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Cranberry Orange Bread is a tasty treat that’s easy to make and enjoy. This simple recipe brings together the tangy flavor of cranberries and the sweet zest of orange in every bite. Whether you’re baking for breakfast or a snack, this bread is sure to impress. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps you need to create this delightful dish right in your kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: This bread combines the tartness of cranberries with the refreshing zest of orange, creating a delightful flavor profile that brightens any meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a snack, this bread is versatile enough to be enjoyed any time of day.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Festive Appeal: The vibrant colors and fragrant aroma make this bread a beautiful addition to holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg, lightly beaten
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of 1 large orange
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh cranberries bring bright flavor. They add a tart kick to the sweet bread. The orange zest paired with juice gives a fresh taste, making every bite delightful. Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness. The baking powder and baking soda work together to help the bread rise perfectly.
Granulated sugar sweetens the bread and helps with its nice crust. The egg adds moisture and binds everything together. If you like nuts, walnuts add a nice crunch. You can skip them if you prefer a smoother texture.
With these ingredients ready, you’re set to create a delicious loaf of cranberry orange bread. Each component plays a part in making this recipe a treat for your taste buds.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
To start, you need to preheat your oven. This step helps the bread bake evenly. A hot oven makes a big difference. Next, prep your loaf pan. Greasing it or using parchment paper will help you remove the bread easily later.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Use a whisk to combine them well. This step ensures that the baking soda and powder spread evenly.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
– Whisk melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla, orange zest, and orange juice.
Now, you’ll mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl. Whisk together melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. This creates a smooth mixture. The zest and juice add a bright flavor.
Combining Ingredients
– Mix wet and dry ingredients without overmixing.
– Fold in cranberries and walnuts (if using).
Time to combine! Pour the wet mixture into the dry bowl. Stir gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Next, fold in the cranberries and walnuts if you want some crunch. This adds color and taste to your bread.
Baking
– Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
– Bake for 60-70 minutes and check for doneness.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Then, place it in the oven. Bake for about 60 to 70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean when ready.
Cooling and Serving
– Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
– Transfer to wire rack and slice for serving.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely. When it’s cool, slice the bread and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Bread
– Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb: Mix gently. Overmixing makes the bread tough. Stir just until you see no dry flour.
– Use fresh cranberries for best flavor: Fresh cranberries provide a bright taste. They burst with juice, adding moisture and tartness.
Presentation Tips
– Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of sugar makes the bread look fancy. It adds a sweet touch without being too much.
– Garnish with cranberries and orange zest: Use a few whole cranberries on top. A sprinkle of orange zest adds color and a pop of flavor.
Baking Tips
– Use an oven thermometer for accurate temperature: Ovens can be off by a lot. An oven thermometer ensures your bread bakes perfectly.
– Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If not, bake a bit longer.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. They provide a burst of tartness that complements the sweetness of the bread.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense bread.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the crumb and makes for cleaner slices.
- Add a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple orange glaze over the cooled bread. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice until smooth.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change some ingredients to fit your taste.
– Use mixed nuts instead of walnuts for a crunchier bite.
– Dried cranberries work well if fresh ones aren’t available.
Flavor Additions
Boost the taste of your bread with some fun additions.
– Add more orange zest for a stronger citrus flavor.
– Try spices like nutmeg or ginger for warmth and depth.
Dietary Adjustments
If you have special dietary needs, here are some swaps.
– For gluten-free bread, use a flour alternative like almond flour.
– A sugar substitute can help make the bread healthier.
Storage Info
How to Store
To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the moisture in and prevents it from drying out. If you want to make it last longer, refrigerate it. The cool air will help maintain its freshness.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze the bread, wrap each slice in plastic wrap. After wrapping, cover it with foil. This extra layer protects it from freezer burn. Then, place the slices in freezer-safe bags. Make sure to label the bags with the date.
Freshness Tips
For the best taste, eat the bread within a week. It tastes amazing fresh! When you are ready to enjoy it, reheat the slices in the oven or microwave. This will bring back the soft texture and delicious flavor.
FAQs
How can I make Cranberry Orange Bread vegan?
To make this Cranberry Orange Bread vegan, simply replace the egg with a flax egg. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens. You can also swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil or vegan butter. This keeps the bread rich and moist while making it plant-based.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just remember not to thaw them before adding them to the batter. This helps keep the bread moist. Frozen cranberries might make the batter a bit wetter, so you may need to add a few more minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with Cranberry Orange Bread?
Cranberry Orange Bread pairs well with many items. Here are a few ideas:
– Cream cheese or vegan cream cheese for spreading
– A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup
– A cup of herbal tea or coffee to enjoy with your slice
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
Can I add chocolate chips to the recipe?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can add a rich twist to this recipe. You can use dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate chips. Simply fold in about 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the cranberries. This adds a sweet, decadent flavor that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
In this post, we covered how to make a delicious Cranberry Orange Bread. We went through the needed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and various tips to ensure your bread turns out great. Remember, using fresh cranberries enhances flavor, and simple tweaks can make it unique. Whether you share it or keep it all to yourself, this bread is sure to impress. Enjoy your baking journey and savor each bit
Cranberry Orange Delight Bread
A delightful bread combining the tartness of cranberries with the zest of orange.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr
Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large orange zest
- 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.25 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed and free of lumps.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lightly beaten egg, vanilla extract, orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Blend these wet ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl containing the dry mixture. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the ingredients are just combined. It’s important not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Carefully fold in the halved cranberries and chopped walnuts (if you're using them) to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the bread – it should come out clean when it’s fully baked.
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once the bread has cooled, slice it into generous portions and serve. Enjoy your delightful Cranberry Orange Bread!
For an appealing presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar and garnish with cranberries and orange zest.
Keyword bread, cranberry, dessert, orange
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