Seasonal Cranberry Orange Bread

Featured in: Seasonal & Holiday Recipes

This moist, fragrant quick bread blends tart cranberries with bright orange zest for a lively burst of flavor. It’s prepared with simple pantry staples like flour, sugar, and eggs, combined with fresh orange juice and vanilla for a fragrant and tender crumb. Optional nuts add crunch, and a citrus glaze can enhance the zing. Perfectly baked until golden, this loaf suits breakfast or any festive moment. The balance of tart fruit and warm spices makes it a comforting yet vibrant treat to enjoy fresh or toasted.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:25:00 GMT
A warm slice of seasonal cranberry and orange bread, showcasing tart cranberries and orange zest. Save
A warm slice of seasonal cranberry and orange bread, showcasing tart cranberries and orange zest. | hyperladle.com

A moist, fragrant quick bread filled with tart cranberries and bright orange zest—perfect for breakfast or a festive snack.

This bread quickly became my go-to festive treat that fills the house with amazing aromas every holiday season.

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients: 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, 1½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients: ½ cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges), 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges), 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Add-ins: 1½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw), ½ cup (60 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

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Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine Mixtures:
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Add Cranberries and Nuts:
Fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed.
Pour Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake:
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool:
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
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| hyperladle.com

My family loves to gather in the kitchen to enjoy this bread fresh from the oven, making every morning feel special during the holidays.

Notes

Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch but can be omitted for nut-free bread.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (from butter). Contains tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are used. Omit nuts for a nut-free version. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories 215 Total Fat 7 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 3 g per slice based on 10 slices without nuts or glaze.

Golden-brown cranberry and orange bread with a rustic top, ready to slice and serve for breakfast. Save
Golden-brown cranberry and orange bread with a rustic top, ready to slice and serve for breakfast. | hyperladle.com
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Enjoy this delightful bread fresh or toasted with a pat of butter for a perfect start to your day.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used directly without thawing to preserve their texture and tartness.

What type of nuts work best?

Chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch and complement the tartness well, but nuts are optional.

How can I add extra citrus flavor?

A simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with fresh orange juice can be brushed over the cooled loaf for a bright citrus finish.

What is the best way to store the bread?

Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate to extend freshness. Toast slices before serving for best flavor.

Can dried cranberries be used instead of fresh?

Yes, substitute dried cranberries by soaking them briefly in warm water to rehydrate before adding.

Seasonal Cranberry Orange Bread

Moist bread with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, ideal for breakfast or a festive snack.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
50 mins
Complete Time
65 mins
Recipe by Victoria Thompson


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 10 Portions

Diet Details Meatless

What You'll Need

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 1½ teaspoons baking powder
04 ½ teaspoon baking soda
05 ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

01 ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
02 2 large eggs
03 ¾ cup fresh orange juice
04 1 tablespoon orange zest
05 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins

01 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

Step 01

Prepare the baking pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 03

Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 04

Integrate wet and dry components: Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 05

Incorporate add-ins: Fold in cranberries and nuts, if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 06

Transfer batter and smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.

Step 07

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 08

Cool before slicing: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack until completely cooled before slicing.

Gear Needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Rubber spatula
  • Wire rack

Allergy Notes

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), eggs, and milk (from butter).
  • Contains tree nuts if walnuts or pecans are used.
  • Omit nuts for a nut-free version.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Offered for reference only—please check with a healthcare professional for diet advice.
  • Energy: 215
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 36 grams
  • Proteins: 3 grams