Introduction to Cranberry Orange Bread
There's something truly special about homemade bread. The aromas that fill your kitchen while it bakes are enough to make any day feel like a celebration. Cranberry Orange Bread combines the bright, zesty notes of oranges with the tartness of cranberries, resulting in a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Why Choose Homemade Bread?
Making bread at home gives you full control over the ingredients, allowing you to avoid preservatives and added sugars often found in store-bought options. Plus, there's a unique satisfaction in crafting something from scratch. Did you know that according to a report by the Baker's Journal, handcrafted bread freshness can significantly enhance the taste and texture?
Not only does this Cranberry Orange Bread offer a burst of flavor, but it also showcases the beautiful contrast of sweet and tart ingredients. With simple preparation steps and just a handful of ingredients, it's an approachable recipe even for those new to baking. Imagine enjoying a warm slice with a pat of butter or drizzled with a homemade orange glaze—doesn’t that sound delightful? Dive into the full recipe and treat yourself to a loaf that’s as delicious as it is heartwarming!
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
Essential components for the perfect bread
Making the Cranberry Orange Bread starts with selecting fresh and quality ingredients that highlight the vibrant flavors of cranberries and oranges. Here’s your shopping list for the basics:
- 3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- Zest from 2 large oranges
- 1 ½ cups of buttermilk
- 1 cup of oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries, halved
Adding these ingredients will set you on the path to baking a delicious bread that’s perfect for any occasion!
Optional glaze ingredients
To elevate your Cranberry Orange Bread to the next level, consider adding a delightful glaze. It not only enhances the flavor but also makes your bread look even more tempting. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons of orange zest
Whipping up this glaze is simple and adds a sweet, tangy finish to your homemade creation. Whether you keep it simple or go for the glaze, you can't go wrong with this recipe!
Step-by-step preparation of Cranberry Orange Bread
Creating a deliciously moist and tangy Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful way to brighten up your day. Follow these easy steps to bring this mouthwatering bread to life in your very own kitchen!
Preheat and prepare your baking pans
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab two 9×5 loaf pans and spray them with a generous amount of cooking spray. This will ensure your bread releases easily after baking, so you don’t have to worry about any sticky surprises later on. Set them aside and let’s move on!
Combine dry ingredients with zest
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of granulated sugar with the vibrant zest from 2 large oranges. Give it a good stir to infuse the sugar with that bright, citrusy flavor. Next, add 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Mix everything together until well combined. The aroma will already start filling your kitchen!
Mix wet ingredients thoroughly
In a separate medium bowl, you’ll want to mix together the wet ingredients. Pour in 1 ½ cups of buttermilk, followed by 1 cup of vegetable or canola oil. Then add in your 4 large, slightly beaten eggs, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they are smooth and homogeneous. It’s time to blend these flavors for the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread!
Combine dry and wet ingredients, adding cranberries
Carefully pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — you want the batter to remain a bit lumpy, so be cautious not to overmix. Finally, fold in 2 cups of halved fresh cranberries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This balance of tartness and sweetness will create the incredible flavor you’re after!
Baking your loaves to perfection
Now it’s time to bake! Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pans and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-75 minutes for standard loaves, or 35-45 minutes for mini loaves. Keep an eye on them, and if the tops begin to brown too much, gently cover with aluminum foil until done. The bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cooling and glazing the bread
Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, using a knife, loosen the sides to help remove them without fuss. Transfer the loaves onto a wire rack and let them cool completely. If you’d like to take your Cranberry Orange Bread a step further, mix together 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and 1 ½ teaspoons of orange zest to drizzle a delightful glaze over the top. Your bread is now finished — slice, serve, and enjoy the burst of citrusy goodness!
Variations on Cranberry Orange Bread
Adding nuts for texture
Elevate your Cranberry Orange Bread by incorporating nuts! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor. Not only do they enhance the texture, but they also bring a healthy dose of nutrients to your bread. Mix in about one cup of your preferred nuts right before pouring the batter into the pan. It's a simple twist that can create an entirely different experience!
Experimenting with different citrus fruits
Don't hesitate to think outside the box with your Cranberry Orange Bread! While orange zest and juice are fantastic, experimenting with other citrus fruits can produce equally delicious results. Try using lemon, lime, or even grapefruit for a unique take. These alternatives can brighten the flavor and add a refreshing touch. Just remember to adjust the sweetness slightly based on the acidity of the fruit you're using!
Cooking tips and notes for Cranberry Orange Bread
Pro tips for the perfect loaf
Creating the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread is easy with these simple tips:
-
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. If you can't find fresh, consider frozen; just don't thaw them before adding!
