Seasonal Cranberry Orange Bread

A moist, fragrant quick bread filled with tart cranberries and bright orange zest—perfect for breakfast or a festive snack.

I love making this bread during the holiday season because its fresh citrus aroma fills the kitchen with warmth and joy.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients: ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges), 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges), 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Add-ins: 1½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw), ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or line with parchment paper

Step 2:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt

Step 3:

In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined

Step 4:

Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined Do not overmix

Step 5:

Fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed

Step 6:

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top

Step 7:

Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean

Step 8:

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing

Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.

Check price on Amazon

Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.

Check price on Amazon

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This bread always brings my family together on chilly mornings, sharing slices and stories over coffee.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, 9x5-inch loaf pan, rubber spatula, wire rack

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (from butter) Contains tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are used Omit nuts for a nut-free version Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens

Nutritional Information

Per slice, based on 10 slices, without nuts or glaze Calories 215 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 3 g

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Toast bread, bagels, and sourdough evenly for breakfast, sandwiches, and quick meal prep.

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Enjoy your festive bread fresh or toasted with a smear of butter for the best flavor experience.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cranberries work best?

Fresh or frozen cranberries are preferred; if using frozen, do not thaw to maintain texture and tartness.

→ Can nuts be omitted?

Yes, walnuts or pecans add crunch but can be left out for a nut-free variation.

→ How to enhance the orange flavor?

Glazing the cooled bread with powdered sugar mixed with orange juice intensifies the citrus notes.

→ What is the ideal baking time?

Bake between 45 to 55 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean for perfect doneness.

→ Can dried cranberries be used instead?

Dried cranberries can substitute fresh or frozen; soak briefly in warm water before folding in to rehydrate.