This moist orange cranberry bread is a tasty treat! It’s sweet and tangy with a burst of fresh orange flavor and juicy cranberries in every bite.
As I slice into it, the bright colors make me smile. I love having a slice warm with a little butter—it’s a perfect snack or breakfast surprise!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your bread. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well too, though the texture may be slightly different.
Fresh cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries are a great substitute. Just toss them in a little flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Sour cream/plain Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, you can use unsweetened applesauce or even buttermilk. This will keep the bread moist while cutting down on fat.
Granulated sugar: If you prefer a healthier option, coconut sugar can work well. The flavor is slightly different, but it still brings sweetness!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Effectively?
Creaming butter and sugar is a crucial step because it helps to create a light and fluffy texture in your bread. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your butter is soft at room temperature; this helps it incorporate easily.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is mixed well.
This step adds air, which results in a tender crumb. It’s one of the keys to making your bread rise nicely!
What’s the Best Way to Avoid Overmixing?
Overmixing can lead to dense bread, so here’s how to prevent that:
- Mix in dry ingredients just until you no longer see flour. A few lumps are okay!
- Consider using a spatula for the final mixing stage instead of the mixer to have more control and reduce the risk of overmixing.
This will help keep your bread light and fluffy. Enjoy baking your orange cranberry bread! It’s bound to be delicious!
Moist Orange Cranberry Bread
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Additional cranberries for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious orange cranberry bread requires about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 55-65 minutes of baking. After baking, remember to let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it. In total, you should set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to ensure everything’s perfect!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or you can line it with parchment paper for easier removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. This will give your bread that fresh orange flavor. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
Now, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is what makes your bread moist and airy!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the sweetness of your bread.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, combine the fresh orange juice and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). This combo adds extra flavor and moisture to the bread.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice and sour cream mix. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, or your bread might become dense!
7. Fold in Cranberries:
Gently fold in the cranberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This will give lovely bursts of flavor in each slice.
8. Bake:
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Then, place it in your preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If the top gets too brown before it’s fully cooked inside, you can tent it with aluminum foil.
9. Cool:
Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Add Finishing Touches:
For an optional touch, once the bread is cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar, and if you like, add some fresh cranberries for garnish. This makes it look even more inviting!
Now, slice and enjoy your moist and flavorful orange cranberry bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert!
Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just chop them into smaller pieces and consider reducing the sugar slightly since dried cranberries can be sweeter.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and refrigerate it in the loaf pan. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking. You can also bake the bread a day or two in advance; store it wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Bread?
Store any leftover orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Substitute the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can substitute melted coconut oil or vegetable oil for the butter. Use about 1/3 cup of oil for a similar texture. Keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious!