Oh, let me tell you about my love for cranberry orange bread! This delightful loaf is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it an absolute joy to bite into. I typically whip this up for breakfast, but honestly, it’s just as good as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. I remember the first time I made it; the kitchen filled with that heavenly scent of baking oranges and fresh cranberries. My family couldn’t wait for it to cool! It’s a recipe that’s been passed down with a few of my own twists, and every time I make it, it brings back those warm memories. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket for brunches, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy evening at home!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this scrumptious cranberry orange bread. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread, giving it structure and texture.
- 1 cup sugar: It sweetens the bread and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise beautifully, making it light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors—you won’t want to skip this!
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: It adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
- 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed if you can, it brings that vibrant citrus flavor!
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: This packs a punch of fragrant orange aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped: These little gems are the star of the show—sweet and tart!
- 2 large eggs: They bind everything together and help with the rise.
Make sure you have everything ready to go, and let’s get baking!
How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Bread
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and grease it generously with butter or cooking spray. This step is essential to ensure your delicious bread slides right out when it’s done baking. Trust me, no one wants a sticky disaster!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed. This is where your bread starts to take shape, so don’t skip this step! You want to ensure those dry ingredients are harmoniously blended before we add the wet ones.
Combine Wet Ingredients
Now, in another bowl, mix together the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs. Whisk until everything is nicely combined and smooth. This mixture brings that burst of citrus flavor, and oh boy, does it smell divine! Make sure you’re using fresh orange juice for the best taste.
Combine and Fold
Time to bring it all together! Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if there are a few lumps! Then, fold in those gorgeous chopped cranberries. This step is where you’ll see the beautiful colors come to life in your batter!
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Now, it’s time for the magic! Bake in that preheated oven for about 60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, it’s done! Let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. The aroma will drive you wild!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cranberry orange bread turns out perfect every time! First off, don’t skip the zest—it’s a game-changer for flavor! Use a microplane to get those fragrant oils out of the peel without the bitterness of the white pith. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Too much flour can result in a dense loaf, and we want it light and fluffy!
If you’re using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them first—just toss them in straight from the freezer to avoid a soggy batter. And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bread as it bakes. If it starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 15 minutes. Trust me, these little tips will elevate your baking game!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a little heads-up: the nutritional information for this cranberry orange bread is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. So, while I do my best to provide accurate details, it’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re tracking your intake closely. Remember, the joy of baking is in the love you put into it, not just the numbers on a label!
FAQ About Cranberry Orange Bread
Got questions about making the perfect cranberry orange bread? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear:
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Absolutely! If you can’t find fresh cranberries, dried ones work just fine. You might want to soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to plump them up a bit before adding them to the batter.
How do I store leftover bread? To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze it—just slice it first and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I add nuts or other fruits? Yes! Feel free to get creative. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch, and you could even mix in some blueberries for a delicious twist.
What if my bread is too dense? If your cranberry orange bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Remember to mix gently and measure your flour accurately for the best results.
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Definitely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just make sure to store it properly to keep it moist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This cranberry orange bread comes together in just about 15 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
- Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh cranberries and zesty orange creates a bright, vibrant flavor that’s sure to please everyone.
- Versatile: Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, this bread fits perfectly into any meal or occasion.
- Great for Sharing: It makes a fantastic gift or a lovely addition to brunches and holiday gatherings—everyone loves a homemade treat!
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or spices, making it uniquely yours each time you bake.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen for years to come!
Drucken
Cranberry Orange Bread: 5 Irresistibly Delicious Tips
- Gesamtzeit: 75 minutes
- Ertrag: 1 loaf 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious cranberry orange bread perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 2 large eggs
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Great with butter or cream cheese.
- You can use dried cranberries if fresh are not available.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 60 minutes
- Kategorie: Bread
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 32g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread
