Cranberry Orange Loaf

Published: March 3, 2025

by Aria

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cranberry orange loaf is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with flavor that will brighten any day
Its eye-catching colors will make it a centerpiece at gatherings or brunches
You can easily slice it up for sharing or enjoy it all by yourself (no judgment here)
Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it holiday feasts or casual Sundays

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how moist and flavorful this loaf was, making me feel like a baking wizard.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: Opt for firm cranberries that are glossy and plump for the best flavor.
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it allows your loaf to rise beautifully.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness; you can use brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile.
Orange Zest: Freshly grated zest provides an aromatic punch; it’s the secret ingredient you don’t want to skip.
Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh so your loaf rises perfectly.
Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature; they help bind everything together and add richness.
Butter: Melted unsalted butter gives moisture and flavor; let it cool slightly before mixing in.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall taste; skip imitation vanilla if possible.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard loaf pan so your creation doesn’t stick.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavors throughout your loaf.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together melted butter and sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should look pale yellow—think sunshine.

Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Your batter should be smooth and creamy now—like liquid gold.

Incorporate Zest and Cranberries: Gently fold in orange zest and cranberries while being careful not to overmix. You want those beautiful tart bits throughout your batter.

Bake It Up: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Keep an eye on it—the heavenly smell will drive you wild.

Let this cranberry orange loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Enjoy each slice with butter or simply savor its delightful flavors as is.

With each bite of this delectable cranberry orange loaf, you’ll find yourself wondering why you didn’t make two loaves instead of one.

You Must Know

Baking a perfect cranberry orange loaf requires patience; let the flavors meld overnight for best results
The delightful aroma of citrus and cranberries will fill your kitchen, making it irresistible to everyone nearby
Enjoy it fresh or toasted for breakfast

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the perfect cranberry orange loaf, start by mixing dry ingredients first, then blend in wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring an even batter. Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake until golden brown for about 60 minutes.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your cranberry orange loaf by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. You can also swap cranberries with blueberries for a different flavor profile or add chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry orange loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Reheat slices in the toaster for warmth.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your butter is softened before mixing; this helps create that fluffy texture we all love
Use fresh cranberries whenever possible; they provide a burst of tartness that dried ones can’t match
Always check doneness with a toothpick before pulling it from the oven

The first time I baked this cranberry orange loaf, my friends devoured it in minutes, prompting them to ask if I had secretly added magic. Their enthusiastic praises made me realize how simple yet delicious this recipe truly is.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in my cranberry orange loaf?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just toss them in flour to prevent sinking.

How do I prevent my loaf from being too dense?

Ensure you’re not overmixing the batter; mix just until combined for lightness.

What can I serve with cranberry orange loaf?

This loaf pairs wonderfully with cream cheese spread or butter for extra richness.