Oh, hello there! I’m Clara from 911Recipes, and I’m so happy you’re here. Today, I want to share a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day: this absolutely wonderful Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread. It’s one of those simple bakes that just makes everything feel a little bit better.
Growing up, our grandmother always had something baking. It wasn’t always fancy cakes; sometimes it was just a simple loaf bread, fragrant and comforting. I remember the smell of citrus and something sweet filling her kitchen, a smell that still brings me back to those happy, easy days. This Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread reminds me so much of that feeling.
It’s not complicated, I promise. That’s what we’re all about here – bringing that cozy kitchen feeling into your busy life without all the fuss. This recipe is straightforward, uses simple ingredients, and gives you a truly delicious result every time.
It’s perfect for breakfast with a cup of coffee, a lovely afternoon snack, or even a simple dessert. It’s the kind of bake that makes your home smell amazing and brings a little bit of sweetness to the everyday.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Okay, so why make this particular loaf? Well, let me tell you! This Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread is a real winner for so many reasons.
- It’s incredibly easy to mix up, even if you’re new to baking.
- The bright orange zest and tart cranberries are a match made in heaven.
- It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a simple dessert.
- It fills your home with the most amazing, comforting smell as it bakes.
- It’s just a lovely, simple sweet treat that feels special.
Trust me, once you try a slice, you’ll understand!
Essential Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this delightful Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread. Using good quality ingredients really makes a difference in the final taste. That bright, zesty orange paired with the slightly tart cranberries is such a classic and comforting flavor combination.
Gathering everything beforehand makes the baking process so much smoother. It’s like setting yourself up for success!
Gathering Your Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Here’s the simple list of what you’ll need before you start mixing.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 large orange
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Ready to get baking? Making this Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread is really straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful, tasty loaf in no time. I like to think of it as a little baking adventure!
Getting Started with Your Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
First things first, let’s get the oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is important for even baking. Then, take your 9×5 inch loaf pan. Give it a good grease and flour. This little step gives you perfect results and helps the loaf release easily later.
Mixing the Batter for Perfect Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Now for the fun part – mixing! In a big bowl, cream together your softened butter and sugar. Beat it until it looks light and fluffy, almost pale yellow. This adds air and makes the loaf tender.
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully mixed in before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract too. It adds such a lovely warmth.
In a different bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. This makes sure everything is evenly distributed. In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, chopped cranberries, and that wonderful orange zest. Remember, if you’re using frozen cranberries, just toss them in as they are!
Now, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Do this alternately with the buttermilk mixture. Start with dry, add some buttermilk, then more dry, and so on. Mix until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make your loaf tough, and we want it nice and tender.
Baking and Cooling Your Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely. Pop it into the preheated oven.
Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. How do you know it’s done? Grab a wooden skewer or toothpick and stick it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, you’re good to go! If there’s wet batter on it, give it a few more minutes and test again.
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set up a bit. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing. It’s hard to wait, I know, but it makes a big difference!
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Want your Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread to turn out absolutely perfect every single time? Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned along the way.
- Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them cream together properly for a better texture.
- Measure your flour carefully. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off; don’t scoop directly from the bag, as this can pack it down.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Just mix until everything is combined. A light hand keeps the loaf tender.
- Check for doneness with a skewer or toothpick in the center. It should come out clean.
- Once the loaf is totally cool, you can whisk together some powdered sugar and orange juice for a simple, delicious glaze if you like!
Following these simple tips will help you bake a beautiful and tasty loaf.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
I get asked a few things pretty often about this Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread, so I thought I’d share the answers here! Baking should be fun, not confusing, right?
Can I Use Dried Cranberries in This Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread?
Yes, you absolutely can use dried cranberries! They work well in this cranberry orange quick bread. I’d recommend soaking them in a little warm water or orange juice for about 10-15 minutes first. This plumps them up and keeps them from absorbing too much moisture from your batter. Just drain them well before adding them in.
How Should I Store Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread?
Once your delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread is completely cool, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also put it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If it lasts that long!
Can I Freeze Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread?
Yes, this loaf freezes beautifully! Make sure it’s completely cool first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, just leave it wrapped at room temperature for several hours.
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about nutrition for this Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread. The values can change depending on the exact ingredients you use and the brands. So, any nutritional information would just be an estimate. It’s always best to calculate it based on what you put in if you need precise numbers.
Enjoy Your Delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread
Well, there you have it! My simple, go-to recipe for Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread. I really hope you give it a try in your own kitchen.
There’s just something so satisfying about pulling a warm loaf out of the oven. It’s a little bit of simple magic, wouldn’t you agree?
Please, bake this loaf, share it with someone you love, and let me know how it goes! You can leave a comment below or reach out. Happy baking!
Print
Wonderful Cranberry Orange Loaf Bread in 1 hour
- Total Time: 65-75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Description
Make a delicious cranberry orange loaf bread. It is easy to make and perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- Zest of 1 large orange
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk, cranberries, and orange zest.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- You can add a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice once the loaf is cool.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Sweet Treats
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
