Cranberry Orange Bread

4.7
(383)

This cranberry orange bread recipe makes a delicious festive treat full of bright, fresh flavor. It's great for breakfast or a snack. You can also use this recipe to make muffins.

a close up view of three slices of cranberry orange bread on a white plate.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
1 hr
Additional Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 (8x4-inch) loaf

This cranberry orange bread recipe is fruity, festive, and wonderfully giftable.

Cranberry Orange Bread Ingredients

These are the ingredients you'll need to make this absolutely irresistible cranberry orange bread recipe:

  • Flour: This easy cranberry orange bread starts with all-purpose flour, which adds structure.
  • Sugar: White sugar adds the perfect amount of sweetness.
  • Leaveners: Baking soda and baking powder act as leaveners, which means they help the bread rise.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the other flavors.
  • Butter: Softened butter adds moisture, flavor, and richness.
  • Orange: You'll need ¾ cup orange juice (fresh or from a carton) and a tablespoon of orange zest.
  • Egg: A beaten egg acts as a binder, which means it helps hold the batter together.
  • Cranberries: This recipe calls for chopped, fresh cranberries. You can use dried cranberries if you like.
  • Walnuts: Walnuts are optional, but they add welcome nutty flavor and crunch.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Making bakery-worthy cranberry orange bread is easier than you think. You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect:

Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Stir in the butter, then add the remaining wet ingredients. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Muffins

You can also use this recipe to make mouthwatering muffins! Just make the batter according to the recipe, then spoon it into greased muffin cups. Bake at 375 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Bread

Allow the cranberry orange bread to cool completely, then tightly wrap it in storage wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to three days.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Orange Bread?

Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange bread for up to three months. For easy serving, consider freezing the loaf in individual slices. Thaw in the fridge or at room temperature.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Wonderful morning bread to have with tea or coffee," according to Sandy (AZ). "I made it with toasted slivered almonds instead of walnuts and also made a drizzle of powdered sugar, a smidgen of orange zest, and fresh orange juice that I poured on top after it cooled."

"This was amazing," says Allrecipes Editorial Director Diana Moutsopoulos. "Super moist. Note I made a few changes: I used sunflower oil instead of melted butter; I used half spelt flour and half AP; and I added about a tsp of cinnamon and omitted the vanilla. I did opt to add walnuts. The whole family loved this bread and I will definitely make again."

"I love the taste of cranberry and orange, and the balance of those is pleasing in this bread," raves tina. "It was easy to double the recipe and freeze one of the delicious loaves for later."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 2 cups flour

  • ¾ cup white sugar

  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¾ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces and softened

  • ¾ cup orange juice

  • 1 tablespoon grated orange zest

  • 1 large egg, beaten

  • 1 cup chopped cranberries

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (Optional)

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Overhead shot of measured ingredients gathered for cranberry bread

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 8x4-inch loaf pan.

  3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl. Stir butter into flour mixture until combined. Add orange juice, orange zest, and egg; mix well.

    Overhead shot of a bowl with ingredients being mixed for cranberry bread

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

    Overhead shot of a mixing bowl and spatula stirring batter for cranberry bread

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  4. Fold in cranberries and walnuts. Spoon batter into the prepared pan.

    Overhead shot of cranberry bread batter being poured into a baking dish

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 60 to 75 minutes.

    Side angle shot of a baked loaf of cranberry bread being tested for doneness with a toothpick

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  6. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

    Side angle shot of a whole baked loaf of cranberry bread on a cooling rack

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

886 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

312 Calories
12g Fat
48g Carbs
5g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 312
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 39mg 13%
Sodium 439mg 19%
Total Carbohydrate 48g 18%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 22g
Protein 5g 11%
Vitamin C 15mg 16%
Calcium 73mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%
Potassium 136mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.