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Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer Recipe

Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread for Holiday Cheer Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

This Deliciously Easy Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect holiday treat that combines the tangy brightness of cranberries with zesty orange notes. Moist, flavorful, and simple to bake, it’s ideal for festive breakfasts, snacks, or gifting. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and optional add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, this bread brings cheer to any table.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can substitute with whole wheat flour)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (reduce if using sweeter cranberry sauce)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder (ensure freshness for optimal rise)
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (balances acidity from cranberries)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (enhances flavors)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (adds warmth to the flavor)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 Large Eggs (binds ingredients and adds moisture)
  • 1 can Canned Whole Cranberries in Sauce (fresh cranberries can be used but may require added sugar)
  • 1/2 cup Orange Juice (infuses brightness)
  • 2 tablespoons Orange Zest (enhances citrus flavor)
  • 1/2 cup Applesauce (can use mashed banana)
  • 1 teaspoon Almond Extract (use vanilla extract for milder taste)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil (ensures moisture and softness)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup Chopped Nuts (consider walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips (adds a sweet twist)
  • 1/4 cup Candied Orange Peel (enhances orange flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. This ensures even distribution of rising agents and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Stir in the canned whole cranberries in sauce, orange juice, orange zest, applesauce, almond extract, and vegetable oil. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
  4. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the batter with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
  5. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, fold in the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and/or candied orange peel evenly into the batter for additional texture and flavor.
  6. Pour Batter Into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan lightly on the countertop to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake the Bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Remove: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess from residual heat.
  9. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your cranberry orange bread plain or with butter. It pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee and keeps well wrapped at room temperature for several days.

Notes

  • You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour for a healthier option, but the bread may be denser.
  • If using fresh cranberries, add 1/4 cup extra sugar to balance tartness.
  • Applesauce can be swapped with mashed banana to add natural sweetness and moisture.
  • For a milder aroma, replace almond extract with vanilla extract.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to maintain the bread’s soft texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
  • Freezing slices individually wrapped is possible for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry bread, orange bread, holiday bread, quick bread, festive baking, easy cranberry recipes, citrus bread

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/deliciously-easy-cranberry-orange-bread-for-holiday-cheer-recipe/