Description
Enjoy this Cranberry Orange Bread, a simple, moist, and flavorful bake perfect for holidays or any cozy morning. We focus on getting you the perfect zest ratio for bright flavor and simple steps for a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air for a better texture.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until just combined. Your zest is key for maximum flavor here.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra moisture, ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before mixing.
- To prevent the cranberries from sinking, gently toss them in one tablespoon of the reserved dry flour mixture before folding them into the batter.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier top, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse sugar over the batter before baking.
- This bread tastes even better the next day! Store tightly wrapped at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Sweet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg