Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Craving something sweet, citrusy, and easy to bake? This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is the snack solution your busy schedule needs. Bursting with the tart pop of fresh cranberries and the bright zing of orange zest, this quick bread recipe is perfect for breakfast, an after-school treat, or a festive holiday brunch.
If you’re a mom juggling all the things, this loaf fits beautifully into your routine. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just delicious results that look and taste like you spent hours in the kitchen. From weekday cravings to last-minute party needs, this homemade loaf delivers every time.
If you’re looking for more recipes with oranges, check these out!
This cranberry orange snack bread is moist, easy to slice, and pairs well with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. It’s also a great way to sneak in some fruity flavor during the cooler seasons, when cranberries shine.
Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just want to fill the house with cozy smells, you’ll love how quickly this comes together.
And the best part? The citrusy aroma alone is worth turning on the oven! This moist cranberry bread is just the kind of easy win that makes life a little sweeter.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
This holiday cranberry bread is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes. It’s:
- Quick & Easy to Make — Minimal prep means you can have it in the oven fast.
- Family-Friendly — Even picky eaters love the balance of sweet and tart.
- Great for Gifting — Wrap it up in parchment and twine for a lovely homemade gift.
- Versatile — Add nuts, glaze, or switch up the citrus to make it your own.
- Perfect for Any Occasion — From holiday brunch to weekend snacks, it fits right in.
Serve it warm with a slather of butter or cool with a drizzle of citrus glaze for a bakery-style finish. Either way, this cranberry orange loaf is a hit.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
This easy cranberry bread recipe is as straightforward as they come, with ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.
- Cranberries — Use fresh or frozen for a burst of tartness in every bite. They balance the sweetness and add texture.
- Orange Zest — Brings a bright citrus aroma and flavor to complement the berries.
- Orange Juice — Enhances the moisture and intensifies the fruitiness of the loaf.
- Sugar — Sweetens the bread and balances the tang of the cranberries.
- Flour — Provides structure for this quick bread recipe.
- Eggs — Add richness and help bind the ingredients.
- Baking Powder — Gives the loaf its lift and soft crumb.
- Butter — Adds richness and helps with that golden-brown crust.
Want exact measurements and a printable version of the recipe? Scroll to the recipe card below for all the details you need to get started!
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Instructions to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Making this cranberry orange snack is as simple as mixing, pouring, and baking!
Start by preheating your oven and greasing a loaf pan. In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. In another, mix the wet—eggs, butter, orange juice, and zest. Combine the two gently until just mixed.
Fold in the cranberries last to keep them whole and prevent overmixing. Pour the batter into the pan and bake until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Let it cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. It slices best once fully cooled—but warm slices are irresistible with a dab of butter!
Snack Bread Tips and Tricks
- Toss cranberries in flour before adding to the batter—this prevents them from sinking.
- For extra orange flavor, add a touch of orange extract.
- Want a bakery-style finish? Drizzle a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top.
- Make muffins instead by dividing the batter into a muffin tin and reducing the bake time.
Troubleshooting Cranberry Orange Bread
- Bread too dense? Be sure not to overmix your batter—just fold until combined.
- Cranberries sinking to the bottom? Coat them lightly in flour before folding them in.
- Dry loaf? Check your oven temp and don’t overbake. A little underdone is better than dry!
Recommended Resources
Make sure you have the right tools at hand to create this recipe with ease! Here are my top picks for preparing and serving cranberry orange bread:
- Zester Tool — Makes getting the perfect orange zest effortless and mess-free.
- Mixing Bowl Set — Perfect for keeping dry and wet ingredients separate until it’s time to combine.
- Nonstick Loaf Pan — Ensures an even bake and easy release without sticking.
Customizing this Snack Recipe for Every Diet
Make this homemade loaf work for your family’s needs with a few easy swaps:
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- Egg-Free — Use flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) as a plant-based substitute.
- Gluten-Free — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to replace all-purpose flour.
- Dairy-Free — Swap the butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine.
- Reduced Sugar — Cut the sugar slightly or use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
Making a Meal Out of Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe:
Thinking that you’re too nervous to start meal planning? Don’t be! I promise that once you start, you’re going to be wondering what took you so long. It’s such a huge time saver and it helps everyone in the family know how they can help with meals as well.
Main Dish: Instant Pot Pizza Mac and Cheese Recipe
Vegetable Side: Easy Chilled Cucumber Soup Recipe
Starch Side: 25+ Sweet Potato Recipes
Refreshing Drink: Homemade Iced Tea Recipes
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!
Best Bread Recipes:
Once you make this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe, you’re going to want to make even more yummy breads.
The great thing about homemade bread is that they can be sweet or savory. I’ve gathered up some of my favorite bread recipes that I think you’re going to love as well.
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FAQs about Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your orange cranberry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat, or toast lightly for a crisp edge.
Leftover Ideas:
- Cube and turn into a sweet bread pudding.
- Use slices for a fruity French toast.
- Toast and spread with cream cheese or nut butter.
Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Ingredients
Bread
- 2¾ Cup(s) of all-purpose flour
- 1 Cup(s) of brown sugar
- ⅔ Cup(s) of granulated sugar
- 2½ tsp of baking powder
- ¼ tsp of baking soda
- ¼ tsp of cinnamon
- 2 room temperature eggs
- 1 Cup(s) of buttermilk
- 8 T of melted butter
- ¾ tsp of orange extract
- 1½ T of orange zest
- 1½ Cup(s) of chopped up dried cranberries
- 1 Cup(s) of chopped orange segments
Icing
- 4 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 1 Cup(s) of powdered sugar
- 2 T half and half or milk
- ¼ tsp of orange extract
Instructions
- To Make the Bread
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease your loaf pans.
- Combine the flour, sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Whisk in the buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, orange extract, and orange zest. Don't overmix.
Fold in the cranberries and orange segments. - Pour into the loaf pans and bake in the middle rack for about 50 minutes. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes then put on a wire rack.
- To Make the Icing
- Mix together the cream cheese, powdered sugar, half and half, and orange extract with a mixer. You can thin it out by adding a bit more half and half.
- Drizzle over the top of the loaf after it has cooled
Nutrition
More Cranberry Recipes:
- Cranberry Orange Whoopie Pies Recipe
- Delicious Bread Machine Cranberry Hot Cross Buns Recipe
- Cranberry Pecan Pound Cake Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease. Don’t forget to bookmark or pin it for next time you need a go-to loaf that tastes like the holidays—without the stress.
And if you love it, share the joy! There’s always room at the table for a little more sweetness.
