Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf

Indulge in the quintessential taste of the holidays with this perfectly moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Quick Bread with Orange Glaze. This delightful recipe captures the festive spirit, bursting with the vibrant sweetness of fresh cranberries and the zesty tang of orange. It’s a truly heartwarming treat that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma and your heart with holiday cheer. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this quick bread is sure to become a beloved tradition in your household.

For those who adore the classic cranberry and orange pairing, we also recommend exploring these delectable recipes:

• Best-Ever White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
• Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars
• Holiday Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies

The Perfect Holiday Duo: Cranberries and Orange

There’s an undeniable magic that happens when cranberries and oranges come together, especially during the festive season. Their flavors are a match made in culinary heaven – the tartness of cranberries beautifully balances the bright, sweet notes of orange, creating a symphony for your taste buds. This dynamic duo is why these ruby-red berries are a staple of winter holiday celebrations, infusing every dish with their distinct flavor and stunning color. When you slice into this tender quick bread, the vibrant cranberries scattered throughout create a visual feast as appealing as its taste.

One of the true highlights of this recipe is the luscious orange glaze. It’s not just an topping; it’s an integral part of the experience, elevating the bread from delicious to divine. The glaze adds an extra layer of citrusy sweetness that perfectly complements the cranberries. For an adult-friendly twist, consider adding a hint of rum to the glaze – a small addition that adds a sophisticated warmth, making it even more celebratory. It’s the holidays, after all, and a touch of indulgence is always welcome!

Beyond its exquisite flavor, this quick bread stands out for its simplicity. Crafted with just a few basic ingredients, it comes together in minutes, requiring nothing more than a whisk or a wooden spoon. The juicy cranberries, aromatic orange zest, and warm spices meld effortlessly into a moist, tender loaf that’s unbelievably easy to achieve. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy holiday bakers or anyone looking for a satisfying homemade treat without the fuss. Prepare to fall in love with its sweet, citrusy aroma and wonderfully chewy texture.

Customizing Your Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread recipe is remarkably adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your preferences or what you have on hand. The versatility makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion. For instance, while we often use almond milk for its light flavor and creamy texture, you can easily substitute it with buttermilk for a slightly tangier crumb, or any other milk you prefer. Each option will yield a delicious result, subtly altering the texture and flavor profile of the bread.

Want to infuse even more holiday spirit into your loaf? Consider using eggnog in place of regular milk. Eggnog adds a rich, spiced creaminess that’s simply irresistible and perfectly aligned with the festive season. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the bread’s flavor and make it truly special.

When it comes to oil, the choice is yours. We’ve found avocado oil to be excellent, providing moisture without imparting a strong flavor. However, feel free to use your favorite neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. For a richer, more buttery taste, melted butter is an outstanding alternative. Don’t shy away from experimenting with olive oil either, as its fruity notes can add an intriguing depth to the bread, as seen in our Maple Apple Pecan Bread.

For our vegan friends, this recipe can be easily adapted. Instead of an egg, we suggest using 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce. Applesauce provides moisture and acts as a binder, making it an excellent egg substitute. If you’re a seasoned vegan baker, you likely have your preferred egg replacers, so feel free to use what works best for you. For another vegan inspiration, check out this vegan bread recipe that uses flax seeds – a great base if you wanted to add cranberries to it!

Making this bread is a delightful experience from start to finish. In approximately an hour, you can transform simple ingredients into a sweet, citrus-infused treat with a wonderfully chewy texture. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or enjoying as a comforting snack throughout the week. Read on to discover all the tips and tricks to master this delicious Cranberry Orange Quick Bread in your own kitchen, from assembling ingredients to creative serving ideas.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Baking a moist and flavorful cranberry orange quick bread is simpler than you might imagine. This recipe combines the sweetness of orange with the tartness of cranberries to create a festive loaf that’s ideal for any occasion. Perfect for holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving, it also makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Get ready to enhance your holiday table with this classic, easy-to-make treat.

