Moist Cranberry Bread Loaf (Printable)

A moist, slightly sweet loaf with tart cranberries and bright orange zest for a delightful baked treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
04 - ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 - ½ teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

06 - ¾ cup whole milk
07 - ⅓ cup vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 - Zest of 1 orange (optional)

→ Add-Ins

11 - 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
12 - ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk milk, oil or melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
04 - Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined; avoid overmixing.
05 - Fold in cranberries and nuts if using, ensuring even distribution.
06 - Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
07 - Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 15 minutes of prep, making it the perfect answer when you want homemade goodness without fuss
  • The tart cranberries cut through the sweetness beautifully, so it never feels heavy or cloying—just balanced and deeply satisfying
  • This bread keeps for days and freezes like a dream, meaning you can make it Sunday and enjoy slices all week long
02 -
  • Do not thaw frozen cranberries before folding them in; they'll bleed into the batter and create an uneven color and texture. Frozen cranberries stay intact and suspended beautifully.
  • Orange zest is not optional if you want this bread to taste extraordinary—that bright citrus note against tart cranberries is what transforms a simple quick bread into something memorable.
  • Resist opening the oven door during baking; every peek lets heat escape and can cause the top to crack or sink in the middle.
03 -
  • Always bring eggs and milk to room temperature before mixing; cold ingredients won't blend smoothly and can result in a curdled batter
  • Invest in an oven thermometer to verify your oven's actual temperature—many run hotter or cooler than their dial suggests, and this simple tool eliminates baking frustration

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