Cranberry Orange Bread: A Moist and Flavorful Recipe You’ll Love

Cranberry Orange Bread is an easy, quick-to-make bread that’s both soft and moist. Filled with the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and a zesty orange glaze, this bread will surely impress everyone at your holiday table. It’s a wonderful combination of flavors that feels both festive and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for breakfast or a snack to share, this Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect choice. The blend of tart cranberries with the sweet and tangy orange makes it a unique and delicious addition to your festive spread.

Ingredients Needed for Cranberry Orange Bread

To make the Cranberry Orange Bread, you will need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful loaf. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:

• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for the bread itself, and powdered sugar (also called confectioners’ sugar) is used for the glaze.
• Orange: Fresh orange juice and orange zest are key to getting that fresh, vibrant orange flavor in both the bread and the glaze.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is important for helping the bread rise and become soft. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or non-dairy milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice added.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe, but if you use frozen ones, be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before using them.

These ingredients are easy to find and create a beautiful combination of flavors that work perfectly together.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Making Cranberry Orange Bread is simple and quick. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare this tasty treat:

1. Prepare the Sugar and Orange Mixture: Start by stirring together granulated sugar and orange zest in a large bowl. This mix will bring out the orange flavor in the bread.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, orange juice, oil, and egg. Set this aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a smaller bowl, mix together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. These ingredients will help the bread rise and become fluffy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet ingredients to the sugar and orange mixture, stirring until well combined. Then, add the dry ingredients and mix gently.
5. Add Cranberries: Once the batter is mixed, fold in the chopped cranberries. This adds bursts of tartness and color to the bread.
6. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into a prepared pan and bake for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with just a few crumbs when inserted in the center of the loaf.
7. Cool and Make the Glaze: Once the bread is baked, let it cool before removing it from the pan. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with some orange juice and a little cream or milk until it forms a drizzle. Pour the glaze over the cooled bread.
8. Serve: Let the glaze set before slicing and serving. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finishing touch to the bread.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

To make sure your Cranberry Orange Bread turns out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:

• Fresh Cranberries Are Best: While frozen cranberries can work, fresh cranberries will give you the best texture and flavor. If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Stir just until everything is combined, as overmixing can lead to dense bread.
• Check for Doneness: Test the bread with a toothpick to make sure it’s done. Insert it into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready. If the toothpick is wet, bake for a few more minutes.
• Add Extra Orange Flavor: For even more orange flavor, you can add extra orange zest into the bread or the glaze. This will enhance the citrusy taste and make the bread even more aromatic.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect for the holiday season or any time of the year when you want to enjoy something delicious and fresh. The combination of cranberries and orange is always a winning flavor duo. The moist, fluffy texture of the bread paired with the sweet and tangy orange glaze makes it irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at a holiday gathering, this bread is sure to be a hit.

The recipe is also quite flexible. You can use non-dairy milk instead of buttermilk if needed, and if you’re not a fan of cranberries, you can easily substitute them with another fruit like blueberries. The glaze is a simple addition, but it truly elevates the flavor of the bread and makes it feel like a special treat.

Overall, Cranberry Orange Bread is a great recipe to keep on hand for holidays and gatherings, or whenever you’re in the mood for something sweet and citrusy. Its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delightful taste make it a go-to recipe for many occasions.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Bread is an easy-to-make, delicious treat that combines the bright, refreshing taste of orange with the tartness of cranberries. Whether you’re enjoying it during the holidays or just as a fun baking project, it’s sure to be a favorite. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, anyone can make this tasty bread at home. Don’t forget the sweet orange glaze to make it even more irresistible!

Purple Basil LLC

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