Cranberry Orange Bread

Save this recipe on:

Moist, fragrant, and bursting with seasonal charm, this Cranberry Orange Bread is everything you want in a festive bake. The bright citrus tang from freshly grated orange zest mingles perfectly with the tartness of cranberries, making it an irresistible treat for both breakfast and dessert.

Whether you’re hosting holiday guests or just looking for a cozy loaf to pair with your morning coffee, this bread delivers comfort and flavor in every slice. It’s lightly sweet, beautifully glazed, and looks just as delightful as it tastes.

---

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

This bread recipe strikes the perfect balance between zesty and sweet, soft and hearty. The orange zest gives it a bright pop of flavor that lingers with every bite, while the cranberries provide just the right amount of juicy tartness. It’s incredibly easy to make and can be served warm or cold, dressed up with a glaze or left plain. Great for gifting, brunch spreads, or a quiet afternoon treat!

---

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries for Cranberry Orange Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in this recipe. No need to thaw them either—just toss them in with a bit of flour before adding to the batter. This helps keep them evenly distributed and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.

---

Ingredients for the Cranberry Orange Bread

To make this festive loaf come together beautifully, each ingredient plays a crucial role in flavor and texture:

All-Purpose Flour – The structure of the bread, keeping it soft and tender.

Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the batter just enough without overpowering the natural tartness of the cranberries.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Give the bread a good rise and help it stay fluffy.

Salt – Enhances and balances the sweet and citrus flavors.

Eggs – Help bind the mixture together and create a rich, moist texture.

Plain Yogurt or Sour Cream – Adds tang and moisture.

Orange Juice & Zest – The shining star of the loaf—bringing bright, citrusy notes.

Vegetable Oil – Keeps the bread moist for days.

Vanilla Extract – Enhances the warm, aromatic profile.

Cranberries – Adds bursts of juicy tartness throughout.

Optional Glaze – Made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a glossy, sweet finish.

---

How To Make the Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Grease a standard loaf pan and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom with parchment paper for easier release.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs with sugar until light. Add yogurt (or sour cream), orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and oil. Mix well.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring gently. Toss cranberries with a little flour, then fold them into the batter.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan. Once cool, drizzle with an orange glaze if desired.

---

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Orange Bread

This loaf is a showstopper on any holiday breakfast table or dessert spread. Slice it thick and serve with a pat of butter, cream cheese, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re going decadent. It feeds about 8 to 10 people generously.

For storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

---

What to Serve With Cranberry Orange Bread?

Freshly Brewed Coffee

The citrusy sweetness complements a bold, dark roast.

Whipped Honey Butter

Creamy and lightly sweet, it melts into warm slices perfectly.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Pair with a bowl of yogurt, granola, and berries for a balanced breakfast.

Butternut Squash Soup

The sweet bread contrasts beautifully with savory soups like this creamy, velvety one.

Cheese Board

Use the bread as a sweet element on a charcuterie platter.

Maple Roasted Nuts

Crunchy, salty-sweet nuts bring out the brightness of the orange.

Sparkling Cider

A festive, bubbly drink is the perfect match for holiday gatherings.

---

Want More Bread Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this Cranberry Orange Bread, you might enjoy these other cozy, creative bakes from Nora Nosh:

• Greek Yogurt Zucchini Bread for a healthy veggie-packed loaf.
• Nutella French Toast Casserole for a weekend morning showstopper.
• Overnight Creme Brulee French Toast if you love citrusy richness with a caramel twist.
• Banana Bread Cookies when you want your bread in cookie form.
• Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a tangy, creamy complement.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try fresh or frozen cranberries? Glazed or no glaze?

I love seeing the little touches everyone adds to make recipes their own. Questions welcome, too—let’s bake smarter together!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and seasonal dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your next crave-worthy creation.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: