Cranberry Orange Quick Bread: Perfect Holiday Treat

As a child, the aroma of freshly baked bread would fill our home, signaling that my grandmother was busy in the kitchen. Her cranberry orange quick bread was a family favorite, a treat eagerly anticipated by everyone. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange always made the perfect balance of flavors.

Each slice was a work of art, dotted with vibrant red berries and pecans. The bread not only tasted divine but also connected us, sparking lively conversations and laughter around the table. It’s these small yet profound moments that fueled my passion for cooking.

Today, I carry forward this beloved tradition through GrandMmaDelights, sharing recipes like the cranberry orange quick bread to inspire others. This delightful loaf embodies the spirit of home cooking—simple, flavorful, and made with love. Join me in recreating this cherished recipe, and discover the joy it brings to your own family gatherings.

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

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Description

Discover how to make delicious Cranberry Orange Quick Bread with our easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, learn tips for a moist, flavorful loaf!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cup (480 ml) s all-purpose flour
• 5 teaspoon (8 ml) s baking powder
• 5 teaspoon (3 ml) baking soda
• 5 teaspoon (3 ml) salt
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) grated orange zest
• 5 cup (360 ml) s fresh cranberries
• 5 cup (120 ml) pecans, coarsely chopped
• 25 cup (60 ml) margarine, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) white sugar
• 1 egg
• 75 cup (180 ml) orange juice

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Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and dusting it with flour. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the orange zest, cranberries, and pecans to the mixture. Set this aside for later.
2. In another large bowl, cream together the margarine, sugar, and egg until the mixture is smooth. Mix in the orange juice. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, stirring until just combined. Transfer the batter into the loaf pan you prepared earlier.
3. Place the pan in the oven and bake until the bread lightly springs back when touched, which should take about 1 hour. Allow the bread to rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and placing it on a wire rack to cool. Once completely cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap.

Notes

• Ensure the orange zest is finely grated and well mixed with the dry ingredients. Coat cranberries and pecans in flour mixture to prevent sinking. Cream margarine, sugar, and egg until light for good rise.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: International

Nutrition

• Calories: 224 kcal
• Fat: 8 g
• Protein: 3 g

Keywords: orange cranberry bread, fresh cranberries loaf, orange zest bread, pecan cranberry bread, homemade fruit loaf, moist holiday bread

Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Fundamentals

Fundamentals

Cranberry orange quick bread is a delightful combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest, creating a flavor profile that is both refreshing and comforting. The key ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—form the base, while the cranberries, orange zest, and pecans add texture and taste.

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The vibrant tartness of the cranberries complements the citrusy sweetness of the orange, while the pecans provide a satisfying crunch. This balance of flavors and textures makes cranberry orange quick bread a standout on any table.

Preparation/setup

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it and dusting with flour. This ensures the bread does not stick and comes out perfectly every time.

In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The addition of grated orange zest, fresh cranberries, and coarsely chopped pecans completes the dry mixture. These elements are the heart of the bread, infusing it with flavor and texture.

Cranberry Orange Bread Technique

Technique

In another bowl, cream together softened margarine, sugar, and an egg until smooth. The creamy mixture acts as the foundation for the bread’s moist texture. Gradually mix in the orange juice, which not only enhances the flavor but also helps the bread rise beautifully.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so aim for a batter where ingredients are just incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect crumb and texture.

Tips/tricks

To ensure your cranberries and pecans are evenly distributed, toss them in a small amount of flour before adding to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.

If you’re looking for more ideas to use cranberries, check out this Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad with Orange Vinaigrette or explore the delightful flavors of Cranberry Orange Chicken.

Perfecting Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Perfecting results

Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about an hour, or until it lightly springs back when touched. This ensures that the bread is fully cooked and has a delightful, springy texture. Let the bread rest for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan to cool completely on a wire rack.

Once cooled, wrap the bread in plastic wrap. This step is essential for sealing in the moisture and enhancing the flavors. The bread can be enjoyed immediately or stored for a day to allow the flavors to meld further.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your bread is too dense, ensure you measure the ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing. For a twist, try adding a handful of chocolate chips or substituting walnuts for pecans. These variations can add a unique flair to the classic cranberry orange quick bread.

For more gluten-free options, explore this Cauliflower Cloud Bread Delight or try the Flourless Oat Chia Bread.

Serving Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Serving/presentation

Slice the cranberry orange quick bread and serve it with a pat of butter or a dollop of cream cheese. The vibrant colors of the cranberries and orange zest make each slice visually appealing, perfect for a brunch table or afternoon tea.

To elevate the presentation, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of orange glaze. This adds a touch of sweetness and enhances the citrus notes, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Pairings/storage

Cranberry orange quick bread pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee. For breakfast, serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a balanced meal. To store, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

For more quick bread inspirations, you might love this Pineapple Quick Bread that offers a tropical twist on a classic loaf.

Conclusion

Cranberry orange quick bread is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients creating something extraordinary. Its delightful flavors and textures make it a standout at any table, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

With its straightforward preparation and satisfying taste, this bread is a wonderful addition to your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh or saved for later, cranberry orange quick bread is sure to bring joy and warmth to any occasion.

FAQs – Cranberry Orange Quick Bread