Cranberry Orange Bread

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed When I start making cranberry orange bread, I gather my dry ingredients first. This step is key for a fluffy loaf. The flour is the base, while baking powder and baking soda help it rise. The salt balances the sweetness from the sugars. I love mixing granulated and brown sugars. The brown sugar adds a rich flavor that makes this bread special. - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Next, I work on the wet ingredients. I zest the orange first. This brightens the bread with fresh flavor. The butter should be melted but not too hot. Mixing eggs with orange juice creates a smooth blend. Adding vanilla extract gives it a warm aroma that I can't resist. - 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (or frozen cranberries) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) Finally, I prepare the additional ingredients. Fresh cranberries add tartness that pairs well with orange. I often use walnuts or pecans for crunch, but it's optional. If I want a sweeter taste, I can use frozen cranberries. They work just as well and save time. Now, you have all the ingredients ready for this moist and flavorful delight. Check out the Full Recipe to see how to bring it all together in the kitchen! - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined. This includes flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest. - Beat together the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. This helps make the bread rich and flavorful. - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your bread light. - Carefully fold in chopped cranberries and nuts if you choose to add them. They add great texture and taste! - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. This means your bread is ready! - Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack. This step helps it cool evenly and keeps it from getting soggy. Enjoy making your Cranberry Orange Bread! You can find the Full Recipe above. To bake a great cranberry orange bread, I have some key tips. First, avoid overmixing the batter. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients blend together. Next, use room temperature ingredients. It helps the batter rise well and gives a nice texture. For a lovely presentation, slice the bread and serve it on a wooden board. This adds a rustic touch. I like to sprinkle powdered sugar on top. Then, add a few whole cranberries and orange slices for decoration. This makes your bread not just tasty but also beautiful. If your bread turns out dense, there are easy fixes. Make sure to measure the flour correctly. Too much flour can make the bread heavy. If you want a moist texture, add a bit more orange juice next time. You can also use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones. They keep the bread juicy and flavorful. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version, don't worry! You can still enjoy this delicious bread. Use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that contain brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. These blends work well to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour. Make sure to check the packaging for the right measurements. This way, you won't lose the moist and flavorful delight of cranberry orange bread. To make this bread vegan, you can substitute the eggs and butter. For the two eggs, use 1/2 cup of unsweetened applesauce or two tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water. This will help bind the ingredients together. For the butter, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Both options keep the bread rich and tasty without the dairy. Your vegan cranberry orange bread will still be a hit! Want to add some extra flavor? Here are a few ideas. You can mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These spices give the bread a cozy feeling. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. For a zesty kick, try a bit of lemon zest along with the orange zest. Each of these additions can create a unique taste. Experiment and find your favorite mix to make this bread truly yours! To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, store it at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. This keeps the moisture in and the bread soft. If you live in a warm area, it’s best to refrigerate it. Place the wrapped bread in an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you want to save your Cranberry Orange Bread for later, freezing is a great option. Start by letting the bread cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Homemade Cranberry Orange Bread stays fresh for about four to five days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. If you freeze it, the flavor and texture remain great for three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better it tastes! To boost the flavor, try adding spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth. You can also add more orange zest. This will enhance the citrus aroma. Another option is to mix in some chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you want a touch of sweetness, drizzle honey on top after baking. You can also serve it with a cream cheese spread for extra richness. These small tweaks can really transform your bread into a delightful treat. Yes, you can use dried cranberries in your bread. Dried cranberries will give a sweeter taste. They also change the texture. Fresh cranberries burst during baking, adding juiciness. Dried cranberries will not have this effect. If you go with dried, soak them in warm water first. This helps them plump up a bit. Remember, you might want to cut back on sugar. Dried cranberries are naturally sweeter than fresh ones. Cranberry orange bread pairs well with several items. Serve it with butter for a classic touch. Cream cheese or mascarpone also works great. For a fun twist, try it with a fruit spread. You can enjoy it alongside a cup of tea or coffee. This bread is also great for breakfast. You might add it to a brunch spread with eggs and fruit. For a festive feel, serve it with holiday cheeses. Each of these options adds a new flavor experience to your meal. For the full recipe, make sure to check the previous section. This recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread uses simple ingredients for tasty results. You learned how to mix dry and wet elements, bake, and cool the bread correctly. I shared tips to ensure success and how to store it for later enjoyment. Remember, you can adjust the recipe to fit your needs, like going gluten-free or vegan. Enjoy sharing this delicious bread with friends and family. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Bliss Orange Bread with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat, this bread combines fresh cranberries and zesty orange for a burst of flavor in every slice. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a delicious loaf that will impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and add this mouthwatering bread to your baking list today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup brown sugar, packed

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

2 large eggs

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (or frozen cranberries)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (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 for easy removal.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and orange zest until well combined.

In another bowl, beat together the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly using a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

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

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 8 slices

- Presentation Tips: Once cooled, slice the bread and serve it on a wooden board with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Add a few whole cranberries and orange slices for a beautiful touch!