Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Introduction
This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread offers a delightful blend of tart cranberries and fresh citrus zest, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. Moist and flavorful, it’s a simple recipe that brightens any day with its balance of sweet and tangy notes.
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 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
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a bread loaf pan to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: beaten eggs, canned cranberries in sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil. Stir well to blend.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Step 5: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- 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 added texture, fold in 1/2 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, before baking.
- Substitute fresh cranberries if canned cranberries are not available; increase sugar slightly to balance tartness.
- Use orange marmalade in place of fresh orange juice and zest for a sweeter, more intense citrus flavor.
Storage
Store the bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?
Yes, fresh cranberries can be used. Because they are more tart and less sweet than canned in sauce, you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), the bread is done baking.
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Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) or 8 muffins 1x
Description
This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful and moist quick bread bursting with vibrant cranberry and citrus flavors. Perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, its tender crumb combines the tartness of canned whole cranberries with the fresh zest and juice of orange, complemented by warm cinnamon and subtle almond extract. Easy to prepare and customizable as either a loaf or muffins, this recipe offers a refreshing twist on traditional sweet breads.
Ingredients
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 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
- Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a bread loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the slightly beaten eggs, canned whole cranberries in sauce, fresh orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and vegetable or canola oil until well combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender bread texture.
- Pour batter into pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is cooked through.
- Optional muffin variation: For muffins, pour about 2/3 cup of batter into each greased muffin tin cup. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Notes
- For a nut-free option, omit the almond extract.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to avoid a dense texture.
- Use fresh orange for the best flavor, but bottled juice can be a substitute in a pinch.
- This bread freezes well; slice before freezing for best results.
- Muffins are a great portable option and ensure quicker baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Quick Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, fruit bread, quick bread, holiday bread, citrus bread, moist bread, cranberry muffin, homemade bread
