Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your holiday mornings or add a homemade touch to your festive gatherings, this Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer will quickly become your new favorite. Bursting with zesty orange notes, the sweet tartness of cranberries, and just the right amount of spice, it’s a slice of holiday magic that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and your heart with comfort. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises an effortless journey to a moist and flavorful bread that feels like a cozy holiday hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer is a breeze because each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture, taste, and festive color. From the foundational all-purpose flour to the fresh citrus zing, these essentials combine effortlessly to deliver that classic holiday feel.

• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour: The base that provides structure; whole wheat flour works for a nuttier flavor.
• 1 cup Granulated Sugar: Balances tartness but can be reduced if your cranberry sauce is sweet enough.
• 2 teaspoons Baking Powder: Keeps the bread light and fluffy by helping it rise properly.
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda: Neutralizes cranberry acidity and adds tenderness.
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors subtly.
• 1 teaspoon Cinnamon: Introduces warm spice notes perfect for the season.
• 2 Large Eggs: Binds ingredients together while adding richness.
• 1 can Canned Whole Cranberries in Sauce: Adds vibrant color and that quintessential tart cranberry flavor. Fresh can be used with extra sugar.
• 1/2 cup Orange Juice: Brings a bright, citrusy freshness to the bread.
• 2 tablespoons Orange Zest: Intensifies the orange flavor for that irresistible aroma.
• 1/2 cup Applesauce: Keeps the bread moist while adding natural sweetness; mashed banana is a good alternative.
• 1 teaspoon Almond Extract: Adds a subtle nutty depth, though vanilla extract is a lovely milder swap.
• 1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil: Ensures the bread stays soft and tender long after baking.
• 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (Optional): Walnuts or pecans add delightful crunch.
• 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (Optional): A sweet surprise that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
• 1/4 cup Candied Orange Peel (Optional): Amplifies the citrus notes with a chewy, sweet bite.

How to Make Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan generously or line it with parchment paper. This ensures your bread comes out perfectly without sticking and keeps cleanup simple.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Combining these dry ingredients first distributes everything evenly, giving your bread that balanced flavor and ideal rise.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the canned cranberries with their sauce, orange juice, orange zest, applesauce, almond extract, and oil. These wet ingredients bring moisture, tang, and aroma that make this bread feel like a holiday celebration in each slice.

Step 4: Fold Wet and Dry Ingredients Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep your bread tender and soft. If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or candied orange peel, now’s the time to gently fold them in.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is part of the magic that makes this recipe so special.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Cooling helps the bread set properly so slices hold together without crumbling. Once cooled, it’s ready to slice and share that holiday cheer!

How to Serve Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a snowy touch, while a spread of softened butter or cream cheese complements the citrus and cranberry flavors beautifully. Fresh orange slices or sprigs of rosemary also make beautiful edible garnishes that brighten the presentation.

Side Dishes

Serve this bread alongside cups of hot tea, coffee, or a spicy mulled cider to enhance the holiday experience. It also pairs wonderfully with a bowl of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thickly and toasting it lightly, then drizzle with honey or orange marmalade for a sweet breakfast treat. You can also cut it into smaller cubes to create festive bread pudding or use it as a base for layered dessert trifles that showcase holiday flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once fully cooled, wrap your Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for snacking throughout the holiday weekend.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is an excellent option. Slice the loaf, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread keeps well for up to three months and thaws quickly at room temperature or in a toaster.

Reheating

To revive that just-baked warmth, pop slices into a toaster or warm them gently in the oven. A quick spread of butter while warm takes the experience to the next level, bringing back that fresh-from-the-oven magic every time.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned cranberry sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh cranberries will add a vibrant tartness but may require you to add a bit more sugar to balance the flavor. Also, the texture of the bread might be a touch different, but it will still be delicious.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix designed for breads, you can enjoy this recipe without gluten. Just make sure your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I replace the oil with butter?

You can substitute softened butter for the oil for a richer taste, but it might make the bread a bit denser. Using oil helps keep the bread moist and tender, especially if you’re baking ahead.

How do the optional add-ins change the flavor?

Adding nuts gives a lovely crunch and earthiness, while chocolate chips offer a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries. Candied orange peel intensifies the citrus aroma and adds delightful bursts of chewy sweetness.

What’s the best way to slice this bread without it crumbling?

Allowing the bread to cool completely and using a serrated bread knife will give you clean, beautiful slices. Cutting gently with a sawing motion helps maintain the bread’s tender texture without pressing too hard.

Final Thoughts

This Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer is more than just a recipe—it’s a festive tradition waiting to happen in your own kitchen. From its bright citrus notes to the joyful pop of cranberries, every bite invites warmth and celebration. I hope you’ll give it a try and create memories as sweet as the bread itself. Happy baking and happy holidays!

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