Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright flavor of fresh orange. It’s moist, aromatic, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
• 8 ounces canned whole cranberries in sauce
• 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a bread loaf pan to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the wet ingredients: eggs, canned cranberries with sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil. Stir well to combine.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently and mix just until everything is incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: (Optional) To make muffins, pour the batter into greased muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
• Use fresh cranberries if available, but increase sugar slightly to balance tartness.
• Substitute applesauce with mashed banana for a different flavor profile.
• To enhance the orange flavor, sprinkle some additional orange zest on top before baking.

Storage

Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To keep longer, freeze wrapped bread for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in a toaster or microwave until warm for the best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but they are more tart. Consider increasing the sugar slightly to balance the flavor.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free, using applesauce and oil instead of butter or milk, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 63 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 5-15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) or 8 muffins 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread bursting with tart cranberry flavor and bright citrus notes from fresh orange zest and juice. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, and can be made into a traditional loaf or individual muffins. The combination of warm spices, almond extract, and applesauce adds a unique twist, making this bread irresistibly flavorful and tender.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 8 oz canned whole cranberries in sauce
• 1 large orange, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons applesauce
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a bread loaf pan to ensure the bread does not stick during baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir them together until evenly mixed. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, canned whole cranberries with their sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and vegetable or canola oil until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until all ingredients are incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Pour Batter into Pan. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Bake the Bread. Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the bread is ready.
7. Optional Muffin Method. For muffins, spoon about 2/3 cup of batter into greased muffin tins and bake for 20 to 23 minutes. This method yields individual portions perfect for snacking.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh cranberries cooked with sugar if canned are unavailable.
• Use applesauce as a healthier alternative to reduce fat while keeping moisture.
• Allow bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning out to avoid breakage.
• Muffins bake faster, so keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
• Store bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry bread, orange bread, quick bread, muffins, baked goods, holiday bread, citrus bread