Moist Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe – Zesty & Irresistible

Moist Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe – Zesty & Irresistible

 

Freshly baked cranberry orange loaf with slices, garnished with orange zest and fresh cranberries

Cranberry Orange Loaf: A Bright, Zesty Treat

There’s something undeniably comforting about slicing into a loaf of tender, buttery quick bread—especially when it’s studded with tart cranberries and infused with the sunlit essence of orange. This cranberry orange loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it an ideal morning pick-me-up or a delightful after-dinner nibble.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: No yeast, no waiting—mix, bake, and enjoy!
  • Bursting with Flavor: Fresh cranberries bring tart brightness to every bite.
  • Versatile: Serve warm with butter for breakfast or atop vanilla ice cream for dessert.
  • Make-Ahead: Bake on Sunday, slice all week—perfect for busy mornings.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 2 medium oranges
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • ⅓ cup (75 ml) plain yogurt or sour cream
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1¾ cups (200 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

  • Pro Tip: For extra zing, substitute half the sugar with light brown sugar.

Recommended Baking Tools

  • Standard 9×5 inch loaf pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack

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Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep
    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang for easy loaf removal.

  2. Dry Ingredients
    In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir in orange zest until evenly distributed.

  3. Wet Ingredients
    In a separate bowl, lightly beat eggs. Whisk in orange juice, yogurt (or sour cream), and melted butter until smooth.

  4. Combine Mixtures
    Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix!

  5. Add Cranberries
    Fold in cranberries, reserving a handful to sprinkle on top. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the top.

  6. Bake
    Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top browns too quickly, tent with foil after 35 minutes.

  7. Cool & Slice
    Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out using the parchment overhang. Cool completely on a rack before slicing.

Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee—and don’t forget, for the perfect loaf pan, check this out: https://amzn.to/3FWWkwT.

Glaze & Topping Options

  • Simple Orange Glaze: Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 Tbsp orange juice until pourable. Drizzle over cooled loaf.
  • Honey-Butter Drizzle: Melt 2 Tbsp butter with 1 Tbsp honey; brush over warm slices.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pistachios or almonds atop the glaze for texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigerator: Keep wrapped for up to 1 week—bring to room temp before serving.
  • Freezer: Slice and freeze in a zip-lock bag for up to 3 months. Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes—rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes, drain well, then fold in. Fresh berries yield the juiciest loaf.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking?
Toss berries in a teaspoon of flour before folding into batter. This helps suspend them evenly.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a tender, allergy-friendly loaf.

Variations to Try

  • White Chocolate & Cranberry Orange Loaf: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
  • Pumpkin Spice Version: Swap orange juice for pumpkin purรฉe and add 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice.
  • Mini Loaves: Divide batter into mini loaf pans; reduce bake time to 25–30 minutes.

Create your perfect twist on this classic treat—whether it’s drizzled, glazed, or mixed with chocolate, each variation starts with the same zesty, cranberry-studded base.

Ready to bake? Preheat that oven, grab your ingredients, and let's make a Cranberry Orange Loaf that’s as beautiful as it is delicious! And remember, for the ultimate loaf pan that delivers even browning and easy release, check this out: https://amzn.to/3FWWkwT. Enjoy every slice!