Cranberry Orange Bread

Cranberry Orange Bread is nice for breakfast, snacking, or wrapping up a loaf to share. This model leans into all the pieces you need from the basic combo. The applesauce and melted butter make the loaf keep moist for days. And the orange juice, zest, and a tiny trace of orange extract provide you with a strong citrus vibe with out going overboard.

Make fast breads like this of any taste utilizing my base quick bread recipe.

Why My Recipe

Additional moist texture because of a full cup of applesauce and melted butter.
A lot of orange taste from juice, zest, and only a contact of orange extract.
Non-obligatory glaze soaks into the loaf for additional moisture and a candy end.

Overhead view of sliced cranberry orange bread on a white marble board, surrounded by bright orange slices and fresh cranberries.

The glaze will get poured over the loaf whereas the bread remains to be heat and it soaks proper in. It provides additional moisture and a lightweight sweetness that ties all the pieces collectively. That is the form of fast bread that by some means disappears sooner than anybody admits to consuming it. It really works for brunch, snacking, gifting, or stealing a slice whenever you’re alleged to be cleansing the kitchen.

Ingredient Notes

Unsweetened Apple Sauce: Make certain it’s unsweetened so the bread doesn’t prove too candy.
Brown Sugar: Mild or darkish brown sugar each work. Darkish provides a deeper taste.
Melted Butter: Butter provides higher taste, whereas oil retains the loaf additional delicate. Use whichever you favor.
Orange Juice: Contemporary or bottled each work. There’s not sufficient juice within the orange you zest to make each the bread and the glaze.
Massive Egg: A room-temperature egg mixes extra easily, however straight from the fridge is completely nice too.
Vanilla Extract: Attempt to use the actual factor.
Orange Extract: This boosts the citrus taste. When you don’t have any, add yet one more teaspoon of zest.
Salt: Common desk salt works completely.
Baking Soda: Examine that it’s contemporary to make sure a superb rise.
Baking Powder: Make certain it’s not expired or the loaf might bake dense.
All-Function Flour: Scoop and sweep technique of measuring is most popular.
Craisins: You possibly can substitute with 1 cup contemporary or frozen cranberries, chopped. Contemporary or frozen provides you with a extra tart taste.
Orange Zest: Solely zest the highest orange layer and keep away from the white pith for one of the best taste.

Contemporary vs Dried Cranberries

You possibly can completely use both dried cranberries or contemporary ones on this bread. Craisins provide you with a sweeter, chewier chew with no additional prep. Contemporary or frozen cranberries make the bread extra tart, so anticipate a brighter taste.

If utilizing contemporary or frozen, give them a fast chop so that they distribute evenly. There isn’t any want to regulate the baking time or the batter. Simply know the bread will style rather less candy, and that’s fully okay.

Non-obligatory Add-Ins

This bread is versatile if you wish to change it up. A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts provides a pleasant crunch. White chocolate chips soften into little candy pockets.

You may also swap the craisins for chopped contemporary or frozen cranberries if you need a extra tart taste. So long as you don’t overload the batter, it should bake up properly.

Learn how to Inform When Quickbread is Accomplished

Fast breads can look completed on high lengthy earlier than the middle is prepared. The best method to verify for doneness is with a toothpick. Insert it into the middle of the loaf. If it comes out clear or with just some crumbs, you might be good to go. If it comes out gooey, give the bread one other 5 to 10 minutes and verify once more. The highest must also spring again evenly when pressed.

Two slices of cranberry orange bread on a small white plate with a gold beaded rim, garnished with fresh cranberries and orange slices.

Loaf Pan Dimension Choices

This recipe is written for an 8 by 4 inch loaf pan, however you continue to have choices. A 9 by 5 inch pan will work. The loaf will bake a little bit flatter and end sooner, so begin checking it about ten minutes early.

You may also break up the batter into mini loaf pans. These usually bake in about 25 to half-hour. Simply regulate them as soon as they begin smelling superb.

Glaze Ideas

The most effective time to pour the glaze is when the loaf is sizzling from the oven. It soaks proper in and provides additional moisture and taste. I’ve you make extra glaze than you really need as a result of in any other case it’s too laborious to cook dinner in such small quantities. Simply give it a superb, sugary soak.

Serving Ideas

This bread is nice heat, cool, toasted, or sliced straight from the counter. You possibly can serve it with butter, cream cheese, or nothing in any respect. It additionally seems nice on a brunch desk. And in case you have a slice left the following morning, turning it into French toast is rarely a nasty concept.

Storage & Freezing

Retailer leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an hermetic container at room temperature for as much as 3 days. In case your kitchen runs heat, place it within the fridge as a substitute to maintain it a little bit longer. The glaze helps hold the loaf moist, so it holds up effectively.

Freezing Directions: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer secure bag or container. Freeze for as much as 3 months. You may also freeze particular person slices for fast breakfasts. Thaw the loaf or slices at room temperature.