Cranberry bread is a sweet, tangy, and moist baked treat perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even holiday gatherings. Packed with fresh or dried cranberries, this bread boasts a slightly tart flavor balanced with subtle sweetness. It’s soft, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. Whether you serve it warm or toasted with butter, this cranberry bread is sure to impress!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, vegetable oil (or butter), beaten egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the bread dense.
- Add cranberries and nuts: Fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve: Once fully cooled, slice the cranberry bread and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cranberry Bread:
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and tartness. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to enhance the citrus notes.
- Substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a slightly richer taste.
- If you want a sweeter version, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Toast slices and spread butter, honey, or cream cheese for an indulgent treat.
This cranberry bread is sure to be a hit! Would you like variations, such as a gluten-free or vegan version? 😊