If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful treat that brightens up any day, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is just what you need. Bursting with the zesty freshness of orange and the tart pop of cranberries, this bread offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy in every bite. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring no fancy skills or equipment, yet it delivers the kind of homemade comfort that feels truly special. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or simply treating yourself, this quick bread is sure to become a fast favorite in your baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of the ingredients for this recipe are straightforward but essential to achieving that wonderful texture and brightness. Each element plays a role, from the soft crumb to the vibrant flavor and lovely color.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender, yet sturdy loaf.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness without overpowering the natural tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully and creates a soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to boost leavening with just the right crumb.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- â…“ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender without weighing it down.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice: Infuses the bread with bright citrus flavor and moisture.
- Zest of 1 orange: Intensifies the orange aroma and taste in each slice.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Provides bursts of tartness and a beautiful color contrast.
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty depth if you choose to include them.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread won’t stick and will come out cleanly, making slicing a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step evenly distributes the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour, setting the stage for a perfectly risen bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and the fragrant orange zest until everything is well blended. This mixture brings moisture and lively citrus notes that infuse the quick bread with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here—a few lumps are perfectly ok! Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, and we want this bread soft and tender.
Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts
Now, fold in the chopped cranberries and optional nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. These add color, texture, and that signature burst of tartness that makes this Quick Bread so memorable.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and place it into the preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time ensures a moist crumb with a perfectly baked interior.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is key to getting clean slices and enjoying the full flavor and texture of your bread.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Garnishes
Slice your bread and serve it with a simple spread of butter or cream cheese for a creamy contrast that enhances the citrus and cranberry flavors. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle a few sugared cranberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar over the top.
Side Dishes
This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve slices topped with whipped honey or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top. Wrapping individual slices in parchment tied with twine makes a charming gift or party favor too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze slices or the whole loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy or pop slices directly into the toaster for a warm treat.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly to revive the bread’s freshness and warmth. This little extra step brings back that just-baked feel and aroma.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes! Dried cranberries work well too, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly as dried cranberries tend to be sweeter than fresh or frozen ones.
Is it necessary to use orange zest and juice?
While you can omit the zest or juice, doing so will reduce the bread’s signature citrus brightness. For best flavor, both are highly recommended.
Can I substitute nuts with something else?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap nuts for seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture, or simply leave them out for a nut-free version.
How long does this bread stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet.
Can I make this bread vegan?
You can try substituting eggs with flax or chia eggs and using a plant-based oil, but keep in mind the texture and rise might be slightly different. It’s definitely worth experimenting!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is a delightful way to bring some sunshine and tart sweetness to your kitchen with minimal fuss. The balance of flavors, simple ingredients, and quick prep make it a must-try for bakers of all levels. Give it a go, share it with friends, and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes.
Print
Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining fresh cranberries and vibrant orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this quick bread is simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- â…“ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning in the bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This will give the bread its moisture and citrus flavor.
- Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
- Add Mix-ins: Fold in the roughly chopped cranberries and chopped nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to retain its texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen cranberries for fresh if fresh ones are unavailable; just do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the wet ingredients.
- If you prefer, substitute the nuts with seeds or omit them entirely for a nut-free option.
- Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
