Name: Cranberry Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 large egg; ¾ cup orange juice (fresh is best); ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter); 1 tbsp orange zest; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large); ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re searching for a festive treat that’s equal parts bright and comforting, this Cranberry Bread is here to steal the spotlight! With juicy pops of tart cranberries and the sunny lift of orange zest, every slice offers just enough sweetness to satisfy alongside a cup of tea or as a morning welcome with coffee. Whether you’re baking ahead for holiday gifting or looking for a simple recipe that becomes an instant favorite, this loaf will surprise you with just how easy it is to make. Let’s dive in and spread some cheer with this irresistible Cranberry Bread.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Cranberry Bread lies in its simple ingredients, thoughtfully chosen to capture that perfect balance of tender crumb, tangy fruit, and a citrus-kissed aroma. Each element contributes its own special touch, ensuring every bite celebrates the season in style.

All-purpose flour: Provides the soft and sturdy structure for your loaf, delivering tenderness without heaviness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread just enough to balance the cranberries’ tartness beautifully.
Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise to a gorgeous dome, making sure it stays light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Works with the orange juice for an extra lift, resulting in a delicate crumb.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in every slice.
Large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the bread.
Orange juice (fresh is best!): Infuses brightness and acts as a tenderizer, boosting that irresistible citrus note.
Vegetable oil (or melted butter): Gives the loaf its moist texture and lovely softness that stays fresh for days.
Orange zest: Delivers bursts of fresh, aromatic citrus throughout every bite.
Fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large): The star ingredient, these jewels provide pops of color and tangy flavor in every mouthful.
Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Lend a toasty crunch for extra texture and rich nutty notes, if you’d like a little something extra.

How to Make Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang. This makes it so easy to lift out your Cranberry Bread later without any sticking or crumbling—a true baker’s trick for perfect loaf removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures each of these essentials is evenly distributed, so your bread bakes up light and with the perfect rise. You don’t want any pockets of baking soda or salt making surprise appearances!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk your egg, orange juice, vegetable oil (or melted butter if you prefer), and that gorgeous orange zest. The citrus here doesn’t just add flavor, it fills your kitchen with the happiest aroma as the bread bakes.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until they’re just combined. It’s so important not to overmix—some little streaks of flour are totally fine! Overmixing can make your Cranberry Bread dense, and we want it fluffy and light.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Nuts

Now, stir in your cranberries and chopped nuts if you’re using them. If your cranberries are especially large, give them a quick chop. Mixing them in at this stage helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom and ensures every slice is bursting with color and flavor.

Step 6: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top. If you love a little sparkle (who doesn’t?), sprinkle coarse sugar on top just before baking. Slide the pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs—just resist the temptation to open that oven door too soon!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, let your masterpiece cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes transferring it to the wire rack a breeze. Move your Cranberry Bread out of the pan and onto a rack to cool completely before slicing. The wait is the toughest part—but your patience will be rewarded with perfect slices!

How to Serve Cranberry Bread

Cranberry Bread Garnishes

Cranberry Bread is already a showstopper, but a few simple garnishes can take each slice up a notch. Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect, drizzle with a quick orange glaze, or add a scattering of extra chopped nuts for crunch and sophistication. Even a few additional fresh cranberries on top look festive and beautiful for a holiday brunch table.

Side Dishes

This bread shines with a hot mug of coffee or tea, but you can create a whole breakfast or brunch spread. Serve slices alongside a bowl of Greek yogurt and fresh berries, or pair with soft scrambled eggs for something savory. If you’re gifting a loaf, consider tucking it into a breakfast basket with homemade jam or flavored butter for a thoughtful touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, try slicing Cranberry Bread thickly and toasting it lightly, then topping with whipped cream cheese or orange marmalade for a delightful twist. For holiday gatherings, cut the loaf into cubes and serve on a cheese board—it’s delicious with sharp cheddar! Or, wrap individual slices in parchment and tie with ribbon for a gift that looks as special as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, wrap your Cranberry Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is extra warm, you can store it in the refrigerator, though the crumb is best at room temp.

Freezing

For longer keeping, Cranberry Bread is freezer-friendly. Wrap the whole cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. It’ll keep well for up to three months, ready for when you need a quick breakfast or a last-minute treat.

Reheating

To enjoy your Cranberry Bread after freezing or refrigeration, simply let it thaw at room temperature or warm individual slices in the toaster or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This reawakens all the lovely flavors and brings back that incredible just-baked aroma.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

You can, but the texture and tartness will be different. If using dried cranberries, try soaking them in warm orange juice for 10-15 minutes first to plump them up and mimic the juiciness of fresh berries.

Can I make this Cranberry Bread gluten free?

Absolutely! Swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just be sure it includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent for the best texture and structure.

What’s the best way to prevent my cranberries from sinking?

Toss your cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps suspend them more evenly throughout the loaf, ensuring a pretty distribution in every slice.

How long will the bread stay fresh?

When wrapped tightly or stored in an airtight container, your Cranberry Bread will stay moist and delicious for up to three days at room temperature—or up to a week in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

Can I double the recipe to make two loaves?

Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and divide the batter evenly between two loaf pans. If your oven has room, you can bake them at the same time, just rotating them halfway through for even baking.

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy in baking and sharing a loaf of Cranberry Bread, especially when you see the surprise and delight in every bite. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and discover just how easy and impressive homemade quick bread can be. If you do, be sure to enjoy a warm slice for yourself—you’ve earned it!