As autumn arrives and the holidays near, we all crave warm, homemade treats. This quick cranberry orange bread recipe is just what you need. It’s made with only five ingredients and brings the taste of fall right to your table.
Picture beginning your day with the aroma of this freshly baked bread filling the air. Its golden crust hides a soft, moist inside. The tangy cranberries and the zesty orange create a perfect mix that will make you want more.
This bread makes an excellent choice for breakfast, a midday snack, or a delightful treat. It’s bound to become a household favorite.
Key Takeaways
- Only 5 simple ingredients required for this quick cranberry orange bread
- Offers a delightful sweet-tart flavor profile perfect for the fall and holiday seasons
- Takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes from start to finish, including prep time
- Yields one 8×4-inch loaf, serving 8 people
- Versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack
Why This Easy Quick Bread Recipe Will Become Your Holiday Favorite
Baking during the holidays can be tough, but this easy recipe for quick bread makes it easy. The Cranberry Orange Bread is great for beginner bakers who want to impress their loved ones.
Perfect for Beginner Bakers
This quick bread needs only 5 simple ingredients and no yeast. It’s quick to make, even for beginners. The fresh cranberries and orange zest will make your home smell amazing.
Holiday Gift-Giving Option
This holiday favorite is perfect for homemade gifts. Wrap a few slices in festive paper for a thoughtful present. The moist bread and seasonal flavors will be a hit with anyone.
Time-Saving Solution
This quick bread recipe saves time during the busy holiday season. It’s ready in under an hour. Enjoy it for breakfast, a snack, or dessert – it’s versatile!
Try the Cranberry Orange Bread for a taste of the season. This recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels and is sure to become a beloved holiday tradition.
Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Bread
To make the perfect cranberry orange bread, start with the right ingredients. You’ll need all-purpose flour, white sugar, and baking powder. Don’t forget salt, baking soda, and unsalted butter. Orange juice, orange zest, an egg, and chopped cranberries are also key.
Some people add chopped walnuts for extra crunch. This enhances the bread with both texture and flavor.
Using white sugar is common, but brown sugar can give a richer taste. Orange zest is important for a burst of citrus flavor. It’s an essential part of the recipe.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 3/4 cups |
| White sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Unsalted butter, softened | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Orange zest | 2 teaspoons |
| Egg | 1 |
| Chopped cranberries | 1 1/2 cups |
| Chopped walnuts (optional) | 1/2 cup |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to bake a delicious cranberry orange bread. It’s perfect for the holidays.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To bake the delicious Cranberry Orange Bread, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools and equipment. Make sure you have these items ready:
Baking Pan Specifications
You’ll need an 8×4-inch loaf pan for baking. A light-colored metal or ceramic pan is best. It helps distribute heat evenly and prevents over-browning. Also, lining the pan with parchment paper makes removing the bread easy.
Mixing Tools
- Spacious mixing bowls for combining the wet and dry ingredients
- A whisk for mixing the batter well
- A rubber spatula for scraping the bowl and mixing all ingredients
Measuring Equipment
- Measuring cups for accurate portioning of ingredients
- Measuring spoons for precise amounts of baking soda, cinnamon, and salt
- A zester or fine grater for fresh orange zest
Also, a wire cooling rack is great for cooling the bread. A toothpick or wooden skewer is handy for checking if the bread is done.
With these tools and equipment, you’re ready to make a moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Bread. It’s perfect for the holiday season.
Step-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Making the perfect cranberry bread recipe is easy with these simple steps. Whether you’re new to baking or have lots of experience, this guide will help. Your cranberry bread will be moist, tasty, and a joy to eat.
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Also, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and a dash of optional cardamom.
- In another bowl, mix the 6 tablespoons of soft unsalted butter and the sugar until it’s light and fluffy.
- After that, beat in the eggs individually, one at a time. Follow with the orange juice and zest.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet ones slowly. Don’t overmix. Just mix until they’re combined.
- Now, fold in the cranberries and any other mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips gently.
- Lastly, pour the batter into the loaf pan and level the top.
Your cranberry bread is now ready for the oven. Follow the baking guide in the next section for a perfectly baked loaf every time.
Baking Temperature and Timing Guide
To get perfectly baked cranberry orange bread, follow the right temperature and timing. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Let it heat up before putting in your bread.
Proper Oven Preheating
It’s important to preheat your oven well. This ensures a golden-brown crust and a moist crumb. Give your oven 15-20 minutes to get to the right temperature before baking.
Testing for Doneness
Bake the cranberry orange bread for 60 to 75 minutes. Keep an eye on it. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into the center. If a toothpick or cake tester comes out clean, your bread is done.
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool fully. This ensures the bread stays moist and soft.
“Baking is a delicate balance between art and science, and getting the temperature and timing right is crucial for achieving the perfect cranberry orange bread.”
