make Cranberry Orange Bread
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
In a large mixing bowl, beat the white sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest with a mixer until fragrant.
Add the butter, mixing until it’s light and fluffy. Then blend in the eggs one at a time, mixing well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
Add the Greek yogurt and fresh orange juice, mixing until smooth. Gradually add the remaining dry ingredients mixing just until incorporated.
Fold in the cranberries.
Transfer the batter to the loaf pan.
Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
Variations
- Nutty Orange Cranberry Bread: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch that complements the cranberries.
- Whole Wheat Option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a denser, heartier loaf.
- Spiced Cranberry Orange Bread: Add a pinch of cloves or nutmeg for an extra cozy flavor.
- Mini Loaves: Divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce the bake time for individual-sized loafs.
- Cranberry Lemon Bread: Substitute lemon zest and juice for a lemony twist on this classic.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: A slice of this bread pairs perfectly with your favorite hot drink for a cozy afternoon treat.
- At Brunch: Serve alongside other brunch favorites like Southern Sausage Gravy and Cheddar Biscuits for a festive, fruity addition.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.
- Topped with Sugared Cranberries: For extra flair, top with sugared cranberries and some orange zest.
- As a Holiday Dessert: This bread makes a beautiful holiday dessert when garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Cranberry Orange Bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors actually get better after a day or two!
- Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bread?
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add glaze just before serving.
Don’t forget to pin this for later!
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Orange Zest and Juice: Fresh orange zest and juice make all the difference in flavor, giving the bread a bright, natural citrus taste.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and softened butter helps the batter blend smoothly and rise evenly.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center to check if it’s done. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s ready!
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting into the bread and keeps it looking pretty.
Recommended
More festive favorites
FAQ
Cranberry Orange Bread
Equipment
- 9×4-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons orange zest
- ⅔ cup salted butter softened
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries
- 1 ⅓ cups powdered sugar
Optional toppings
- sugared cranberries
- extra orange zest or slices
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×4-inch loaf pan with baking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest together until fragrant.
- Mix in the softened butter until light and fluffy, then add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add half of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until combined.
- Add the Greek yogurt and orange juice, stirring until smooth.
- Finish by adding the remaining dry ingredients and mix just until incorporated—avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top bounces back when lightly tapped.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing.
- To make the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
- Garnish with sugared cranberries and orange zest if desired.