Few things feel as comforting as the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, and this easy Orange Cranberry Bread delivers that experience in every slice. Bursting with vibrant citrus flavor and studded with juicy cranberries, this loaf strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. The crumb is incredibly moist, tender, and soft, while the orange glaze adds a glossy finish and irresistible sweetness.
This recipe is ideal for anyone searching for easy dinner ideas, simple family recipes, or budget-friendly baking that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a holiday gathering, this homemade Orange Cranberry Bread is a foolproof, crowd-pleasing option that tastes like it came straight from a bakery.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Quick and beginner-friendly baking recipe with simple steps
- Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have at home
- Perfect balance of sweet citrus and tart cranberries
- Moist, tender texture that stays fresh for days
- Ideal for meal prep, gifting, or holiday baking
- Family-approved comfort food for all ages
Ingredient Breakdown: Simple Ingredients With Big Flavor
All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure for the bread, creating a soft but sturdy crumb that holds up well to the juicy cranberries.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise evenly, ensuring a light and fluffy texture without the density of traditional quick breads.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the natural citrus flavor, making every bite more flavorful.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf while also contributing to moisture and a tender crumb.
Orange Zest: Packed with essential oils, orange zest delivers intense citrus aroma and flavor that defines this recipe.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness while reacting with the baking powder for a soft, bakery-style texture.
Canola Oil: Keeps the bread moist for days and creates a smoother crumb than butter-based loaves.
Orange Juice: Enhances citrus flavor naturally and pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and structure.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the citrus flavor and adds warmth to the overall taste profile.
Fresh Cranberries: Provide bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the sweet orange base.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread Step by Step
Preparing the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. Proper preheating ensures even baking and consistent results.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. Set aside.
Infusing the Sugar With Orange Zest: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Mix with a spoon until the sugar turns pale orange and fragrant. This step releases the citrus oils for maximum flavor.
Combining the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, oil, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Bringing the Batter Together: Add the dry ingredients and the orange sugar mixture to the wet ingredients. Whisk gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Folding in the Cranberries: Gently stir in the fresh cranberries using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 65–75 minutes. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooling Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Orange Glaze: The Perfect Finishing Touch
While the bread cools, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust the liquid to achieve your desired consistency. Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over the top for a bakery-style finish.
Pro Tips for Perfect Orange Cranberry Bread
- Always zest oranges before juicing for maximum flavor
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and tartness
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf
- Tent the bread with foil if browning too quickly
- Let the bread cool fully before glazing to prevent melting
Ingredient Swaps and Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- Healthier Option: Replace half the sugar with honey or coconut sugar
- Low-Fat Swap: Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
- Dried Cranberries: Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Serve Orange Cranberry Bread sliced with butter for breakfast, alongside yogurt and fruit for brunch, or as a dessert with tea or coffee. It also pairs beautifully with holiday spreads, cheese boards, or as a sweet addition to easy party food ideas.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Make Ahead
Bake the loaf a day in advance for enhanced flavor. Glaze just before serving for the freshest presentation.
Storage
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Wrap unglazed bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Cultural Notes: A Classic Citrus Comfort Bread
Orange cranberry bread is a beloved American comfort food, especially popular during fall and winter holidays. Its bright citrus flavor and festive cranberries make it a traditional favorite with a modern, moist twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cranberry Bread
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Can I use bottled orange juice?
Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled works if needed.
How do I prevent cranberries from sinking?
Toss cranberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter.
Can I make this bread healthier?
Yes, reduce sugar or use whole wheat pastry flour for a healthier version.
Can I freeze slices individually?
Absolutely. Slice and wrap individually for easy grab-and-go snacks.
Best Orange Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and orange zest together until the sugar becomes fragrant and lightly orange in color.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the dry ingredients and the orange sugar mixture. Whisk until just combined—do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the fresh cranberries using a spatula or wooden spoon.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 65–75 minutes, tenting loosely with foil if the top browns too quickly. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a light crumb.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle with the orange glaze. Slice and serve.
