If you’re in the mood for something that bursts with festive flavor yet comes together effortlessly, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, moist bread infused with fresh orange zest and juice, studded with vibrant cranberries that add a lovely tang and pop of color. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack that brings a bit of sunshine and cheer to any table. This bread combines simplicity with delightful seasonal ingredients in a way that’s as inviting as a warm hug from a dear friend.

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role, from the flour providing structure to the citrus and cranberries lending brightness and color, making it a quick bread that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for this bread, lending the perfect texture and crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise to a light, fluffy finish.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic orange juice to tenderize and lift the bread.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
⅓ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the quick bread moist without overpowering the delicate flavors.
2 large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb and rich texture.
¾ cup fresh orange juice: Bursts of citrus that brighten and refresh every bite.
Zest of 1 orange: Intensifies the orange aroma and flavor, giving the bread an irresistible fragrance.
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped: Adds that inviting tartness and beautiful jewel-like flecks throughout the bread.
½ cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans): A delightful crunch that complements the soft bread perfectly.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper, ensuring your bread will come out cleanly and hold its perfect shape.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these ingredients thoroughly at the start guarantees even distribution of leavening and flavor, creating a uniform texture throughout your bread.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, blend the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. The oil lends moisture, eggs provide structure, while the orange juice and zest bring that signature citrus brightness that makes this recipe so inviting.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently just until blended. Be sure not to overmix here—this keeps your bread tender and light, avoiding any unwanted toughness.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts if you’re using them. This step adds pops of tartness and crunchy texture, making every bite exciting and complex in flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will soon be filled with the irresistible scent of orange and cranberry goodness.

Step 7: Cool Before Slicing

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting time helps the crumb set perfectly and makes slicing easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and a pretty finish, while a few fresh orange zest curls or whole cranberries scattered on top bring an elegant flair that’s almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. For a fuller brunch spread, serve it alongside creamy yogurt with honey, or a cheese platter featuring mild cheeses that complement the fruity citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick and toasting it lightly, then spreading with cream cheese or a smear of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. You can also cut the loaf into small, bite-sized cubes for a festive brunch or tea party, making it easy for guests to enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or place inside an airtight container. It will keep fresh at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or up to a week in the refrigerator, maintaining its lovely moist texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place them in a freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead for holidays or special occasions.

Reheating

Defrost frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. This quick reheat revives the fresh flavor, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. Just be sure to chop them roughly and fold them in without thawing completely to prevent the batter from turning purple.

Can I substitute orange juice with another citrus?

Yes! Fresh lemon or grapefruit juice can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will change. Orange provides the sweetest, most balanced citrus note, perfect for this bread.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the bread’s structure and texture.

What nuts work best in this recipe?

Walnuts and pecans are fantastic choices as they add a nice crunch and complement the fruity flavors. However, feel free to leave them out if you prefer a nut-free bread or have allergies.

Can I add other dried fruits or flavorings?

Definitely! Dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots can add additional texture and sweetness. A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can also create lovely warmth to the flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is one of those cherished recipes that delivers beauty, flavor, and warmth with minimal fuss. Whether you’re making it for a holiday gathering or simply a comforting treat to brighten your day, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So grab those fresh oranges and cranberries and dive into the joyful process of creating something delicious and memorable!

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

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4.2 from 48 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast or a snack. Bursting with fresh orange zest and juice, tart cranberries, and optional crunchy nuts, it combines bright citrus and sweet-tart fruit in a quick bread that requires no yeast or rising time, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Baked to golden perfection, this bread offers a tender crumb with delightful bursts of cranberry throughout.

Ingredients

Scale

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

⅓ 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)

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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 until evenly combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Add Mix-ins: Fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) evenly throughout the batter, ensuring they are well distributed.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to serve.

Notes

For best results, use fresh cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw before adding to preserve texture.
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted or substituted with other nuts if preferred.
Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This quick bread can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense, tough crumb.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American