I’m so ready to share this Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread recipe with you, my absolute favorite fall baking project.
There’s something magical about the way tart cranberries and bright orange zest come together in a warm, moist loaf that practically screams autumn. It’s the kind of bread that makes your kitchen smell like a cozy cabin getaway.
And honestly, who can resist that perfect balance of sweet and tangy? Wait until you see how simple it is to transform these humble ingredients into something truly spectacular…
Why You’ll Love this Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread
Three reasons why this Cranberry Orange Bread deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
First, the bright pop of fresh cranberries creates the perfect tart contrast to the sweet, citrusy base. It’s like sunshine in bread form.
Second, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for breakfast with coffee, as an afternoon snack, or even dressed up with a glaze for dessert.
Third, the recipe is surprisingly simple to make with ingredients you probably have on hand, minus maybe the cranberries. Can you think of a better way to fill your kitchen with the cozy scents of fall?
What Ingredients are in Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread?
This cranberry orange bread combines pantry staples with fresh ingredients to create the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup walnuts (optional)
For the best results, make sure your cranberries are fresh (though frozen will work in a pinch), and don’t skimp on the orange zest—it’s where much of that bright citrus flavor comes from, giving this bread its signature taste.
How to Make this Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×5 loaf pan.
Getting this step out of the way first gives your oven plenty of time to reach the perfect temperature while you work on the batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
This uniform mixture guarantees your bread will rise evenly and have consistent sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Zest
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest into your dry mixture.
Those little red jewels will burst with tartness during baking, creating pockets of flavor that contrast beautifully with the sweet bread.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine ¾ cup of orange juice, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 beaten egg.
The acidity in the orange juice will react with the baking soda, helping your bread achieve that perfect rise.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with your dry ingredients, stirring just until combined.
If using, fold in ½ cup of walnuts for a delightful crunch—but honestly, the bread is spectacular with or without them.
Using premium baking tools can make this mixing process much easier and more efficient.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Transfer your batter to the greased loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The top should develop a gorgeous golden crust while the inside stays moist.
Step 7: Cool Before Slicing
Allow your bread to cool completely before slicing.
I know it’s tempting to cut into that warm, fragrant loaf right away, but patience rewards you with cleaner slices and a more developed flavor profile.
What to Serve with Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread
This bright, zesty bread works beautifully as part of breakfast or an afternoon snack. For morning enjoyment, pair a warm slice with a spread of honey butter or cream cheese and a steaming mug of Earl Grey tea, whose bergamot notes complement the orange perfectly.
When serving as an afternoon treat, consider matching it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened mascarpone cheese for contrast.
For a more savory approach, serve alongside a sharp white cheddar or brie—the creamy, salty cheeses balance the bread’s tangy sweetness.
And don’t forget, this bread makes a lovely addition to a holiday brunch spread or teatime gathering.
Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread Substitutions and Variations
- Fancy Finishing Touches: Drizzle cooled bread with an orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice) or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking for a sweet, crunchy top.
- Spice It Up: Add 1 tsp cinnamon or ½ tsp cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, holiday flavor profile.
Leftovers and Storage for this Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread
This bread actually improves with time, developing deeper flavor after a day on your counter.
To keep it fresh:
- Store at room temperature for 2-3 days in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for up to a week, though the texture may become slightly more dense.
- For longer storage, freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast lightly to refresh.
For refrigerated bread, a quick 10-second microwave zap or light toasting works wonders. To prevent dryness, store with a piece of bread or apple slice, replacing as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread strikes that perfect balance between tart cranberries and bright citrus notes, creating something truly special for your table.
The simplicity of mixing wet and dry ingredients belies the complex flavors that develop as it bakes.
It’s particularly perfect during fall and winter holidays when cranberries are at their peak, but honestly, it makes any weekend morning feel like a celebration.
Whether served alongside morning coffee or as an afternoon treat with tea, this bread brings a touch of seasonal warmth to even the chilliest days.
The optional walnuts add a wonderful textural contrast that complements the moist, tender crumb.
