Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

This orange quick bread has the perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors, and it’s SO moist! Make this cranberry orange bread for holiday gifts.

Recipes like Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Fresh citrus and juicy cranberries are combined into one irresistible loaf! Or try these delicious cranberry shortbread cookies that are soft and buttery.

My 4-Ingredient Root Beer Bread is another quick bread recipe that’s great for an easy breakfast or snack.

For something lightly sweet and perfect for dessert, make Ice Cream Bread with just 2 ingredients or add sliced fruit for a strawberry version.

Or, try Bacon Cheddar Beer Bread for a savory option! It’s great on its own or as an easy side dish to any meal.

For something totally different try any of our amazing copycat recipes.

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

This is an easy quick bread recipe. Quick breads are a great way to make bread without using yeast.

Because there’s no yeast in the bread, the dough can be put into the oven right away, without any kneading or waiting for it to rise.

These are also sometimes referred to as loaf cakes, because the consistency is more like cake than a yeast bread.

How To Make Orange Quick Bread

Combine the wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls, then combine and fold in the cranberries.

Then, pour the batter into the loaf pan, top with more cranberries, and bake. It’s that simple!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

• Zest First: Always zest your citrus before juicing so the rind is still firm. Then, roll the fruit on the counter while pressing lightly with your palm to release the liquid for easier juicing.
• Make Extra: This recipe can easily be doubled to make an extra loaf. Or, divide the batter into smaller pans and give them as easy holiday gifts! Be sure to reduce the baking time by about half for smaller loaves.
• Easy Removal: Place a piece of parchment in the pan so it covers just the bottom and longer sides. Leave a little bit hanging over so you can lift the bread straight out of the pan without having to tip it over.
• Add A Glaze: You can make a simple glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar with a little zest and enough orange juice to get the right consistency. Drizzle over the cranberry orange loaf once it has cooled.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• 9×5 Bread Pan – Keep in mind that glass and dark bread pans bake hotter. So, you may want to lower your oven temperature by 25 degrees if using one of these.
• Mixing Bowls – I like a variety of mixing bowls and prep bowls and this set has them all.
• Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them.
• Microplane/Zester – Not only is it great for zesting citrus, I like to use it to grate garlic as well.
• Citrus Juicer – This gets every last drop out, which makes juicing oranges so much easier.

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread FAQ

Store covered or in a sealed container to keep the loaf moist. Enjoy within 3-4 days for best results.

Can I freeze cranberry orange bread?

Yes, quick bread freezes beautifully. Once cooled, wrap the entire loaf in layers of plastic wrap and foil and store for up to 3 months.

For easier snacking, wrap individual slices or separate them with a piece of parchment or wax paper before placing them in a zippered storage bag.

Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter before serving.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

Buttermilk gives the orange bread both texture and moisture, so we don’t have a substitute to recommend.

However, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute by combining regular milk and either lemon juice, vinegar, or cream of tartar.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! In fact, you don’t even need to thaw them first. Just toss the frozen cranberries right in the orange bread batter and bake.

If neither is available, you can rehydrate dried cranberries in orange juice or use them as is. Just know that the final result won’t turn out quite the same.

How do I convert this quick bread recipe to muffins?

Mix the batter exactly the same, then divide into a greased muffin pan. Bake at 350F for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

One loaf is equal to about 15 muffins.

Enjoy!

With love from our simple kitchen to yours. 

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Originally published November 2020

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