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

Scale

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