Easy & Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread – A Bright, Moist, Flavor-Packed Loaf

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and fragrant citrus. It’s bright, bold, festive, and comforting all at once. When folded into a buttery quick bread batter, those flavors come alive in the most irresistible way, creating a loaf that’s tender, moist, and bursting with little pops of ruby-red cranberry. This easy & delicious cranberry orange bread is exactly that: the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy goodness. It’s a loaf that feels like winter mornings, cozy baking days, and holiday gatherings—yet it’s simple enough to enjoy any time of year.

Quick breads are beloved for their simplicity: no yeast, no kneading, no rising—just mix and bake. But what makes this cranberry orange bread truly special is how gourmet it tastes despite being unbelievably easy. The orange zest perfumes the entire loaf from the first slice to the last, while the fresh cranberries add juicy bursts of flavor that make each bite unique. A hint of vanilla rounds everything out, and a subtle orange glaze (optional but incredible) takes it into bakery-level territory.

Whether you’re serving this warm from the oven on a cozy Sunday morning, gifting it during the holiday season, or enjoying a slice with afternoon tea, it’s one of those recipes that brings joy to any table. It freezes beautifully, stores well, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and the bread becomes even more moist.

Let’s dive deep into the warmth, aroma, and sheer deliciousness of this simple yet stunning loaf.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅓ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• Optional orange glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 2–3 tablespoons orange juice

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Instructions

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Fold in cranberries, reserving a few for the top.
6. Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the surface.
7. Sprinkle extra cranberries on top for a pretty finish.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.
10. Drizzle optional orange glaze over the loaf and allow it to set before slicing.

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Tips & Tricks

• Use fresh cranberries whenever possible—they keep the loaf moist and bright.
• Coat cranberries lightly in flour before folding to prevent sinking.
• Do not overmix; quick breads become tough if the batter is overworked.
• Make it extra citrusy by adding a splash of orange extract or extra zest.

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Variations

• Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts.
• White Chocolate Cranberry Orange Loaf: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
• Cranberry Orange Muffins: Bake in a muffin tin for 18–20 minutes.
• Cranberry Orange Almond Bread: Add ½ teaspoon almond extract for bakery-style flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with:

• Soft salted butter
• Orange honey butter
• Cream cheese spread
• A hot cup of tea, coffee, or mulled cider

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Storage Information

• Room Temperature: 3–4 days wrapped tightly.
• Refrigerator: Up to 1 week.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months—wrap slices individually.

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FAQ

Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, but reduce sugar slightly and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes—add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

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History / Fun Facts

Cranberry breads became popular in the 19th century in New England, where cranberries grew abundantly. Combining cranberries with citrus was a natural evolution, especially after oranges became widely accessible in the early 20th century. Today, cranberry orange bread is considered a holiday staple across the United States but is beloved globally for its fresh, fruity flavor and comforting crumb.