There's nothing quite like the sweet and tangy aroma of Orange Cranberry Bread baking in the oven. The combination of bright citrus and tart cranberries creates a flavor-packed treat that's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.

I first discovered this recipe during the holiday season, and it quickly became a staple in our household. Whether served warm with a pat of butter or toasted for an extra crunch, this bread always brings smiles to the table.

Let’s dive into the details and see why this recipe is about to become your new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Orange Cranberry Bread. It's a delightful blend of flavors and textures that's easy to whip up and impossible to resist.

First, the flavor combination is a true classic. Fresh cranberries bring a tart, juicy burst to every bite, while orange zest and juice add a fragrant citrusy sweetness that balances perfectly.

The texture is another standout. This bread is moist and tender, thanks to a mix of orange juice and yogurt. The cranberries provide little pops of juiciness, and the golden-brown crust has just the right amount of chew.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it at breakfast alongside a cup of coffee, or pair it with tea for an afternoon treat. And if you’re feeling festive, drizzle it with a simple orange glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Finally, this recipe is as straightforward as they come. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can have this bread in the oven in no time – perfect for last-minute guests or a cozy weekend baking session.

Ready to start baking? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this bread so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Orange Cranberry Bread lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the bread’s vibrant taste and moist texture.

Cranberries are the star of the show. Fresh cranberries work best, providing a tart contrast to the sweetness of the bread. If fresh aren’t available, frozen cranberries will do – just be sure not to thaw them before adding.

Orange juice and zest bring the citrusy flavor to life. Use fresh-squeezed orange juice for the best results, and don’t skip the zest – it adds an intense orange fragrance that complements the cranberries beautifully.

Yogurt is the secret to keeping the bread moist and tender. Plain Greek yogurt works perfectly, but you can substitute with sour cream if needed.

Butter gives the bread a rich, buttery flavor. For a slightly lighter option, you can use oil, but the butter’s flavor really enhances the overall taste.

You’ll also need basic pantry staples: flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and baking soda. Together, they create the structure and sweetness that make this bread so satisfying.

Before you start, grab a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this delectable bread!

How To Make This Orange Cranberry Bread

Making Orange Cranberry Bread is a breeze. With just a few steps, you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to enjoy.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This ensures the bread doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a cinch.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your bread.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice and zest, followed by the yogurt.

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Once the batter is almost combined, gently fold in the cranberries. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so stir just until everything is incorporated.

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature – it’s delicious either way!

Storage Options

Orange Cranberry Bread is perfect for making ahead or enjoying over a few days. Here’s how to store it:

At room temperature: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the fridge: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
In the freezer: Wrap the loaf (or individual slices) in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices as needed for a quick, tasty treat.

To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly for a crispy edge.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to get creative with your Orange Cranberry Bread!

Add nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Try dried cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried ones work well. Soak them in orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to the batter.
Add a glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice for a simple glaze to drizzle over the cooled bread.
Make muffins: Divide the batter into a muffin tin for individual servings. Adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes.

Experiment with these variations and find your favorite way to enjoy this delightful bread. You might even discover a new family tradition!

Now that you’re armed with all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get baking. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!