Irresistible Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe for Sweet Moments

Nestled between tart and sweet, this cranberry orange loaf captures the essence of cozy winter mornings.

Bright citrus notes dance through a tender crumb studded with ruby-red berries.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of flavors that spark instant comfort.

The kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma while the loaf bakes to golden perfection.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a treat that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Soft, moist, and bursting with vibrant taste, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical.

You’ll want to slice into this delectable creation and savor every single bite.

Why Cranberry Orange Loaf Tastes Bright And Bold

• Quick Breakfast Delight: Perfect morning treat that takes less than an hour to prepare, making it an ideal solution for busy households wanting a delicious homemade breakfast.
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: Combines tangy cranberries and bright orange zest, creating a festive winter or holiday-inspired baked good that brings warmth and excitement to your kitchen.
• Beginner Baker's Dream: Requires basic baking skills and simple ingredients, allowing novice bakers to confidently create a professional-looking loaf with minimal technical expertise.
• Versatile Serving Option: Works wonderfully as a breakfast bread, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert, with the optional glaze adding an extra touch of sweetness for special occasions.

Everything You Need For Cranberry Orange Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the loaf, choose unbleached for best texture.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the loaf rise and create a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Butter, Sugar: Create a rich, tender base for the loaf, use softened butter for smooth mixing.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture, room temperature eggs blend better.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provide bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb.

• Fresh Cranberries: Adds tart bursts of flavor and color, can use frozen if fresh are unavailable.
• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice (for Glaze): Creates a sweet, citrusy drizzle to finish the loaf.

How To Make Cranberry Orange Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a quick spray with cooking oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Create the Dry Base

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Mixture

Grab another bowl and beat softened butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy, light cloud. This is where the magic begins!

Step 4: Blend in the Liquid Sunshine

Crack in the eggs one at a time, stirring after each addition. Pour in fresh orange juice and sprinkle in vibrant orange zest. Mix until everything looks smooth and cheerful.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Slowly combine the dry and wet mixtures. Pour in some buttermilk between flour additions. Stir gently – we want a smooth, happy batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the Bursts of Flavor

Gently stir in fresh or frozen cranberries. These little gems will add pops of tartness throughout the loaf.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan. Spread it evenly and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes. The loaf is ready when a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Let the loaf hang out in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Optional Citrusy Glaze

For an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Drizzle this zesty glaze over the cooled loaf for a stunning finish.

Slice, serve, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite of this delightful cranberry orange loaf!

Pro Tips For Cranberry Orange Loaf Success

• Boost Cranberry Distribution: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a bit of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking during baking.
• Enhance Citrus Flavor: Use fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice for a more vibrant and intense citrus taste that elevates the entire loaf.
• Prevent Overbaking: Check the loaf at 50 minutes and tent with aluminum foil if the top browns too quickly, ensuring a moist and tender interior.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use dairy-free alternatives like almond milk and vegan butter for a gluten-free and dairy-free version of the loaf.
• Store and Preserve: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer preservation.

How To Store Cranberry Orange Loaf Right

• Preserve your delicious cranberry orange loaf by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store the loaf at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• For longer storage, place the wrapped loaf in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 5-7 days.
• Want to enjoy it weeks later? Freeze the entire loaf or individual slices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the loaf at room temperature for a few hours, and it'll taste just as wonderful as the day you baked it.

Perfect Sips With Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Pair with Creamy Coffee: Complement the tangy cranberry and zesty orange flavors with a smooth, rich latte or cappuccino. The creamy milk softens the loaf's bright citrus notes, creating a perfect morning breakfast combination.
• Match with Spiced Tea: Brew a warm cup of chai or Earl Grey tea to enhance the loaf's aromatic profile. The spicy undertones of the tea beautifully highlight the cranberry's tartness and orange's brightness.
• Create a Dessert Wine Moment: Select a sweet white dessert wine like Moscato or Sauternes. These wines' honeyed sweetness balances the loaf's citrusy tang and provides a luxurious after-dinner treat.
• Enjoy with Vanilla Whipped Cream: Top a slice with homemade vanilla whipped cream for added richness. The cream's smooth texture and subtle sweetness complement the loaf's zingy fruit flavors and tender crumb.

Creative Twists On Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Cranberry Almond Adventure: Replace half the flour with almond flour and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty crunch and enhanced texture.
• Spiced Winter Comfort: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor profile that complements the cranberries.
• Lemon Zesty Remix: Swap orange zest and juice with fresh lemon zest and juice for a bright, tangy alternative that keeps the loaf's signature moistness.
• Whole Wheat Wellness Boost: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content and add a slightly deeper, nuttier undertone to the loaf.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Why use buttermilk in this cranberry orange loaf recipe?

Buttermilk adds incredible moisture and tenderness to the loaf, creating a softer crumb and helping the baking powder work more effectively to make the bread light and fluffy.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just add them directly to the batter without thawing, and they’ll distribute evenly throughout the loaf without bleeding too much color into the batter.

• How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf?

Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This light coating helps them stay suspended throughout the loaf during baking.

• What makes the orange flavor so prominent in this recipe?

The combination of fresh orange juice and orange zest provides a bright, intense citrus flavor. The zest contains essential oils that deliver a more concentrated orange taste compared to just using juice.

Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulgent Cranberry Orange Loaf delivers a delightful symphony of zesty citrus and tart berries in each delectable slice. Moist crumb and balanced flavors invite you to savor a classic comfort treat perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk (or milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar)

Fruit and Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Create a flavorful foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of grease or a parchment paper lining.
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, airy texture with soft peaks.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Pour in orange juice and zest, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
5. Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
6. Tenderly fold cranberries throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure each slice will have a burst of tangy flavor.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Position in the preheated oven.
8. Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a slender wooden pick emerges clean when inserted into the loaf’s center.
9. Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
10. For an optional luxurious finish, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until a glossy glaze forms. Drizzle artfully over the completely cooled loaf.
11. Slice and serve, revealing the vibrant cranberry and citrus swirls within the tender crumb.

Notes

• Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth creaming and better texture, preventing lumpy batter.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, soft crumb; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
• Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements.
• Boost nutrition by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
• Reduce sugar by using half the amount and replacing with applesauce or mashed banana for natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg