Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

If you’ve been on the lookout for a treat that combines bright citrus flavors with the tartness of fresh cranberries, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe. This bread is everything you want on a cozy morning or a sweet snack — moist, subtly sweet, with vibrant pops of cranberry and warm hints of orange zest that light up every bite. It’s lovingly easy to make, which means you can enjoy homemade comfort anytime without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite that friends and family will keep asking you to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to deliver a perfect balance of fluffiness, sweetness, and that irresistible fresh flavor combo that makes this bread so special. Let’s look at what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives our bread structure and a tender crumb.
• 3/4 cup sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to complement the tart cranberries.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise and stay fluffy.
• 3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while balancing sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to give a perfect lift and tender texture.
• 1/4 cup butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• 4 ounces candied orange peel: Bursts of sweet citrus candy that mingle brilliantly with fresh flavors.
• Zest of 1 orange (about 1 tablespoon): Infuses the bread with a natural, fragrant orange aroma.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Brings tenderness and a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives body to the batter.
• 1 cup whole cranberries: Fresh, tart cranberries that create exciting, juicy bites throughout the bread.
• 1/2 cup walnuts: Adds delightful crunch and a nutty depth to the texture.
• 1 tablespoon orange juice: Brightens the flavor and moisten the bread slightly.
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar: For the glossy, sweet glaze that finishes the bread gloriously.
• Enough freshly squeezed orange juice to reach glaze consistency: Keeps the glaze smooth and luxuriously citrusy.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and greasing a standard loaf pan. This step is crucial because you want your bread to bake evenly with a golden crust that doesn’t stick, making it easy to slice and serve.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Getting this mix right ensures your cranberry orange quick bread will have the perfect rise and even sweetness throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth, then blend in the egg, buttermilk, orange juice, and orange zest. This flavorful wet mix gives your bread a moist texture and that signature citrusy punch that makes this recipe truly shine.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Add-ins

Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined—remember, you want to keep the batter light, so avoid overmixing. Then fold in the fresh cranberries, candied orange peel, and walnuts for bursts of tartness, sweet chewiness, and crunch that transform every slice into a delight.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Set

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 55 to 65 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the bread’s top is a beautiful golden brown. Let it cool slightly so the bread firms up and is easier to slice.

Step 6: Prepare the Orange Glaze

While your bread cools, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and enough freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and pourable. The glaze is a jewel-like finish that adds sweetness and a glossy shine, making your bread look as irresistible as it tastes.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Drizzle the orange glaze generously over the warm bread. This final touch locks in moisture and ramps up the citrus flavor, inviting you to slice a piece and savor the wonderful harmony of cranberry and orange in every bite.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts or a few fresh cranberries on top of the glaze before it sets. A light dusting of orange zest can also add a bright pop of color and fresh aroma that immediately invites you to dig in.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up. For brunch, serve alongside creamy mascarpone or a smear of softened cream cheese to contrast the bread’s zesty sweetness. If you’re hosting, consider simple sides like fresh fruit salad for a balanced spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread into thick pieces and stack them on a decorative platter, interspersed with sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme for a rustic look. For a party, cut into mini squares, and serve on toothpicks with dollops of whipped cream or citrus-infused honey for bite-sized delights. Presentation can be as joyful as the flavor itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cranberry orange quick bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay moist and delicious for up to three days—perfect for enjoying multiple breakfasts or snacks without any waste.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this bread freezes wonderfully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, or place slices in freezer bags. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to two months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, simply toast slices in a toaster oven or warm them gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds. A quick reheat will refresh the bread’s texture and intensify those beautiful orange and cranberry aromas, making it taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work fine and can add just as much tartness. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before folding them into the batter to avoid excess moisture that could affect the bread’s texture.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, no worries. You can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This DIY buttermilk will give the bread the same tender and slightly tangy quality.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum, you can enjoy this cranberry orange quick bread recipe without gluten. Just remember that the texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still be fantastic.

How do the candied orange peel and fresh orange zest affect the flavor?

They both bring wonderful citrus notes, but in different ways — the candied orange peel adds sweetness and chewiness, while the fresh zest delivers bright, fresh aroma and flavor that wakes up the entire loaf.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruits?

Definitely! Walnuts can be swapped for pecans or almonds depending on your preference, and dried cranberries or raisins can be used if you want a different texture or sweetness. Just be mindful of the moisture content so the bread bakes up just right.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly enchanting about a slice of this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe — it’s like sunshine wrapped in soft, flavorful bread that comforts and delights all at once. Whether you’re making it for a casual breakfast, a special brunch, or a thoughtful gift for someone you love, it’s bound to become a cherished part of your baking repertoire. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and watch how it brightens your table and your day!

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