Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful and flavorful quick bread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, citrusy zest of oranges. It’s a popular treat, especially during the holiday season. Here’s a basic recipe for making Cranberry Orange Bread:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, making sure the cranberries are evenly distributed in the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, you can slice and enjoy your delicious Cranberry Orange Bread.
You can also add a simple orange glaze to enhance the flavor even further:
Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until you have a smooth glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for an extra burst of orange flavor.
This Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. You can customize it by adding nuts or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if you prefer. Enjoy!
