If you’re searching for a delightful treat that perfectly captures the bright, tangy flavors of the season, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe. Bursting with fresh cranberries and zesty orange notes, this loaf is moist, tender, and just sweet enough to brighten up any breakfast table or afternoon tea. Every bite feels like a little celebration of fresh fruit and warm spices, making it an absolute favorite to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe truly special are its simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in flavor, texture, and that gorgeous golden color. You won’t find anything too fancy here, just familiar kitchen staples that come together effortlessly to create a loaf you’ll want to bake again and again.
- Fresh cranberries: The star fruit delivering tart bursts of flavor and pretty pops of red throughout the loaf.
- Juicy oranges (zest and juice): Adds bright citrus aroma and moisture that complements the tart berries beautifully.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness with just the right touch of sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- All-purpose flour: The essential base creating the structure and tender crumb of the loaf.
- Baking powder: Ensures your loaf rises perfectly with a light and fluffy texture.
- Eggs: Binds the ingredients while adding richness for a moist bake.
- Unsalted butter: Provides depth and a melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Milk: Adds moisture to keep each slice soft and delicious.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a touch of warm sweetness.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Getting this ready first saves time later and ensures your loaf releases cleanly after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. This blend of dry ingredients makes sure your loaf rises evenly and has a tender crumb with a lovely balance of flavors.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. Mix just until everything is combined for moistness without overworking the batter, which keeps the texture light.
Step 4: Bring Together the Batter
Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Then, add the fresh cranberries last and fold carefully to avoid breaking them up too much and turning the batter purple. This step ensures those little bursts of cranberry tartness shine through.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This slow bake develops a wonderful crust while keeping the inside tender and flavorful.
Step 6: Cool and Slice
Let the cranberry orange loaf cool in the pan for a bit before turning it out onto a wire rack. Cooling is key for neat slicing and helps the flavors settle beautifully.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of orange glaze enhances the vibrant flavors and makes your loaf look as festive as it tastes. Fresh orange slices or a few cranberries on the side also add a charming touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this loaf with a creamy cup of coffee, a smooth herbal tea, or even a dollop of lightly whipped cream or mascarpone cheese to complement its citrusy zest and tart fruit notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices as part of a brunch spread alongside other seasonal fruits, nuts, and cheeses. You can even slice it thinly, toast it lightly, and top with honey and ricotta for a delightful snack or dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover slices tightly in plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
Freezing
This cranberry orange loaf freezes wonderfully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container, freezing for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20 seconds to bring back that freshly baked warmth and softness. Just be careful not to overheat to maintain its tender crumb.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen cranberries before folding them into the batter to avoid making the loaf too wet.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can try using a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a heartier loaf, but be mindful this will affect texture and flavor. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends also work but may require slight adjustments.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a plant-based spread, replace the eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, and use a plant-based milk to turn this into a vegan-friendly treat without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?
Lightly tossing cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps keep them suspended evenly throughout the loaf during baking.
Can I add nuts or other fruits?
Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried fruits like raisins or apricots can boost texture and flavor, making the loaf even more exciting. Just fold them in gently along with the cranberries.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe is a delightful way to bring fresh, bright flavors into your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s a loaf that feels special yet easy enough for an everyday treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring with a warm drink. I highly encourage you to try making it soon—you won’t regret the cozy comfort this loaf brings to your home.
Print
Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Loaf is a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with fresh cranberries and bright orange zest. Perfectly spiced and lightly sweetened, it’s a delightful treat for breakfast or dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweet citrus aroma of orange. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden brown, this loaf is sure to be a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
- Fold Wet into Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
- Add Cranberries: Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor; frozen can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the crumb tender and soft.
- Let the loaf cool fully before slicing to ensure clean slices.
- You can make a simple glaze using powdered sugar and orange juice to drizzle over the cooled loaf for added sweetness.
- Store leftover loaf tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
