Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly blends the sweetness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges. This quick bread is an ideal choice for breakfast, afternoon snacks, or even holiday gatherings. Its moist texture and aromatic flavors make it a beloved option, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, you’ll find joy in creating this flavorful bread that fills your home with a warm, inviting scent.

What You’ll Need for Orange Cranberry Bread

To create a delicious Orange Cranberry Bread, gather the following ingredients:

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (165 grams)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cardamom
6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature (85 grams))
1 cup sugar (200 grams)
2 tbsp orange zest
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream (60 grams)
1/4 cup orange juice (60 ml)
1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (150 grams)
2 tsp all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries)
4 tbsp cream cheese (room temperature (56 grams))
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature (28 grams))
1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted (62 grams))
2 tbsp orange juice (or more as needed)
2 tbsp orange zest (to decorate)

Step-by-Step Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create your own Orange Cranberry Bread:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
Add the orange zest to the butter mixture and mix well.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and orange juice to the mixture, and combine until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Coat the cranberries with the 2 tsp of all-purpose flour to help prevent them from sinking. Gently fold in the cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
While the bread cools, make the orange glaze! In a small bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar and orange juice until you reach your desired consistency.
Once the loaf is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top and garnish with additional orange zest.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

This lovely bread can be served in so many ways! Slice it up and enjoy it plain or spread a little butter or cream cheese on top for some extra richness. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it the perfect afternoon snack. You can also serve it at brunch, where it will surely impress your guests. For a festive touch, consider adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Tips & Variations

Make it a little sweeter! If you love a sweeter bread, consider adding a bit more sugar (about 1-2 tablespoons) to the batter.
Add nuts. For an extra crunch, fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberries.
Try it with other fruits. If cranberries aren’t in season, feel free to substitute them with blueberries or even raspberries for a fun twist!

Orange Cranberry Bread FAQs

How do I store leftover Orange Cranberry Bread?

You can store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. It can also be frozen for longer storage; just wrap it tightly before placing it in the freezer.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just be aware that they may release more moisture than fresh cranberries, so it’s good to add a bit of extra flour if the batter seems too wet.

Is this bread good for holiday gifts?

Absolutely! Wrap slices of Orange Cranberry Bread in cellophane or place them in cute gift boxes. It’s a lovely homemade gift that friends and family will appreciate!

Baking Orange Cranberry Bread is a simple yet rewarding experience. Its bright colors and flavors make it a delightful treat to share. So why not roll up your sleeves and give this recipe a try? You’ll be glad you did!

Print Recipe

Orange Cranberry Bread

A delightful quick bread that blends sweetness from cranberries with zesty orange flavors, perfect for breakfast or snacks.

Prep Time20

Cook Time1 5

Total Time1 25

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Breakfast Recipe, cranberries, Holiday Baking, Orange Cranberry Bread, Quick Bread

Servings: 10 slices

Calories: 250kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (165 grams)
1 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cardamom
6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature (85 grams))
1 cup sugar (200 grams)
2 tbsp orange zest
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream (60 grams)
1/4 cup orange juice (60 ml)
1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (150 grams)
2 tsp all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries)

Orange Glaze

4 tbsp cream cheese (room temperature (56 grams))
2 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature (28 grams))
1/2 cup powdered sugar (sifted (62 grams))
2 tbsp orange juice (or more as needed)
2 tbsp orange zest (to decorate)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cardamom. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter with sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the orange zest to the butter mixture and mix well.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and orange juice, and combine until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Coat the cranberries with 2 tsp of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold in cranberries into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.

Baking

Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Glaze Preparation

In a small bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add in powdered sugar and orange juice until desired consistency.
Drizzle over cooled loaf and garnish with orange zest.

Notes

Serve plain or with butter/cream cheese. Pairs well with tea or coffee. May add powdered sugar for a festive touch. For sweeter bread, consider adding 1-2 tablespoons more sugar.