Ultimate Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Perfect for Any Occasion

Indulge in the delightful blend of sweet and tart with our incredibly moist and flavorful Orange Cranberry Bread. Crafted with fresh, vibrant oranges and juicy cranberries, this quick bread offers a harmonious symphony of citrusy brightness and tangy bursts in every bite. It’s more than just a treat; it’s a delightful experience, perfect for brightening up any breakfast table, enriching a brunch spread, or satisfying that sweet-and-tangy craving any time of day.

This recipe yields a loaf that is exceptionally tender, beautifully moist, and truly bursting with the invigorating flavors of fresh oranges and the characteristic tartness of cranberries. Unlike more complex bakes, this Orange Cranberry Quick Bread is remarkably simple to prepare, making it a reliable and delicious choice that’s sure to impress everyone who tries it. Its appealing sweet and tangy profile makes it an ideal companion for your morning coffee or tea, a delightful addition to a festive brunch, or a satisfying afternoon snack. A simple, vibrant orange glaze or even a light dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and elegance, making this bread utterly irresistible and a step above a basic Cranberry Bread Recipe with its prominent citrus notes.

Why We Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

• Exquisitely Bright and Flavorful: The combination of freshly grated orange zest and tart cranberries creates an unforgettable flavor profile. Each bite is a lively and refreshing burst of citrus and berry, perfectly balanced to invigorate your senses. The natural essential oils in the orange zest infuse the entire loaf with a delightful aroma and deep flavor that truly shines.
• Remarkably Moist and Tender Texture: This recipe is specifically designed to produce a soft, fluffy bread that remains wonderfully moist for days. The addition of Greek yogurt is a secret weapon, contributing to an incredibly tender crumb and ensuring that your bread doesn’t dry out, making it perfect for enjoying over several mornings or as a lingering snack.
• Incredibly Versatile for Any Occasion: This quick bread is a chameleon in the kitchen! It’s fantastic on its own as a simple indulgence, but also transforms into a gourmet treat when toasted and slathered with butter. For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, a drizzle of the vibrant orange glaze takes it to the next level. It’s equally at home at a casual breakfast, an elegant brunch, or served as a light dessert with coffee or tea. Its festive colors also make it a popular choice for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
• Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: Quick breads are a baker’s best friend, and this Orange Cranberry Bread is no exception. With no yeast or complex kneading required, it’s a straightforward recipe that even novice bakers can master. The easy-to-follow steps ensure a delicious result with minimal fuss, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean complicated.
• A Seasonal Delight and Thoughtful Gift: Cranberries are synonymous with cooler weather and holiday seasons, making this bread a perfect seasonal bake. Its festive colors and comforting flavors make it an ideal edible gift for friends, family, or neighbors during autumn and winter, spreading warmth and cheer with every slice.

Essential Ingredients for Your Loaf and Glaze

Crafting the perfect Orange Cranberry Bread begins with selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after moist texture and vibrant flavor combination. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Loaf Ingredients

• Greek Yogurt: This key ingredient is responsible for the exceptional moisture and delicate tang in the bread. It also contributes to a wonderfully tender crumb, making the bread soft and delightful. Full-fat Greek yogurt will yield the richest results.
• Unsalted Butter, melted: Provides a rich, buttery flavor and contributes to the bread’s tender texture. Melting it ensures even distribution throughout the batter. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall salt content of the recipe.
• Orange Juice & Zest: The dynamic duo for bright, authentic citrus flavor. The juice adds liquid and a subtle sweetness, while the zest contains concentrated orange oils that provide an intense aromatic and flavorful punch that permeates the entire loaf. Don’t skip the zest for maximum orange impact!
• Eggs: Act as a binder, giving structure to the bread and helping all the ingredients emulsify smoothly. They also add richness and contribute to the bread’s golden-brown color.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread, balancing the tartness of the cranberries, and aids in tenderizing the crumb. It also helps with the beautiful caramelization of the crust.
• All-Purpose Flour, Baking Powder & Salt: These form the foundational dry ingredients. All-purpose flour provides the main structure. Baking powder is the leavening agent that makes the bread rise, creating a light and airy texture. Salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the best in both the sweet and tangy notes.
• Fresh Cranberries: These vibrant berries are essential for their signature tart bursts and stunning ruby-red color. They soften slightly during baking, releasing their tangy juices and creating a beautiful contrast with the sweet orange.

