Dessert

Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

ByAndria Russo November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat bursting with tangy cranberries and bright citrus flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, it combines moist texture with a hint of cinnamon and almond extract for a unique twist.

A golden brown rectangular loaf of bread with a slightly cracked top crust sits on a wooden cutting board with light and dark wood stripes. Next to the loaf is a whole bright orange, smooth textured and round, accompanied by a few small, shiny red cranberries scattered nearby. A serrated knife with a grey blade rests beside the orange. The setting is on a white marbled surface with soft, cream-colored cloth draped around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
2 large eggs (slightly beaten)
8 ounces canned whole cranberries in sauce
1 large orange (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons applesauce
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a bread loaf pan.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix the eggs, cranberries with their sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 6: Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: To make muffins, spoon about 2/3 cup of batter into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-23 minutes.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh cranberries if available for a burst of tartness; simmer them briefly if needed to soften.
Swap applesauce for yogurt to add moisture and a slight tang.
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend.

Storage

Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or microwave briefly. Muffins can be stored and reheated the same way.

How to Serve

A golden-brown loaf cake with a cracked and textured top sits on a wooden cutting board with light and dark stripes. Next to the loaf, there is a bright orange orange and several small, shiny red cherries scattered around. A serrated knife with a silver blade rests diagonally on the board behind the orange. The whole setup is on a white marbled texture background with soft folds of white cloth visible on the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned?

Yes, fresh cranberries work well. You may want to simmer them in a bit of sugar or orange juice first to soften before mixing into the batter.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If wet batter clings to the toothpick, bake a few minutes longer and test again.