-
Orange Zest: Don't skip the orange zest—it's essential for a zesty punch. Use a microplane grater for the finest zest.
-
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, remember that a few lumps are okay! Overmixing can yield a dense loaf.
-
Baking Times: Keep an eye on your bread while it bakes. Oven temperatures can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
With these tips, your Cranberry Orange Bread will be a delight at any gathering! Enjoy the process and happy baking!
Serving suggestions for Cranberry Orange Bread
Ideal pairings and occasions
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delicious treat perfect for various occasions. Imagine serving it fresh out of the oven during a cozy brunch with friends or family. Pair it with turkey bacon, a light salad, or chicken ham for a balanced meal. It also makes an excellent addition to holiday gatherings—think Thanksgiving or Christmas, where the festive colors and flavors steal the spotlight.
For a delightful afternoon snack, enjoy a slice with your favorite tea or coffee. You could even toast it for a warm, buttery crunch; adding cream cheese takes this treat to the next level. Whether it's a casual get-together or an impressive dessert spread, this bread is sure to impress!
For more ideas on pairing bread with beverages, check out sources like Food & Wine.
Time breakdown for making Cranberry Orange Bread
Preparation time
Getting your ingredients ready for Cranberry Orange Bread takes about 15-20 minutes. This time includes measuring out the flour, sugar, and cranberries, as well as zesting those zesty oranges!
Baking time
Once you’ve mixed everything together, pop your loaves in the oven. Expect about 60-75 minutes for baking, depending on your pan size. Don’t forget to check with a toothpick to ensure it comes out clean!
Total time
From start to finish, you’re looking at around 1 hour and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. This includes prep and cooling times. Perfect for a cozy afternoon!
Making Cranberry Orange Bread is all about enjoying the process—and the delicious aroma that fills your kitchen!
Nutritional Facts for Cranberry Orange Bread
Serving Details
This delightful Cranberry Orange Bread recipe yields two loaves, with each loaf providing approximately 10 slices. A typical serving size is one slice, making it perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert!
Key Nutritional Information
Each slice of this Cranberry Orange Bread contains:
- Calories: 312
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
- Sodium: 193mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 30g
Rich in flavor without skimping on taste, this bread also offers small amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a treat while providing your body with some essential nutrients! For anyone interested in detailed health benefits, you might want to explore the insights at Healthline for more information.
Whether you’re watching your diet or simply indulging, this recipe offers a balanced choice that pleases the palate!
FAQs about Cranberry Orange Bread
Can I substitute ingredients for dietary needs?
Absolutely! If you're looking to make healthier choices or accommodate allergies, you can easily substitute several ingredients in this Cranberry Orange Bread. For instance, you can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or use almond milk in place of buttermilk. Coconut oil is a great alternative to vegetable oil, and you can substitute the sugar with honey or maple syrup, though this may slightly alter the texture. Always feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftover bread?
To keep your Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for 2-3 days. If you notice the bread drying out, consider toasting it lightly for a delicious warm treat!
Is it possible to freeze Cranberry Orange Bread?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Cranberry Orange Bread! After it has cooled completely, wrap it securely in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will keep it fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Conclusion on Cranberry Orange Bread
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful addition to your baking repertoire, combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty flavor of oranges. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with your morning coffee, this recipe is both easy and satisfying. Don't hesitate to give it a try—you won't be disappointed!
For more delicious ideas, check out Tastes Better From Scratch for creative recipes!
Cranberry Orange Bread
Equipment
- loaf pans
- mixing bowls
- whisk
- cooling rack
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 cups granulated sugar combined with orange zest
- 2 orange zest from large oranges
Wet Ingredients
- 1.5 cups buttermilk
- 1 cup oil vegetable or canola
- 4 large eggs slightly beaten
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice fresh
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 2 cups fresh cranberries halved
Orange Glaze (optional)
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1.5 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray two 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large bowl add sugar and orange zest and stir well to combine. Add flour, salt, and baking powder and stir. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. Fold in the halved cranberries. Pour batter into prepared pans.
- For regular loaf pans, bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. For mini loaves, bake for 35-45 minutes. If your loaf starts to get too brown during cooking, place a piece of aluminum foil over the top to finish baking.
- Remove from oven and set on a cooling rack for 10 minutes. Loosen the sides of the bread with a knife. Carefully remove loaf from pan. Let cool completely on wire rack.
- While the bread is cooling, make the orange glaze. In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the bread. Cut and serve.
Leave a Reply