Glaze Ingredients

• Orange Juice: Serves as the liquid base for the glaze, infusing it with bright, fresh citrus flavor that perfectly complements the bread.
• Confectioners’ Sugar: Also known as powdered sugar, it provides the sweetness and creates a smooth, pourable consistency for drizzling over the cooled bread. It sets quickly, forming a delicate shell.
• Orange Zest: Adds an extra layer of concentrated orange aroma and flavor to the glaze, elevating it beyond a simple sweet topping. It also adds a pretty visual speckle.

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Bread

While our classic Orange Cranberry Bread is undeniably perfect, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or experiment with new flavor combinations. Here are some fantastic variations to try:

• Nuts for Crunch: For an added layer of texture and nutty flavor, fold in ½ cup of finely chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds into the batter with the cranberries. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them can enhance their flavor even further.
• Warm Spices: Introduce a touch of warmth and coziness by adding ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice to the dry ingredients. These spices pair beautifully with both orange and cranberry, making it an even more festive loaf.
• Tangy Citrus Twist: If you love a brighter, more pronounced tang, substitute half of the orange juice in the loaf (and optionally in the glaze) with fresh lemon juice. This creates a delightful Lemon Cranberry Bread variation. Lime juice could also be a unique and refreshing alternative.
• Alternative Glaze Options: Get creative with your topping! Instead of the orange glaze, you could opt for a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar + milk/water), a zesty lemon glaze, or even a thin cream cheese glaze for a richer finish. A maple glaze (maple syrup + powdered sugar) would also be delicious, especially for a fall theme.
• Mixed Berries: Don’t limit yourself to just cranberries! Replace them with a mix of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries for a multi-berry quick bread. If using frozen berries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Chocolate Indulgence: For a sweeter, more decadent treat, fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips along with the cranberries. White chocolate and orange are a particularly delightful pairing.
• Dried Fruit Enhancements: If fresh cranberries are out of season, or if you prefer a sweeter, chewier texture, you can use dried cranberries. You could also mix in other dried fruits like chopped apricots, golden raisins, or dried cherries for a more complex flavor profile. Remember to rehydrate dried fruits if they are too firm.
• Poppy Seeds: For a subtle crunch and classic flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the batter. This pairs especially well with the citrus notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Orange Cranberry Bread

Follow these detailed steps to bake a wonderfully moist and flavorful Orange Cranberry Bread. Precision and gentle handling are key to achieving the best texture and taste.

• Step 1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the start. Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the longer sides to create “handles” for easy removal. Then, lightly spray the exposed sides of the pan with baking spray (or grease and flour) to prevent sticking.

Step 2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, melted unsalted butter, fresh orange juice, large eggs, vanilla extract, and granulated sugar. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth, well combined, and uniform in color. This ensures all the wet components are thoroughly incorporated before introducing the dry ingredients.

Step 3. Prepare and Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial for distributing the leavening agents evenly. Once combined, sift this dry mixture directly into the large bowl containing your wet ingredients. Sifting helps prevent lumps and aerates the flour for a lighter texture.

Step 4. Gentle Mixing and Folding: Mix the batter together on medium speed for a brief 30–60 seconds, or until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. It is vital not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much and result in a tough, dense bread. Once mostly combined, carefully fold in the fresh orange zest and whole fresh cranberries using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the batter with minimal stirring.

