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This Orange Cranberry Bread is the perfect blend of sweet and tart, featuring juicy cranberries and a burst of citrusy orange flavor. The bread is ultra-moist, thanks to buttermilk and vegetable oil, and is topped with a sweet orange glaze that takes the flavor to the next level. Whether you’re preparing it for the holidays or just craving a flavorful quick bread, this recipe is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the bread:

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest
⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup buttermilk
3-4 drops orange oil
2 large eggs
2 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoon baking powder
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

For the glaze:

½ cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
1-2 drops orange oil

Optional Garnish:

Demerara sugar (coarse sanding sugar)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar with orange zest, mashing the zest into the sugar to infuse flavor.
Add buttermilk, eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange oil to the sugar mixture and whisk until well combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together dry ingredients: flour, salt, and baking powder. Add to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined (lumps are fine).
Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour to coat and fold them into the batter gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. (Optional: sprinkle sanding sugar on top for extra crunch.)
Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the bread on a wire rack while preparing the glaze. Whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange oil.
Brush or drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrients (per serving)

Calories: 318 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 34mg
Sodium: 206mg
Potassium: 88mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Vitamin A: 99 IU
Vitamin C: 8mg
Calcium: 61mg
Iron: 1mg

The Combination of Sweet and Tart

The combination of orange and cranberry is a classic pairing that provides a balanced contrast of flavors. The cranberries contribute a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the bread, while the orange zest and juice bring a citrusy brightness that makes each bite feel refreshing and light. This sweet-tart dynamic makes the bread incredibly flavorful and exciting to eat. The fresh cranberries are folded into the batter, ensuring that each slice has pockets of juicy fruit that burst in your mouth, adding to the overall texture and flavor of the bread.

Orange zest adds a unique depth of flavor that enhances the citrus notes in the bread. By mashing the zest into the sugar at the beginning, the citrus oils are released, infusing the sugar and creating a subtle but noticeable orange flavor throughout the bread. This simple step is one of the secrets to the bread’s irresistible flavor profile.

Moist and Tender Texture

What truly sets this bread apart is its moist, tender texture. The use of buttermilk adds richness and moisture, while also helping to tenderize the crumb of the bread. Buttermilk’s acidity reacts with the baking powder, creating a lighter, airier texture that prevents the bread from becoming too dense. Additionally, vegetable oil is used as the fat, which helps to keep the bread soft and moist while contributing to the smooth, tender crumb. Together, these ingredients create a quick bread that is not only delicious but also perfect for slicing and serving with minimal effort.

The Glaze: A Sweet Finishing Touch

The glaze is what truly elevates this bread, adding a layer of sweetness and a glossy, appealing finish. Made from powdered sugar, orange juice, and a few drops of orange oil, the glaze is simple to prepare but packs a punch. The glaze’s smooth, sweet citrus flavor complements the bread’s tangy cranberries and citrus undertones, tying the entire dish together. Drizzling or brushing the glaze on top of the cooled bread creates a beautiful finish and adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors of the bread itself.

For an extra bit of crunch and visual appeal, you can sprinkle the top of the loaf with coarse sanding sugar, such as Demerara sugar, before baking. The sugar melts slightly during baking, creating a light, crispy texture that contrasts with the soft interior of the bread. This added texture makes each bite even more enjoyable.

Baking the Bread: Simple and Straightforward

Making this Orange Cranberry Bread is a quick and easy process that requires minimal effort. The recipe involves mixing the wet ingredients together, sifting the dry ingredients, and then folding in the cranberries. Once the batter is ready, it’s poured into a greased or parchment-lined loaf pan and baked at 350°F for 60-70 minutes, depending on your oven. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.

As the bread bakes, your kitchen will fill with the warm, inviting scent of citrus and cranberries, making it nearly impossible to wait for the bread to cool before slicing. However, letting the bread cool on a wire rack before glazing allows the glaze to set properly, ensuring that it doesn’t run off when applied. This cooling step also allows the bread to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

Serving Suggestions: Versatile and Delicious

Orange Cranberry Bread is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways, making it perfect for a range of occasions. It can be enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, or served at room temperature for a more traditional quick bread experience. Here are some ways to enjoy this delightful bread:

For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices of the bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day. The citrusy flavor pairs wonderfully with a morning beverage, and the moist, tender texture makes it a filling option to fuel you throughout the day.
As a Snack: A slice of this bread makes for a perfect afternoon snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply need a midday pick-me-up, this bread is sure to satisfy your cravings for something sweet and flavorful.
For Dessert: With its sweet glaze and burst of fruity flavor, this bread can easily double as a light dessert. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more indulgent treat.
For Holiday Celebrations: This bread’s bright orange and red hues, thanks to the cranberries, make it a festive option for holiday gatherings. Its comforting flavors and easy preparation make it ideal for bringing to a family dinner, holiday brunch, or potluck.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Orange Cranberry Bread offers 318 calories, making it a relatively light option for a sweet treat. It contains 48g of carbohydrates and 28g of sugar, which provides the sweetness you’ll crave without being overly rich. The bread also includes 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 1g of fiber, making it a satisfying option that offers a balance of macronutrients.

With its modest sodium content (206mg per serving) and inclusion of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron, this bread also provides a small boost of essential nutrients. The addition of fresh cranberries adds a source of vitamin C, while the orange juice and zest provide additional citrusy nutrients. The sweetness from the glaze is balanced by the tart cranberries, creating a treat that feels indulgent yet isn’t overly heavy.

Conclusion: A Bright, Flavorful Bread for Every Occasion

Orange Cranberry Bread is a simple yet elegant treat that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. With its moist, tender texture and burst of citrusy orange flavor, this bread is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion, as a holiday treat, or just to satisfy a craving, it’s a versatile and delicious addition to your recipe collection. With its easy preparation, beautiful appearance, and irresistible flavor, this bread is the ideal way to brighten any day.

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