Cranberry Orange Moist Bread

Discovering this cranberry orange bread felt like stumbling upon a cozy secret. The first time I baked it, the fragrant orange scent filled my kitchen, and the tart cranberries added a delightful surprise in every bite.

I remember when unexpected guests stopped by and I whipped up this bread with what I had on hand. Their delighted smiles made it my go-to quick impression baker.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Always reach for good quality flour for the best texture in your bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness without overpowering.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the bread rise beautifully without any bitterness.
• Fresh Orange Juice & Zest: The zest is where the magic lives, bursting with aromatic oils.
• Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen without thawing to keep their tart pop intact.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
• Optional Nuts: Adds a lovely crunch if you feel like mixing things up.

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your loaf pan by greasing and flouring it or lining it with parchment paper. This is the calm before the wonderful storm of baking aromas.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a large bowl whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they dance together as one.

Whisk Wet Ingredients:

In another bowl, beat eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract into a smooth, fragrant blend.

Combine Gently:

Pour wet into dry and stir just until combined. Resist the urge to overmix; the batter should look lumpy and inviting.

Add the Stars:

Fold in fresh or frozen cranberries and nuts if using. Watch the red berries pop against the pale batter like tiny fireworks.

Into the Oven:

Pour batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and let the magic happen for 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Savor:

Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. The best part is waiting but the first slice is worth it.

Save Pin

This bread quickly became more than breakfast; it turned into a comfort on chilly mornings and a celebratory treat during the holidays with family gathered around.

Keeping It Fresh

Store your cranberry orange bread wrapped tightly at room temperature to keep it moist. If you want to enjoy it longer, freezing slices works beautifully without losing flavor or texture.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

This bread pairs wonderfully with a smear of cream cheese or a drizzle of homemade orange glaze. It also shines when toasted lightly for an afternoon snack vibe.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once when my oven broke down unexpectedly, I made this bread in a microwave-safe mug version, and it turned out to be a hit! Here are a few last minute thoughts to keep in mind:

• Always zest orange before juicing so nothing goes to waste.
• If the batter feels too thick, add a splash of orange juice to loosen gently.
• Remember to cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbly messes.

Save Pin

Thanks for spending time in the kitchen together; I hope this bread brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do I keep the bread moist?

Using oil instead of butter and including fresh orange juice helps retain moisture. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep it tender.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, use frozen cranberries without thawing to prevent the batter from becoming too wet or staining.

→ What is the best way to add more orange flavor?

Incorporate orange zest and juice into the batter, or add a few drops of orange extract for a stronger citrus note.

→ Can I substitute nuts in the bread?

Chopped walnuts or pecans can be added for texture, but they are optional and can be omitted for nut-free versions.

→ How long should the bread cool before slicing?

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely for clean slicing.