Moist orange cranberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the bright, citrusy flavors of oranges with the tartness of cranberries. This bread is incredibly moist, tender, and bursting with tangy sweetness. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through creating a moist orange cranberry bread that will be a perfect addition to your breakfast or brunch table.
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 2 oranges)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until well combined.
In a separate bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the wet ingredients are well incorporated.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it can result in a denser bread.
Fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil halfway through baking.
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
Slice the cooled orange cranberry bread and serve. It can be enjoyed as is or with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Indulge in the moist and flavorful orange cranberry bread, savoring the tangy burst of cranberries complemented by the citrusy aroma of oranges. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat or an afternoon snack, this bread is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Note: Feel free to add a simple glaze to the bread for an extra touch of sweetness. Combine powdered sugar with a small amount of orange juice and drizzle it over the cooled bread before serving.