By following these steps, you’ll make a beautifully baked cranberry orange bread. It will impress your friends and family. Enjoy the delicious smell of this seasonal treat in your kitchen!
Tips for Perfect Texture and Moisture
Getting the right bread texture and moisture is crucial for a tasty moist quick bread. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect bread texture:
- Don’t overmix the batter. This can make the bread tough and dense. Mix just until the ingredients are combined gently.
- Choose vegetable oil over butter. It makes the bread texture softer and more tender.
- Add buttermilk to activate the baking soda and balance the flavors. Buttermilk’s acidity makes the quick bread moist and flavorful.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Cutting into it too soon can ruin the delicate bread texture and moisture.
By following these tips, you’ll bake a moist quick bread that everyone will enjoy.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Orange Juice | 1/3 cup |
| Buttermilk | 2/3 cup |
| Melted Unsalted Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Large Egg | 1 |
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Iodized Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking Soda | 1/4 teaspoon |
Using these key ingredients and following the right mixing and baking methods will help you make a delicious moist quick bread with great texture.
Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between fresh or frozen cranberries for your cranberry orange bread is a personal preference. Both options can enhance your recipe, but there are some differences to consider.
Storage Tips for Cranberries
Fresh cranberries are available only during the holiday season. If you find them, use them in your bread. They add a sweet-tart flavor that makes the bread special. Leftover fresh cranberries can be kept in the fridge for up to two weeks or frozen for as long as a year.
Frozen cranberries are available all year. They’re easy to use because you don’t need to thaw them. Just add them straight to the batter.
Adjusting Baking Time
Using frozen cranberries might make your bread bake a bit longer. The extra moisture from the berries can affect the baking time. So, check your bread a few minutes before the recipe suggests to avoid overcooking.
Both fresh and frozen cranberries can make your bread delicious. Choose what’s easiest for you and enjoy the tasty outcome!
| Fresh Cranberries | Frozen Cranberries |
|---|---|
| Available seasonally during the holidays | Available year-round |
| Provide a burst of sweet-tart flavor | May require a slightly longer baking time |
| Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 1 year | No need to thaw before using |
Optional Add-ins and Variations
Make your cranberry bread even better with these fun add-ins and variations. Try crunchy pecans or fragrant spices to elevate your quick bread.
Nutty Crunch
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nice texture and earthy taste. They contrast well with the tart cranberries, making the bread unforgettable.
Dried Cranberry Twist
Use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones for a chewier taste. Just remember to adjust the baking time for the right texture.
Spice it Up
Introduce ground cloves and nutmeg for a warm, spicy flavor. These spices will enhance the citrus notes beautifully.
Citrus Glaze
Drizzle a sweet orange glaze on the cooled bread for extra sweetness and color. This simple touch will make your cranberry bread even more special.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chopped pecans or walnuts | 1/2 cup |
| Dried cranberries | 1-1/2 cups |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Orange juice | 4 tablespoons |
Try these cranberry bread variations and add-ins to find your favorite mix. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.
Storage and Freshness Tips
After baking your cranberry orange bread, keeping it fresh is key. Proper storage helps maintain its moistness and flavor. Follow these simple tips to enjoy your bread for days.
Room Temperature Storage
For short-term storage, place your bread in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. This keeps the bread moist and prevents drying out for up to 4 days.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, the freezer is your ally. Wrap the loaf in freezer-safe plastic or foil. It stays fresh for up to three months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before cutting and serving.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 4 days |
| Refrigerator | Up to 1 week |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By using these bread storage and freshness tips, you can enjoy your homemade cranberry orange bread for weeks. Make sure to enjoy every last crumb!
Nutritional Information and Dietary Considerations
This Quick Cranberry Orange Bread is a nutritious choice. One serving, or 1/8 of the loaf, has about 312 calories. It also has 12g of fat, 48g of carbs, and 5g of protein. Plus, it’s packed with Vitamin C, offering antioxidants for your health.
Need to make it fit your diet? You can tweak the recipe for gluten-free, low-carb, or vegan diets. Just remember, changes might alter the taste and texture.
| Nutritional Info (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 312 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Vitamin C | Good source |
Knowing the nutritional info and dietary considerations helps you decide if it fits your healthy eating plan. Enjoy its tasty flavors while nourishing your body!
Conclusion
This Quick Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect for holiday baking and giving gifts. It’s easy to make and loved by all. You can follow simple steps and add your own touches to make it special.
It’s great for both new and experienced bakers. The mix of sweet and tart flavors, along with warm spices, will impress everyone. You can also add nuts or change the ingredients to make it your own.
Make time to enjoy this Quick Cranberry Orange Bread during the holidays. It’s easy to make and will become a favorite tradition in your home. It’s a delicious way to add joy to your holiday season.