Description

This Amazing Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread combining tart canned cranberries with fresh orange zest and juice, balanced with warm cinnamon and a hint of almond extract. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, this easy-to-make bread offers a delightful combination of fruity and spiced tastes in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs, slightly beaten
8 oz 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

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray or grease a standard bread loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until thoroughly mixed and set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the slightly beaten eggs, canned cranberries with sauce, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and vegetable oil. Mix these wet ingredients until well incorporated.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold and stir just until all ingredients are combined; avoid overmixing to ensure a tender bread texture.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared bread loaf pan, smoothing the top as needed.
Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean indicating it is fully baked.
Optional Muffin Variation: For cranberry orange muffins, pour the batter into greased muffin tins, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake muffins at the same temperature for 20 to 23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Notes

Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and tender.
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, canned whole cranberries in sauce provide both flavor and moisture.
Using applesauce instead of an additional oil or butter reduces fat and keeps the bread moist.
You can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract if preferred.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
This bread freezes well; slice and freeze individual pieces to enjoy later.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
Category: Quick Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Bread, Quick Bread, Fruit Bread, Breakfast Bread, Holiday Bread