Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread – A Festive Holiday Classic
There’s something magical about baking during the holiday season, and this Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread captures that cozy, nostalgic feeling perfectly. With its tender crumb, bursts of tart cranberry, and subtle citrus notes, this bread feels like Christmas wrapped up in a loaf. It’s the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites everyone to gather around the counter, sneaking slices while it’s still slightly warm.
This cranberry bread is wonderfully simple, which is part of its charm. No yeast, no complicated steps, and no fancy equipment — just a classic quick bread that comes together easily and bakes up beautifully every time. The cranberries add pops of color and flavor, making it naturally festive without needing heavy frosting or decoration. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze is more than enough to give it that holiday sparkle.
Perfect for gifting, brunch spreads, or quiet winter mornings, this bread is versatile and forgiving. It keeps well, freezes beautifully, and tastes just as good the next day. Whether you serve it with butter, cream cheese, or enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee, this Christmas cranberry bread is sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Fresh cranberries, chopped
- Orange zest
- Eggs
- Milk
- Melted butter
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and line with parchment if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly coated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze before serving, if desired.
Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven and prepare loaf pan.
- Mix dry ingredients and fold in cranberries and zest.
- Combine wet ingredients and gently mix into batter.
- Bake until golden and set, about 50–55 minutes.
Notes
Why Cranberry Bread Belongs on the Christmas Table
Cranberries are naturally festive — their ruby-red color and tart flavor balance sweetness beautifully. In this bread, they soften as they bake while still holding their shape, creating little pockets of bright flavor. Combined with orange zest, the result feels classic, cheerful, and unmistakably holiday-inspired.
Tips & Tricks
- Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw frozen ones).
- Avoid overmixing for a tender crumb.
- Tent loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Variations
- Cranberry Orange Glaze: Drizzle with powdered sugar and orange juice glaze.
- Nutty Version: Add chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Cranberry Lemon Bread: Swap orange zest for lemon zest.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini pans for gifting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices at breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. It pairs beautifully with butter, honey butter, or cream cheese and makes a lovely addition to holiday dessert tables.
Storage Information
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Freeze slices or whole loaf for up to 3 months.
FAQ
Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, but fresh cranberries give the best tart contrast.
Is this bread very sweet?
No, it’s balanced and lets the cranberries shine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — it’s even better the next day.
History / Fun Facts
Cranberries have long been associated with winter holidays in North America, thanks to their harvest season and vibrant color. Cranberry breads and sauces became popular holiday staples in the early 20th century as home baking traditions grew.
