Oh, do I have a treat for you! This Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread has been a staple in my kitchen for many years, and let me tell you, it’s not just any bread; it’s the kind of recipe that always gets everyone asking for the secret! The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how well the tart cranberries and zesty orange combined to create such a deliciously unique flavor. It reminds me of family gatherings during the holidays when the aroma of baking bread fills the air, bringing everyone together.
Plus, there’s just something so satisfying about knowing you can whip up a warm loaf of bread from scratch. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert, this bread is bound to impress. Now, let’s get into making this delightful creation, shall we?
What’s in Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread?
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of our bread, providing that lovely structure. I usually go for unbleached all-purpose flour because I find it has a more wholesome flavor.
Granulated Sugar: We need some sweetness to harmonize with the tart cranberries. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even sub half of this with brown sugar for a deeper flavor!
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: These leavening agents do the heavy lifting, helping the bread rise beautifully to give you that soft, cake-like texture.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
Unsalted Butter: Softened to perfection, it adds richness and moisture. Just don’t grab the salted kind; we want to control our salt intake here.
Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed makes all the difference! It adds brightness to the bread, and trust me, skip the bottled kind if you can.
Zest of 1 Orange: The zest takes the orange goodness to the next level. You’ll get that lovely aromatic oil that intensifies the flavor!
Eggs: Binding everything together, they also add moisture and richness. Make sure they’re large; the size does matter in baking!
Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: I adore fresh cranberries, but if you’re using frozen, just make sure they’re thawed. These gems add that sweet-tart punch that makes this bread unforgettable.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): A crunchy addition that I personally love, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a nut fan.
Extra Cranberries for Topping: Because why not make it pretty and delicious?
Is Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread Good for You?
You might be wondering if indulging in this sweet treat is a good idea. Well, here’s the scoop!
Cranberries: They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, which is great for your immune system. Plus, they can help improve heart health. So, we’re not just making a treat; we’re indulging in a health boost too!
Orange Juice and Zest: Full of vitamin C and natural sweetness, oranges are fantastic for your skin and overall health.
The only thing to consider is the sugar content from the granulated sugar, but hey, life is about balance! Enjoying a slice here and there is perfectly fine — even on a special occasion!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
– Zest of 1 orange
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries, thawed)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– Extra cranberries for topping
*Serves: 8 slices of deliciousness!*
How to Make Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent stickiness later on.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This is your dry mixture!
3. In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This is key for good texture! Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring you mix well after each addition. Stir in the orange juice and zest.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, and mix until just combined. Trust me, overmixing is a big no-no for fluffy bread!
5. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and nuts (if you’re using any) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top as you go along. Scatter extra cranberries on top as a cute decoration!
7. Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely divine at this point.
8. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Trust me, waiting is a labor of love here.
9. Slice and serve as is or opt for a smear of butter for a cozy treat!
Delicious Variations and Serving Suggestions
If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice on top for a sweet finish? You can also experiment with different types of nuts or toss in some chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Have leftovers? This bread freezes beautifully, so wrap some up for those late-night cravings!
I can’t wait for you to try this Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread! Dive into those flavors, and I assure you, it’ll bring warmth and comfort into your kitchen. Once you’ve made it, please come back and let me know how it turned out! Happy baking!
