Cranberry orange bread

Cranberry and orange is a classic holiday flavor combination and they shine together in this easy and delicious quick bread that is perfect for a holiday breakfast, brunch, snack, or potluck. 

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Quick breads are something I like to make a lot. They are terrific for having on hand for an easy breakfast or snacks, and perfect for the holidays when you may have company or need to bring a dish to someone. 

Fresh cranberries provide a pop of red color for Christmas as well as that tart pop which pairs nicely along the sweet bread with a light fresh orange flavor. 

Quick breads are easy to make as well and very versatile. You can add some many flavors - fruits, nuts, spices, and more - to create new types loaves. 

This cranberry orange bread is nice to prepare a day ahead and have for Christmas breakfast along with some hot coffee and eggs, or to have for a snack on hand throughout the day. 

I've brought this cranberry orange bread to holiday potlucks and it goes fast. When you slice it open and place it on a platter, the colors really look festive and pretty.

Another thing I love about this quick bread is how lovely it smells. The aroma from the orange zest with a bit of cinnamon and ginger really makes you think of the holidays. It smells wonderful when it bakes. I think it's great bread to make all throughout fresh cranberry and citrus season. 

Serve up this bread just as is, or add a smear of butter or softened cream cheese for an extra special treat.

Yield: 1 loaf

Author: Amy (Savory Moments)

Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry and orange is a classic holiday flavor combination and they shine together in this easy and delicious quick bread that is perfect for a holiday breakfast, brunch, snack, or potluck.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 2-3 large oranges)
• 1-1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/2 cup buttermilk*
• 1/2 cup olive (or vegetable) oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 heaped cup chopped fresh cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease an 8"x4" baking pan.
2. Place the sugar and orange zest in a small bowl and use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until it is fragrant and well-mixed.
3. In a large bowl whisk together the flour through ginger. In another large bowl, whisk together the orange juice through vanilla. Whisk the sugar/zest mixture into the wet ingredients.
4. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined and then fold in the cranberries. Pour and spread evenly in the loaf pan. Bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until the bread is golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool for about 15 minutes and then remove from the baking pan to finish cooling. Slice and serve as is or topped with butter or cream cheese.

Notes

*If you don't have buttermilk, simply add a tablespoon of lemon juice into a glass measuring cup and then fill the remaining amount needed with milk. Let sit for 5 minutes.

You can bake this bread in a muffin tin instead. Simply grease or line a muffin tin with paper liners and reduce the baking time to about 18-20 minutes.

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I hope you give this cranberry orange quick bread a try! Let me know in the comments below. 

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This post was originally published in 2018 and has been updated in 2022 to improve reader experience.

Check out these other quick bread recipes: 

Holiday Persimmon Bread

Glazed Cinnamon Maple Syrup Bread 

Carrot Banana Bread

Applesauce Oatmeal Bread