Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread

This cranberry orange bread brings the perfect balance of tart and sweet to your breakfast table. The vibrant orange zest brightens the entire loaf while bursts of cranberry create pockets of tangy goodness throughout.

I first made this bread during the holiday season when I was looking for something festive but not too sweet. It has since become our Christmas morning tradition, served warm with a generous spread of butter alongside our morning coffee.

Ingredients

• All purpose flour creates the perfect sturdy yet tender structure
• Sugar balances the tartness of cranberries without making the bread too sweet
• Baking powder and baking soda work together to create the perfect rise
• Salt enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness
• Cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that complements the fruit
• Eggs provide structure and richness to the bread
• Canned whole cranberries in sauce offer convenience and consistent results
• Orange zest and juice bring bright citrus flavor that defines this bread
• Applesauce helps keep the bread moist while reducing the need for excess oil
• Almond extract adds a subtle nutty undertone that elevates the flavor profile
• Vegetable or canola oil provides necessary moisture and tenderness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Equipment

Preheat your oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease your loaf pan. This prevents any sticking and ensures your beautiful bread comes out intact. I prefer using a baking spray with flour for best results.

Mix Dry Ingredients

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Whisk thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents. This creates a consistent texture throughout your loaf.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, cranberries, orange zest, fresh orange juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil. Stir until well incorporated. The mixture will appear slightly lumpy due to the cranberries.

Create The Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula. Mix just until no dry flour pockets remain. Overmixing will develop too much gluten and result in a tough bread.

Bake To Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with your spatula. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, watching for a golden brown top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Bookmark

The almond extract is my secret weapon in this recipe. While many cranberry breads stick with vanilla, the subtle almond flavor creates a bakery quality loaf that everyone will swear must have come from a professional kitchen. My grandmother always added it to her fruit breads, and now I carry on the tradition.

Make It Your Own

This versatile bread welcomes customization. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or even a handful of dried cherries alongside the cranberries for an extra fruity dimension. For a more indulgent treat, drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Storage Tips

This bread tastes even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to develop and meld. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds for that fresh baked warmth.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this cranberry orange bread transforms into a special treat when lightly toasted and spread with cream cheese or butter. For an elegant brunch, serve thin slices alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. It also makes a wonderful base for a bread pudding if you find yourself with leftovers that have dried out slightly.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes! You can substitute 1 cup of fresh cranberries for the canned cranberry sauce. Coarsely chop them and toss with 2 tablespoons of sugar before adding to the batter. This will help balance their tartness.

→ How should I store this bread to keep it fresh?

Store completely cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped individually for up to 3 months.

→ Can I make this without almond extract?

Absolutely! You can substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract, or simply omit it. The bread will still have plenty of flavor from the orange and cranberries.

→ What's the best way to zest an orange for this bread?

Use a microplane or the fine side of a box grater to remove just the orange outer layer of the fruit, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the orange before juicing it for easiest handling.

→ Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to this bread?

Definitely! Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or white chocolate chips to the batter for extra texture and flavor. Fold them in gently at the same time as you combine the wet and dry ingredients.

→ What makes this bread moist?

The combination of applesauce, oil, eggs, and cranberry sauce all contribute to the moisture in this bread. The applesauce particularly allows for less oil to be used while maintaining a wonderfully tender crumb.