Moist Cranberry Orange Bread – Easy Fresh Cranberry Loaf Recipe for Holidays

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and bright, zesty orange. This Moist Cranberry Orange Bread is a cozy holiday classic that feels like a warm hug with every bite. It’s the kind of quick bread you’ll want to make on a chilly morning, fill your kitchen with that citrus-cranberry aroma, and enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. Best of all, this recipe is simple, beginner-friendly, and doesn’t require a mixer—just a bowl, a spoon, and a little love.

Recipe Info

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)
• 2 tablespoons flour (for tossing cranberries, prevents sinking)

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Prep the oven and pan – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in orange zest for an extra citrusy fragrance.
3. Combine wet ingredients – In another bowl, whisk together orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Bring it together – Slowly add wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix (this keeps the bread moist!).
5. Toss cranberries – Coat the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of flour, then fold them into the batter. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
6. Bake – Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool & serve – Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Helpful Notes & Tips

• No mixer needed: A simple whisk and spatula do the trick—perfect for a fuss-free holiday bake.
• Storage: Store covered at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
• Cranberry tip: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding them in (prevents bleeding into batter).

Recipe Variations

• Nutty twist: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
• Glazed version: Drizzle with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) for a festive touch.
• Healthier swap: Use half whole wheat flour and replace butter with coconut oil or Greek yogurt for a lighter loaf.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
• Pair with a holiday brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and fruit salad.
• Enjoy as an afternoon snack with tea or mulled cider.

Conclusion

This Moist Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect holiday bake—bright, festive, and delightfully cozy. Whether you make it for breakfast, a holiday brunch, or just a sweet snack to share with loved ones, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Bake a loaf, slice it warm, and enjoy the comforting flavors of the season.