When the air turns crisp and citrus fills the kitchen, cranberry orange bread becomes the scent of the season. It’s bright, buttery, and full of contrast the sweet tang of oranges paired with bursts of tart cranberries in every bite. Whether you bake it as a cozy weekend loaf or wrap it up as a gift, this bread captures everything joyful about autumn baking and Christmas baked goods.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
- Perfect balance of sweet & tart – Orange zest and fresh cranberries dance together for an unforgettable flavor.
- Soft & moist texture – A touch of yogurt or sour cream keeps the crumb tender.
- Holiday-ready – Great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.
- Freezer-friendly – Make ahead for stress-free entertaining and enjoy cranberry orange bread anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tablespoons orange juice for a glossy finish on your cranberry orange bread.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
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Cranberry Orange Bread – A Moist & Festive Holiday Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
- This cranberry orange bread is the perfect balance of sweet citrus and tart cranberries. Moist, tender, and full of flavor, it’s ideal for the holidays.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- Zest of one orange
- 1 cup chopped cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- Optional glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar + 1–2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
- Mix in sour cream, orange juice, and zest.
- Add dry ingredients to wet and mix just until combined.
- Fold in chopped cranberries lightly.
- Pour into pan and bake 50–55 minutes.
- Cool for 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a rack.
- Optional: drizzle with glaze once completely cooled.
Notes
- Toss cranberries in a little flour to prevent sinking.
- Don’t overmix to keep the crumb light.
- Use whole-wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
- Wrap tightly for freezing up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in sour cream, orange juice, and zest until smooth and fragrant.
Combine and Fold
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Fold in cranberries gently don’t overmix.
Bake
Pour batter into pan and bake 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Glaze (optional)
Once cooled, drizzle orange glaze over the top for extra shine and flavor. It makes the cranberry orange bread look bakery-perfect.
Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Bread
- Use fresh zest: It carries the true citrus aroma.
- Don’t overmix: Keeps crumb light and tender.
- Toss cranberries in flour: Prevents them from sinking.
- Add nuts: A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts adds holiday crunch and pairs beautifully with cranberry orange bread.
Variations to Try
- Glazed Orange Cranberry Loaf: Top with a zesty orange icing.
- Cranberry Orange Muffins: Bake 15–18 minutes for portable treats.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: For a dessert-style version.
- Whole-Wheat Twist: Swap half the flour for whole-wheat for a heartier bite.
Serving & Storage
Serve warm with a pat of butter or a glaze drizzle.
Wrap slices in plastic and store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freeze for up to 3 months just defrost at room temperature.
Cranberry orange bread also makes a perfect homemade Christmas gift tie it with twine and a slice of dried orange for a festive touch.
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FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes! Use ¾ cup dried cranberries and soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to soften.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and add ½ teaspoon xanthan gum if needed.
What makes this bread so moist?
The combination of butter, yogurt, and juice keeps it soft and rich without being heavy.
Is it good for Christmas gifting?
Yes this recipe is a classic for holiday baskets and edible gifts.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry orange bread isn’t just a quick bread it’s a seasonal ritual. The bright citrus flavor, bursting cranberries, and soft crumb make every slice feel like Christmas morning. Whether you’re hosting brunch, baking for neighbors, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of coffee on a cold day, this loaf belongs in your holiday baking rotation.