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour, plus an extra tablespoon for tossing with cranberries (This prevents cranberries from sinking to the bottom!)
• Baking powder, for perfect lift and tenderness
• Baking soda, to ensure a light and airy texture
• Granulated sugar, providing the ideal sweetness balance with the tart cranberries
• Your preferred oil (such as avocado oil for a neutral flavor) or 5 tablespoons of melted and cooled butter for a richer taste
• 1 large egg, or 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan alternative
• Your choice of milk (we love almond milk), or buttermilk for a slight tang and extra moisture
• Pure vanilla extract, to enhance all the wonderful flavors
• 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw if frozen!)
• 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest (for intense citrus flavor) or 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch

Orange Glaze Ingredients:

• Powdered sugar, the base for a smooth, pourable glaze
• Freshly squeezed orange juice, for a bright, tangy finish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of rum, for an added layer of holiday warmth and flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Bake Your Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Preparing the Cranberry Orange Quick Bread:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper or foil, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the loaf out after baking.
2. In a small bowl, gently toss the fresh or frozen cranberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour. This crucial step helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of your loaf during baking, ensuring even distribution. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and granulated sugar. Whisk them thoroughly until well combined, making sure there are no lumps.
4. To the dry ingredients, add the wet ingredients: your chosen oil or melted butter, egg (or applesauce for vegan), milk of choice (or buttermilk), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until just incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; a few small lumps are perfectly fine and help keep the bread tender.
5. Gently fold in the flour-coated cranberries and the orange zest (or orange extract) into the bread batter. Mix just enough to distribute them evenly.
6. Pour the prepared quick bread batter into your greased or lined loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Baking times can vary, so start checking around the 50-minute mark.
8. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven. Run a thin knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the bread. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. This cooling step is important for the glaze to set properly.
9. While the bread cools, prepare your delightful orange glaze.

Crafting the Perfect Orange Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. If you desire a thicker glaze, add a bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a few more drops of orange juice or milk. Feel free to stir in the optional rum for an extra festive kick.
2. Once your quick bread has cooled completely, generously drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This ensures a beautiful, slightly firm coating.

Storing & Freezing Your Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Ensuring your delicious quick bread stays fresh is key, whether you’re enjoying it over a few days or saving some for later.

• For Storing: Store the Cranberry Orange Quick Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you prefer to extend its freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5-6 days. The cool environment of the refrigerator helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
• For Freezing: Quick breads freeze beautifully! To freeze, ensure the loaf is completely cooled. Tightly wrap the entire loaf first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a large freezer-safe zip-top bag. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3-4 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

More Delicious Variations to Try

This recipe is a fantastic starting point for endless variations. Don’t hesitate to get creative!

• Add Nuts: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the cranberries. The nutty crunch pairs wonderfully with the soft bread and tart berries.
• Mini Loaves for Gifting: This recipe is perfect for making smaller loaves. Divide the batter among several mini loaf pans and adjust baking time accordingly (usually 25-35 minutes). These mini loaves make charming and delicious homemade gifts for friends, family, and neighbors during the holidays.
• Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are not in season or readily available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries. Rehydrate them slightly in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter to ensure they stay plump and juicy.

This lovely Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is truly a standout for the holidays, ideal for gifting, delightful for snacking, and the perfect recipe to use up those abundant cranberries. It’s a recipe designed to light up your life with flavor and ease!

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More Seasonal Treats to Savor!

• Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars: Recreate this popular coffee shop treat at home.
• Holiday Cranberry White Chocolate Blondies: A chewy and festive bar cookie with delightful white chocolate and cranberry.
• Pumpkin Cranberry Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars: A hearty and comforting bar packed with fall flavors.
• Holiday Cranberry Orange Chocolate Chip Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread with a festive twist.
• Christmas Eggnog Cranberry Bread Pudding with Vanilla Rum Sauce: A decadent and warming dessert, perfect for special occasions.
• Holiday Eggnog Quick Bread: Another easy quick bread recipe, featuring the rich flavor of eggnog.
• Best Pumpkin Cranberry Muffins: Moist and fluffy muffins, ideal for breakfast or a snack.
• For even more inspiration, explore these 50 Stunning Holiday Cranberry Desserts!