Step 5. Bake the Loaf: Spread the prepared batter evenly into the parchment-lined loaf pan. Use your spatula to smooth the top, which will help ensure an even rise. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes. The bread is done when a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 6. Cool the Bread: Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the bread to set and prevents it from crumbling. After 10 minutes, use the parchment paper overhang to carefully lift the loaf out of the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a rack ensures air circulation, preventing a soggy bottom.

Step 7. Prepare and Apply the Glaze: While the loaf is cooling, prepare your vibrant orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, confectioners’ sugar, and a tablespoon of orange zest until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more orange juice (¼ teaspoon at a time). If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more confectioners’ sugar. Once the loaf has completely cooled (this is important, or the glaze will melt), generously spoon the glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 30 minutes before slicing, which will create a lovely, slightly firm coating.

Finally, your beautifully glazed Orange Cranberry Bread is ready to be sliced, served, and enjoyed. Each slice offers a perfect balance of moist bread, tart cranberries, and sweet, zesty orange.

Storage Tips for Freshness

To ensure your Orange Cranberry Bread stays delicious and moist for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Whether you plan to enjoy it over a few days or save it for later, here’s how to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: For immediate enjoyment, store the orange cranberry bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out and helps maintain its tender texture. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, perfect for daily breakfasts or snacks.

Refrigerator: If you need to extend its shelf life, keep the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep it fresh for up to 1 week. Bring slices to room temperature or warm them slightly before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Freezer: Orange Cranberry Bread freezes beautifully, making it excellent for meal prepping or enjoying later. To freeze, first ensure the bread is completely cooled (and the glaze is fully set). Wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap again in aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe bag. This double layer of protection prevents freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or warm individual slices in the microwave or toaster oven.

Pro Tips for Baking Success

Achieving a bakery-quality Orange Cranberry Bread is easier than you think with these expert tips:

• Embrace Fresh Cranberries: For the most vibrant flavor and appealing texture, prioritize using fresh cranberries. Their natural tartness and firm structure are unmatched, providing delightful bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
• Handling Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones are a good alternative. Be sure to thaw them first and thoroughly drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter. This step is crucial to prevent introducing too much moisture, which can make your bread dense or soggy.
• Using Dried Cranberries: In a pinch, dried cranberries can be used. For a softer texture more akin to fresh berries, soak the dried cranberries in hot water for about 30 minutes. Drain them very well before gently folding into the batter to ensure they don’t add unwanted chewiness or dryness.
• The Power of Zest: Never skip the orange zest! It contains concentrated essential oils that deliver the most intense citrus flavor and aroma. Use a microplane zester to get only the brightly colored outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: This is arguably the most critical rule for quick breads. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dry, and dense loaf rather than a light and tender one. Mix only until the dry ingredients are just incorporated into the wet, then stop.
• Taste and Adjust Sweetness: Cranberries can vary in tartness. It’s perfectly fine to taste a tiny bit of your wet batter before adding flour to gauge the sweetness. If your cranberries are exceptionally tart, you might want to add an extra tablespoon or two of granulated sugar to the batter.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. Room temperature ingredients emulsify more easily, creating a smoother, more uniform batter and a more consistent final texture.
• Proper Pan Preparation: Lining your loaf pan with parchment paper is a game-changer for easy removal. The slight overhang creates natural handles, making it simple to lift the entire loaf out without sticking or breaking. Don’t forget to spray the exposed sides!
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Patience is a virtue when it comes to glazing. If you apply the glaze to a warm loaf, it will melt and run off, creating a messy rather than a beautifully coated finish. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling the glaze for a perfect, set topping.

More Quick Bread Recipes to Enjoy

• Peach Bread
• Apple Bread
• Hummingbird Bread
• Strawberry Banana Bread

We encourage you to try this fantastic Orange Cranberry Bread recipe today and experience the joy of homemade baking! We’d love to hear about your results. Please don’t forget to leave a comment and a star rating below to let us know how your delicious loaf turned out. Happy baking!