The aroma of freshly baked cranberry orange loaf wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. With every slice, you experience a delightful blend of sweet cranberries and zesty orange, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
I remember the first time I baked this quick bread; it was a rainy afternoon, and the cozy atmosphere made it perfect for indulging in delicious treats. My friends couldn’t get enough of the vibrant colors and delightful flavors, declaring it a new favorite. For more inspiration, check out this yogurt cake recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry orange loaf is so easy to whip up; even your cat could do it if they had opposable thumbs
- The flavor profile is a delicious balance between tart and sweet, making each bite irresistible
- The loaf’s stunning colors will brighten any table setting, impressing your guests with ease
- Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, it’s versatile enough for any occasion
Each time I bake this cranberry orange loaf, my family cheers as the delightful scent fills the air, turning our house into a bakery.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red berries; if using frozen, thaw them beforehand for best results.
- Oranges: Use fresh oranges for zest and juice to enhance flavor; always choose firm ones.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of your loaf; sift it to keep things light and fluffy.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works well here; it balances the tartness of cranberries perfectly.
- Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh to ensure your loaf rises nicely; check date before use.
- Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for better mixing; they help bind everything together.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; melt it slightly before mixing into the batter for ease.
- Milk: Whole milk makes the loaf tender; however, you can substitute with almond or oat milk if needed.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash infuses warmth into the loaf; use pure extract for maximum flavor impact.
- Salt: Just a pinch enhances all other flavors beautifully; don’t skip it!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. pumpkin cream cheese muffins. pumpkin flan dessert.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or baking spray to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined. This creates an evenly flavored base for your quick bread.
Zest and Juice Oranges: Grate about one teaspoon of zest from an orange and squeeze out half a cup of juice. The fresh citrus aroma will brighten your kitchen instantly.
Melt Butter and Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl until just melted. In another bowl, combine melted butter with eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest. Mix until smooth.
Add Cranberries to Mixture: Gently fold in fresh cranberries into your wet mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss them in a bit of flour first to prevent sinking!
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Create a well in the center of your dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can lead to dense bread!
Pour Batter into Pan and Bake : Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly while this bakes!
Once cooled slightly, slice yourself a piece (or two) of this delightful cranberry orange loaf. Enjoy warm with butter or on its own—it’s bound to become a household favorite!
You Must Know
- This cranberry orange loaf recipe is not just delicious; it’s a delightful twist on quick bread that brightens any day
- The vibrant colors and aromatic blend of citrus and berries will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery
- Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients separately to avoid clumps. Pour into a loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Add Your Touch
Consider adding nuts for crunch or swapping cranberries for blueberries. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing sugar or using honey instead, tailoring the loaf to your taste.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cranberry orange loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it, reheating slices in the microwave for a warm treat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect cranberry orange loaf, ensure your ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
- Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, so stir gently
- Lastly, let the loaf cool completely before slicing to retain its moisture and flavor
The first time I tried this cranberry orange loaf, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it during brunch, turning me into their go-to baker!
FAQ
What makes this cranberry orange loaf unique?
This quick bread combines tart cranberries with zesty oranges for a refreshing flavor.
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
classic chocolate chip cookies.
Yes, frozen cranberries work wonderfully in this cranberry orange loaf recipe without any adjustments. snickerdoodle bundt cake. For more inspiration, check out this marble cake recipe.
How do I know when my loaf is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean if fully baked.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Loaf is a delightful quick bread bursting with the bright flavors of tart cranberries and zesty oranges. This easy-to-follow recipe creates a moist and aromatic loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack. With its vibrant colors and irresistible taste, this loaf will impress your family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed warm with butter or on its own, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 medium orange (for zest and juice)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Zest the orange and squeeze out half a cup of juice. In another bowl, mix melted butter, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
- Gently fold in fresh cranberries into the wet mixture.
- Combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
