Can I use frozen cranberries for this cranberry orange bread recipe?

Yes, absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this cranberry orange bread. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them directly to the batter. Tossing them lightly with a tablespoon of flour first can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.

How do I store homemade cranberry orange bread?

Once completely cooled, store your cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I make this cranberry orange bread recipe ahead of time?

Yes, cranberry orange bread is an excellent make-ahead option! It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly. It's also suitable for freezing, allowing you to prepare it weeks in advance.

What can I use if I don't have buttermilk for this cranberry orange bread recipe?

No buttermilk? No problem! You can easily make a substitute. For 1 cup of buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a liquid measuring cup, then fill the rest with regular milk (dairy or non-dairy) until it reaches 1 cup. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles, then use it as directed in the recipe. This will provide a similar tenderizing effect.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe: 7 Tips for a Moist & Zesty Loaf

Name: The Ultimate Cranberry Orange Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup fresh orange juice; 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges); 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Description

This delightful cranberry orange bread recipe combines the zesty brightness of fresh oranges with the tart burst of cranberries, all baked into a perfectly moist and tender quick bread. It's an easy-to-make, family-favorite loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 5: Gently fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries. If using frozen, there's no need to thaw them. You can toss them with a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent sinking.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 7: Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary.
Step 8: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes on a wire rack.
Step 9: Carefully invert the bread onto the wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. For an extra touch, you can drizzle a simple orange glaze over the cooled loaf.

Notes

For a simple orange glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread. For best results, use fresh orange zest for maximum flavor. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Quick Bread, Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 70g)
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg