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 - 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 When making cranberry orange bread, the right ingredients are key. I always use fresh oranges for the best flavor. The zest adds a bright note that makes each bite sing. I also love using both granulated and brown sugar. This combo gives the bread a rich sweetness and a nice texture. Use fresh cranberries when you can. They add a tartness that balances the sweetness. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work too. Just chop them roughly before mixing in. Adding nuts is optional, but I think they give a nice crunch. Combine the wet and dry ingredients carefully. Overmixing can make your bread tough. You want it soft and moist. If you follow my tips, you will end up with a lovely loaf! For the full recipe, check the instructions above. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal. - In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. - Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar. - Finally, mix in the zest of 1 large orange for a fresh burst of flavor. - In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of melted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice. - Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and well blended. - Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. - Use a spatula to mix gently. Be careful to avoid overmixing; a few lumps are okay. - Fold in 1 cup of chopped cranberries. You can use fresh or frozen. - If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. - Bake for 55-65 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick. It should come out clean. - Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Follow these steps for a delightful cranberry orange bread, perfect for any occasion! For the full recipe, check out the complete details above. To get the best texture for your cranberry orange bread, avoid overmixing. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. This keeps the bread moist and tender. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Use an oven thermometer to check the temperature. Ovens can vary in heat. A small difference can affect your bread. The right temp ensures even baking. If your bread bakes too fast, the outside may burn before the inside cooks. For the best taste, use freshly squeezed orange juice. The flavor is bright and fresh. Store-bought juice often lacks the same zing. Fresh juice makes your bread stand out. It adds a lovely citrus note that pairs well with the cranberries. For further details, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} If you need a nut-free option, simply omit the nuts. This bread still tastes great without them. You can enjoy the soft texture and bright flavors of cranberry and orange. The focus stays on the fruit, making each bite burst with flavor. Want a different texture? Substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries. Dried cranberries add a chewy sweetness. They also give your bread a lovely, colorful look. Just chop them a bit before mixing them in. This small change can create a new twist on the classic recipe. For a touch of sweetness, drizzle your bread with an orange glaze. Mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice to make the glaze. Pour it over the cooled bread for a shiny finish. This adds a nice contrast to the bread's tartness. It makes your loaf look even more appealing. Store your cranberry orange bread in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place. This helps maintain its tasty flavor and soft texture. If you want to save some for later, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap. Then, cover it with aluminum foil. This way, it keeps well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it at room temperature. Sometimes, bread can get a bit stale. To fix this, reheat slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. You can also use a toaster oven for a few minutes. This brings back the warmth and makes it soft again. Enjoy it fresh! Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones without altering the recipe. Just toss them in flour before adding to the batter. This helps keep them from sinking. Replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use plant-based butter and milk. The bread will still taste great and be soft. This bread pairs well with butter, cream cheese, or a cup of tea. You can also enjoy it plain for a quick snack. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. This shows that the bread is cooked through and ready to enjoy. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Cranberry Orange Bread from start to finish. We discussed essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful baking tips. Remember to mix the batter gently for a moist texture. Try variations like a nut-free option or adding a glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze for later. Baking this bread is easy and satisfying. With practice, you’ll master it and impress everyone with your tasty creation. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Bliss Orange Bread with this easy recipe! Perfectly sweet and tart, this bread combines fresh cranberries and zesty orange for a delicious treat that's ideal for any occasion. In just over an hour, you can create a stunning loaf that will impress family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn tips on presentation that will make your bread the star of any gathering!

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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). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for effortless removal later.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and freshly grated orange zest. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

In a separate bowl, combine the melted and slightly cooled butter, eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and, if desired, the chopped walnuts or pecans. Ensure these ingredients are evenly dispersed throughout the batter without overworking it.

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top.

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55-65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

- Presentation Tips: Once fully cooled, slice the bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board. For an elegant finish, sprinkle powdered sugar on top and decorate with whole cranberries and thin slices of orange to create a vibrant and inviting display!