Have you ever taken a bite of something so bright and cheery it practically screams “good morning, sunshine”? That’s exactly what this cranberry orange bread recipe does. Picture this: tart cranberries meeting sweet orange in a loaf that smells like a wake-up hug. One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever wasted time on boring banana bread.
Why This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Is a Game-Changer
Let’s be real: you deserve a loaf that wakes you up and comforts you at the same time. This cranberry orange bread recipe:
- Balances tart and sweet like a culinary high-five.
- Impresses guests with festive color and flavor—but is easy enough for a Monday bake.
- Requires no mixer, because who has the energy at 6 AM?
- Uses fresh ingredients, no weird powders here. Plus, it doubles as a snack, breakfast, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 2 oranges (trust me, skip this and you’ll miss the vibe)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (rinse frozen if using)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use sour cream)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed FTW)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Substitutions:
- No yogurt? Use sour cream or buttermilk.
- Prefer less sweet? Reduce sugar to ¾ cup.
- Gluten-free? Use a 1:1 GF flour blend + add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
Tools & Kitchen Gadgets Used
- Mixing bowls – at least two.
- Whisk or silicone spatula – smooth mixes.
- Loaf pan (9×5”) – essential for that perfect slice.
- Zester – for maximum orange zing.
- Measuring cups & spoons – don’t eyeball it, okay?
- Cooling rack – for perfect crust.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Dry team assemble.
Step 3: Toss in cranberries so they don’t clump at the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: In another bowl, whisk eggs, yogurt, orange juice, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Step 5: Pour wet mixture into dry. Stir until just combined—don’t ghost mix.
Step 6: Spoon batter into pan, smoothing the top with wet spatula.
Step 7: Bake 50–60 minutes, until a toothpick poked in center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 8: Let cool 10 min in pan, then transfer to rack. Slice when slightly warm—resist the urge to devour whole loaf.
Calories & Nutritional Info (Per Slice, 12 Slices)
- Calories: ~220
- Carbs: 32g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 9g
- Sugar: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Vitamin C: thanks to those oranges!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping orange zest. No zest = no zing. Don’t cheat yourself.
Overmixing. This isn’t stir-your-life-together time. Gentle fold only.
Using too many cranberries. The loaf will sink if overloaded.
Baking at too low temp. High moisture needs that 350°F to rise right.
Not cooling before slicing. Hot loaf = crumb city.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Makeover: Swap in 1:1 GF flour and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
Spiced Twist: Mix in 1 tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp nutmeg to boost fall vibes.
Citrus Trio: Add ½ cup chopped dried apricots or mix in lemon zest for extra brightness.
Gourmet Glaze: Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 Tbsp orange juice. Drizzle cooled loaf for show-off sparkle.
FAQ About Cranberry Orange Bread
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just rinse and dry them first to avoid adding excess moisture.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Wrap in foil or store in airtight container. Keeps for 3 days at room temp or 1 week in fridge.
3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast to reheat.
4. Is Greek yogurt necessary?
It helps with moisture. You can use sour cream or buttermilk instead.
5. My loaf sunk—why?
Likely overmixing or too much fruit weight. Gently fold and don’t overfill.
6. Can I turn it into muffins?
Totally—bake 20–25 minutes at same temperature in lined muffin tin.
7. Can I make this vegan?
Easy! Use flax eggs (1 Tbsp flax + 3 Tbsp water per egg) and dairy-free yogurt.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—your new go-to cranberry orange bread that’s bright, tangy, and festive enough for any occasion. No more boring loaves or sad slices. Have friends coming over? Slice it up with a pat of butter or cream cheese and watch them swoon. Tag me in your pics—I want to see that crumb! Trust me, once you go homemade, store-bought will feel like a consolation prize.