Go Back
- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Gather these ingredients before you start. Fresh cranberries add a nice tartness. The orange juice and zest will give it a bright flavor. You can use walnuts or pecans for extra crunch, but it’s fine to leave them out. Make sure your butter is soft. This helps it mix well with sugar. The sugar will help create that light and fluffy texture we want. The eggs should be large so they provide enough moisture. Using room temperature ingredients improves the batter. This means the butter, eggs, and juice. It allows them to mix better for a smooth batter. Check your baking powder and baking soda to ensure they are fresh. Old leavening agents will not help your bread rise well. Having these ingredients ready will make your baking easier. Enjoy the process of making this bakery-style cranberry orange bread! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Start by making the oven warm. This helps the bread rise nicely. Greasing the pan stops the bread from sticking. You can also use parchment paper for easy removal. - Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. In a bowl, mix the flour with baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend gives your bread a great taste. Make sure there are no lumps. This step is key for even baking. - Cream butter and sugar. - Add eggs, orange juice, zest, and vanilla. - Combine dry ingredients and mix well. - Fold in cranberries and nuts. In a large bowl, cream the butter with sugar. Mix until it looks light and fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Then, pour in the orange juice, zest, and vanilla. Now, take the dry mix and slowly add it. Stir gently until just combined. Careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the cranberries and nuts. This adds color and crunch. - Pour the batter into the prepared pan. - Bake for 60-70 minutes. - Cooling instructions after baking. Pour your batter into the loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 60 to 70 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it's done. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps keep the bread from getting soggy. Enjoy the lovely smell wafting through your kitchen! To make the best bread, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture. Mix just until the dry and wet ingredients combine. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. Next, ensure you cream the butter and sugar well. Creaming adds air. This step helps the bread rise. Blend the butter and sugar for about 3-4 minutes. You want a light and fluffy mixture. Once your bread cools, dust it with powdered sugar. This adds a sweet touch to the look. It makes your bread look fancy, just like from a bakery. You can also garnish with whole cranberries and orange zest. This adds color and a fresh smell. Place a few cranberries on top and sprinkle the zest for a festive feel. To change the flavor, try different nuts or spices. You can replace walnuts with pecans. Both add great crunch. If you like spice, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. These spices pair well with orange and cranberry. Adjust to your taste for a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can mix up this recipe by using different fruits. If you want to swap cranberries, try blueberries or raspberries. Both fruits add a sweet touch. They will change the flavor but keep the bread moist and delicious. For citrus options, think about lemon or lime. Their zest adds a bright flavor that pairs well with the orange juice. You can even mix citrus fruits for a fun twist. If you need a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xantham gum for better texture. You can often find this mix at your local store. Replace the all-purpose flour one-to-one. The bread will still taste great! Want a vegan version? You can replace eggs and butter easily. Use flaxseed meal or chia seeds mixed with water as an egg substitute. For butter, try coconut oil or a plant-based spread. This way, you keep all the flavors but make it plant-based. Enjoy your bakery-style bread without any animal products! To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. This keeps the bread moist and soft. Store it at room temperature for the best taste. Avoid keeping it in direct sunlight. To freeze the bread, let it cool completely first. Once cool, wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat it, remove the foil and plastic. Thaw the bread in the fridge overnight or at room temperature. At room temperature, the bread stays fresh for about 3-4 days. If you refrigerate it, it can last up to a week. In the freezer, your bread can stay good for about 3 months. Eating it fresh is best, but it still tastes great later! To check if your bread is done, you can use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. You can also gently press the top. If it springs back, it's done. The edges will pull away slightly from the pan, too. These simple tests ensure that your bread is baked perfectly. Yes, you can use dried cranberries in place of fresh ones. Dried cranberries will add a sweeter taste to the bread. They will also change the texture. Fresh cranberries pop and provide a tart flavor. Dried ones stay soft and chewy. If you prefer a sweeter bread, dried cranberries are a great choice. Cranberry orange bread pairs well with many things. You can serve it with butter or cream cheese for spreading. A drizzle of honey or maple syrup adds sweetness. For drinks, tea or coffee works nicely. You can also enjoy it with a glass of fresh orange juice. These pairings enhance the flavors of the bread. Yes, you can make mini loaves with this recipe. Use mini loaf pans instead of a regular one. Adjust the baking time to around 30-40 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick, just like the larger loaf. Mini loaves are great for gifts or snacks. They bake faster and are easy to share. This blog post shared a simple recipe for cranberry orange bread, guiding you through each step. You learned the key ingredients, from flour to fresh orange juice. I emphasized proper techniques for mixing and baking to make your bread shine. You also found tips for variations and storage. Remember, baking is a journey where you can be creative. Experiment with fruits and flavors. With practice, you’ll master this tasty bread. Enjoy sharing it with friends and family. Happy baking!

Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Bread

Bake your own delicious bakery-style cranberry orange bread with this easy recipe! Combine fresh cranberries and zesty orange for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a warm, homemade loaf ready to impress your family and friends. Click to discover the full recipe and tips for a stunning presentation that will make your bread the star of any gathering!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Zest of 1 large orange

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

    In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon; set aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

        Add the eggs to the butter mixture, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

          Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

            Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts, if using.

              Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                  Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 10 slices

                      - Presentation Tips: Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness and garnish with a few whole cranberries and a sprig of orange zest for a festive look. Enjoy your bakery-style bread!