Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever experienced the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the tartness of cranberries and the zest of oranges? Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors that will awaken your senses. The golden crust, soft crumb, and vibrant colors make it not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes.
This bread is ideal for holiday gatherings, cozy brunches, or simply as a comforting snack with your afternoon tea. It carries with it memories of warm kitchens filled with laughter and love, where every slice brings a smile. Imagine cutting into the loaf to reveal bright bursts of cranberries interspersed with orange zest, enticing everyone around you. Prepare to indulge in an unforgettable flavor experience that will keep you returning for more!
Key Ingredients For Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your bread, giving it structure and chewiness. Make sure it’s fresh for the best results.
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Fresh Cranberries: Opt for plump, bright berries to enhance the flavor and texture of the bread. Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh ones are unavailable.
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Granulated Sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tartness of cranberries. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
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Orange Zest: Freshly grated orange zest brings a citrusy brightness that complements the cranberries beautifully. Avoid using dried zest for optimal flavor.
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Baking Powder: Essential for leavening, baking powder helps the bread rise and become fluffy. Check its expiration date to ensure effectiveness.
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Salt: A small amount enhances all other flavors in the bread. Use kosher salt for better distribution in the dough.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness and moisture. Ensure it’s at room temperature before mixing.
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Eggs: Eggs act as binding agents while contributing moisture and richness to the bread’s texture.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; however, any type of milk can work in this recipe depending on dietary preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Second Step : Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all dry components.
Third Step : Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together softened butter and eggs until creamy. Add milk and fresh orange zest to this mixture and stir until blended.
Fourth Step : Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gradually while folding gently. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Fifth Step : Add Cranberries
Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. This step adds those delightful bursts of flavor into each slice.
Sixth Step : Bake
Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Transfer to plates and enjoy slices topped with butter or cream cheese for an extra layer of indulgence!
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and high-quality butter will significantly enhance your bread’s flavor profile.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to achieve a tender crumb texture.
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Cool Before Slicing: Allowing the bread to cool completely will help maintain its structure when slicing.
Enjoy baking your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread!
Presentation Ideas
This Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Breakfast Spread: Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for a delightful breakfast treat.
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Festive Brunch: Slice it up and present it on a platter for a festive brunch, complementing it with fresh fruit and yogurt.
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Gifts from the Kitchen: Wrap slices in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift during the holiday season.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread as a snack or dessert. It also shines as part of a holiday meal. Pair it with spiced tea or coffee to enhance its flavors. You can also incorporate it into a charcuterie board alongside cheese and nuts for an elevated experience.
Storage Tips
To keep your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to extend its shelf life, freeze the bread in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw it overnight before enjoying.
Variations to Try
You can customize your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Consider mixing in chocolate chips for a sweeter twist or substituting some flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. Experimenting with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also elevate the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in my Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to rinse them under cold water and drain well before adding them to your batter. Frozen cranberries work well and will still provide that tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the orange.
How do I know when my Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is done baking?
To check if your bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is ready. Additionally, the top should be golden brown, and the bread should spring back when gently pressed.
Can I add orange zest to enhance flavor?
Absolutely! Adding orange zest will intensify the citrus flavor of your Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread. Just grate the zest of one orange into your batter along with the juice for an extra burst of freshness.
What can I serve with Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread?
Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Consider serving it with whipped cream cheese, honey butter, or even a drizzle of orange glaze for added sweetness. A side of hot tea or coffee also complements its flavors perfectly.
Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Description
Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors. With bursts of juicy cranberries and the vibrant zest of oranges, this bread is a feast for both the eyes and palate. Ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy brunches, each slice offers a touch of nostalgia and comfort. Enjoy it warm with butter or cream cheese, and savor the memories it creates.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat butter and eggs until creamy. Mix in milk and orange zest.
- Gradually combine wet ingredients with dry ingredients until just mixed; don’t overmix.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into the greased loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg