There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, especially when they come together in a moist, tender loaf like this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. Whether you’re looking for a festive treat to brighten your mornings, a delightful snack to share with friends, or a sweet addition to your holiday table, this recipe never fails to impress. The bursts of cranberry, hints of citrus, and soft crumb make every bite irresistible, and you’ll love how simple it is to whip up from scratch with a handful of pantry staples.

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for basic, no-fuss ingredients, yet each one plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. From the brightness of fresh orange zest to the satisfying crunch of nuts (if you choose to add them), every component brings something special to your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

All-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Baking powder: Ensures a nice lift, making the loaf rise beautifully as it bakes.
Baking soda: Works with the orange juice to help the bread rise and stay light.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
Orange zest: Infuses the bread with fragrant citrus oils for a stronger orange flavor.
Fresh orange juice: Adds moisture and a punch of tangy, natural orange flavor.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf incredibly moist and soft for days.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and enrich the bread’s texture.
Vanilla extract: Lends warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: Provide juicy bursts of tartness throughout the loaf.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add crunch and a nutty note if you like extra texture.
Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional): Gives the top a sparkling, sweet crunch.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread releases perfectly every time, and saves you from any sticky situations later.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Combining these dry ingredients first helps distribute the leavening agents and zest evenly throughout the batter, so every slice has a consistent rise and a burst of orange flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. This blend not only brings moisture but also weaves the orange and vanilla notes throughout the bread. Make sure your eggs are well incorporated for the best texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry mixture. Gently stir everything together just until combined; overmixing can make the bread tough, so a few lumps are perfectly fine here. You want to keep that crumb soft and tender!

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Nuts

Now, fold in the cranberries and, if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Folding ensures the berries and nuts are evenly distributed without crushing them, so you get a perfect combination of flavors in every slice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. If you like a little sparkle, sprinkle coarse sugar over the surface. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your first reward!

Step 7: Cool and Slice

After baking, let your bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the bread set and makes slicing much easier, so you get neat, beautiful pieces of Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze really brings out the festive look and citrusy aroma of Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. For extra flair, scatter a few extra orange zest curls or some chopped toasted nuts on top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a pat of soft butter, or a spoonful of homemade marmalade. For a cozy brunch, serve slices alongside a fresh fruit salad and a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your loaf into a decadent dessert by serving thick slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. You can also cut it into cubes for a holiday breakfast platter, or toast slices lightly and spread with cream cheese for an afternoon treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh on the counter for up to three days, or in the fridge for about a week—if it lasts that long!

Freezing

This bread is a freezer superstar. Wrap the whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. It keeps beautifully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight at room temperature or microwave individual slices for a quick treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your bread warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast it lightly. This brings back the fresh-baked aroma and makes the cranberries all the more juicy and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries if that’s what you have on hand. For best results, soak them in hot water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up before folding into the batter.

What type Bread, Dessert, Snack

Navel oranges are wonderful for both zest and juice in this recipe, but any sweet, juicy orange will do. Just be sure to use fresh juice for the brightest flavor in your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your mix contains xanthan gum or add a teaspoon yourself to help with texture and binding.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is done. The top should also feel set and spring back lightly when pressed.

What’s the secret to a super-moist quick bread?

The combination of oil, eggs, and plenty of orange juice keeps this loaf extra moist. Be careful not to overbake, and avoid overmixing the batter—these are the real keys to that perfect, tender crumb.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a simple yet show-stopping treat, you can’t go wrong with Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a holiday gathering or just to brighten up an ordinary day. Grab your mixing bowl and give it a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first slice!

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest and juice of oranges. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, snacks, or dessert, this quick bread is simple to prepare and bakes to golden perfection with a tender crumb and optional crunchy nuts. It’s a delightful, aromatic treat that requires no yeast and comes together quickly with pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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 tablespoon orange zest

Wet Ingredients

3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Toppings (Optional)

Coarse sugar for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until well combined to distribute the ingredients evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined; be careful not to overmix to avoid a dense bread.
Add Cranberries and Nuts: Fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries and the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using, evenly throughout the batter.
Fill and Top the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with the back of a spoon or spatula. If desired, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes to firm up. Then transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.

Notes

This bread can be made ahead and freezes well; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
For extra flavor and a glossy finish, drizzle with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a little fresh orange juice.
Use fresh cranberries if possible for best texture and flavor, but frozen can be used without thawing.
Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts for a nut-free version.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American