If you’re craving something delightfully fruity, moist, and perfect for breakfast or a sweet afternoon treat, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is about to become your new favorite bake. Each slice bursts with tart cranberries and zesty orange in every bite, packing in bright flavors that truly sing together. The recipe is wonderfully fuss-free, making it a joy to whip up even on your busiest days. Whether it’s for the holidays or a cozy weekend brunch, this bread never fails to brighten up the table and win over everyone who tries it.

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread comes together with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, each bringing its own pop of flavor, softness, or that irresistible golden crust. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters:

All-purpose flour: The reliable foundation for your bread, ensuring a soft, tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
Baking powder: A leavening agent that gives your loaf a lovely rise and light texture.
Baking soda: Works with the acidic orange juice to lift the bread higher and keep it fluffy.
Salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Orange zest: Packs an aromatic citrus punch that makes the bread truly special—don’t skip it!
Freshly squeezed orange juice: Lends vibrant flavor and extra moisture—fresh is best for that real orange pop.
Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): Gives buttery richness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Large eggs: Bind everything together for a lovely texture and structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth, weaving all the flavors together.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: The star tangy bursts throughout; use them straight from the freezer if needed.
Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkle on top for a sparkly, crunchy finish that’s visually stunning and delicious.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, or even line it with parchment paper for easier removal. These early steps ensure a golden loaf that pops out of the pan with no fuss.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and fragrant orange zest. This not only evenly distributes the leavening agents but also fluffs the flour, helping your bread bake up light and airy.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab a separate bowl and blend the orange juice, cooled melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined. The combination infuses your batter with citrusy notes and that melt-in-your-mouth texture while the eggs and butter bring everything together in harmony.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with your dry ingredients. Stir everything together gently and stop as soon as there are just a few streaks of flour—overmixing is the enemy of tender quick breads! Then, fold in the cranberries for bursts of color and tartness in every bite.

Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle the surface with coarse sugar if you like. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—your kitchen will smell like citrus heaven!

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes so it sets, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This wait is tough, but it keeps the crumb intact and makes for neat slices. Your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is now ready to steal the show!

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your loaf with a dusting of powdered sugar, a light drizzle of orange glaze, or a handful of extra chopped cranberries for a burst of color. These little touches add an extra-special finish and make your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread even more mouthwatering.

Side Dishes

Pair slices with a dollop of whipped cream, a pat of soft butter, or a swipe of cream cheese for a luxurious treat. It goes beautifully alongside yogurt parfaits, fresh fruit, or a steaming mug of tea or coffee for a well-rounded breakfast or midday snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For festive gatherings, cut the bread into cubes and serve as part of a brunch platter with cheeses and nuts. Wrap individual slices or mini loaves in parchment and colorful twine for charming edible gifts—this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread makes a heartfelt homemade present!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover bread fresh by wrapping it snugly in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature. It’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead option for busy mornings or snacks on the go.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Once completely cool, wrap the whole loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use a freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture for up to three months, so you’re never far from a slice of sunshine even on the busiest days.

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste, gently warm a slice in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds, or pop it in a toaster oven until just heated through. Warm bread brings out the orange aroma and makes the cranberries taste extra juicy!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! If you’re using dried cranberries, try soaking them in orange juice for about 10 minutes first to plump them up—this helps mimic the juicy bursts that fresh or frozen cranberries provide in Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

For the most fragrant zest, use a microplane or fine grater and only remove the orange surface (not the bitter white pith below). Zest straight over the mixing bowl to catch all the flavorful oils for your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread!

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that textures may vary slightly, but the results are still delicious. Check that your baking powder is certified gluten-free if needed.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (but not wet batter), your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is perfectly baked.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the bread?

Definitely! Chopped pecans or walnuts are fantastic stirred into the batter for crunch, or try a handful of mini chocolate chips for a fun twist on the classic Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about baking and sharing this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread—it’s sunshine in loaf form! With simple steps and vibrant flavors, it’s a fail-proof recipe that belongs in every kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to favorite for breakfast, snack time, or just because you’re craving something homemade and wonderful.

Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with the citrusy sweetness of orange. It’s a simple yet flavorful recipe that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients:

3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional:

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
Add cranberries: Fold in the cranberries.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.