If you’re craving a burst of tart fruit and bright citrus in every bite, look no further than this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread. This is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with a sunny, inviting aroma while the loaf bakes up golden and tender. It’s dotted with juicy cranberries, kissed with fresh orange zest, and is just the thing for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch table, or an anytime treat with your favorite mug of tea. Simple to make but packed with festive color and flavor, this loaf is an absolute must-bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this loaf truly special is how the simple, everyday ingredients work together in perfect harmony. Each one has a role to play—creating tender crumb, balancing tartness and sweetness, and infusing that unmistakable spark of citrus.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and keeps the bread light instead of dense.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely, golden crust.
- Baking powder: Lifts the loaf so it rises beautifully in the oven.
- Baking soda: Works with the acid in the orange juice to give extra lift and tenderness.
- Salt: Intensifies the citrus and cranberry flavors, making everything pop.
- Orange juice: Brings moisture and infuses the loaf with vibrant citrusy flavor.
- Orange zest: Packs a concentrated orange aroma and flavor in every slice.
- Large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
- Unsalted butter: For moistness, flavor, and that irresistible, classic quick bread texture.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tart, juicy berries that contrast beautifully with the sweet bread—use them right from frozen if needed!
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Add just the right touch of crunchy texture and nutty flavor, but totally up to you.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Getting everything ready first means you can bake your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread with zero fuss and no scrambling.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give each ingredient a good stir to ensure even distribution—this is the secret to a consistent, tender crumb and evenly flavored loaf.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, egg, and melted butter. Combining these before adding to the dry ingredients not only helps incorporate the flavors perfectly, it also ensures the egg is evenly beaten and the butter doesn’t solidify when it meets cold ingredients.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Don’t worry if you see a streak of flour or two—the key here is not to overmix, which keeps your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread impossibly soft, not tough.
Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts
Now, add the halved cranberries and chopped walnuts (if using), and fold them into the batter. These little pops of tartness and crunch make every bite interesting. If using frozen cranberries, add them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake
Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This short wait is worth it—the flavors develop as it cools, and slicing becomes so much easier.
How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way! Dust the top with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for snowy elegance, or add a vibrant orange glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and a bit of orange juice for a sweet, zesty finish. For a festive touch, a few extra fresh cranberries and a grating of orange zest over the top will wow your guests.
Side Dishes
Enjoy this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt, a mug of spiced chai, or fresh fruit salad for a well-rounded breakfast or brunch. It even transforms a simple cheese plate or savory brunch spread into a holiday-worthy feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a pretty platter, or wrap warm slices in parchment and twine for thoughtful edible gifts. For gatherings, try cutting the bread into cubes and serving in a basket with sweet butter or an orange cream cheese spread—the possibilities are delicious and endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, store your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread tightly wrapped in plastic or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain its moistness and keeps every slice just as flavorful as day one.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap it whole or in individual slices in plastic wrap, then pop into a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and enjoy fresh-baked flavor anytime.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, reheat slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds, or toast lightly to revive the crisp edges. If you’re reheating the entire loaf, wrap it in foil and warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! Just swap in the same amount, but consider soaking the dried cranberries in a little warm orange juice or water for 10 minutes first so they plump up and distribute evenly in the loaf.
Can I make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The result will still be moist, flavorful, and delightful.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or the finest holes on a box grater, taking care to zest only the bright orange outer layer—not the bitter white pith underneath. Fresh zest adds a powerful, aromatic punch!
Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries first?
Nope! Fold frozen cranberries directly into the batter. This helps keep the berries from bleeding color into the bread, and they’ll bake up juicy and perfect.
Is it necessary to add nuts?
Not at all. Walnuts add a lovely crunch, but your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread will be just as delicious without them—or feel free to swap in pecans or skip nuts altogether to keep it nut-free.
Final Thoughts
Every slice of Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is like a burst of sunshine on your plate—bright, fruity, and wonderfully soft. If you love recipes that are effortless yet look (and taste) impressive, this loaf is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every citrusy, cranberry-studded bite!
