Sweet & Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe: A Homemade Joy

Baking this cranberry orange loaf can transport you to a cozy winter morning with its vibrant, zesty flavors.

Tart berries dance alongside bright citrus notes, creating a symphony of taste in each slice.

Warm spices weave through the soft, tender crumb, promising comfort in every bite.

Rich butter and fresh oranges blend seamlessly, crafting a pastry that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Subtle hints of vanilla complement the fruit’s natural tanginess, making this loaf irresistible.

The aroma will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring the delightful combination of sweet and tart.

Let this recipe become your new favorite weekend breakfast treat.

Tips for Baking Cranberry Orange Loaf Just Right

• Boost Flavor with Fresh Zest: Grate orange zest directly before mixing to ensure maximum citrusy aroma and bright flavor profile in your cranberry orange loaf.
• Prevent Fruit Sinking: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Check Moisture Perfectly: Insert a toothpick at a 45-degree angle into the loaf's center; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked and will remain tender.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version, and replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains rich texture.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its delicious moisture and flavor.

How to Keep Your Cranberry Loaf Moist

• Store the cranberry orange loaf in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Wrap the completely cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for long-term storage.
• Remove the loaf from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore its soft, tender texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Pair this zesty cranberry orange loaf with creamy beverages and complementary treats for a delightful culinary experience.
• Select Earl Grey or orange-infused black tea to enhance the citrusy notes and bring out the loaf's bright, tangy undertones.
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or rich mascarpone cream to balance the loaf's tartness and add luxurious smoothness.
• Choose a light Moscato or late-harvest Riesling, which harmonizes with the dessert's sweet-tart profile and citrus hints.

Loaf Recipe Variations You’ll Love

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same volume and texture while making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar to create a plant-based friendly loaf.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the bread's moist and flavorful profile.
• Nut-Enhanced Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutritional value, creating a more complex and textured cranberry orange loaf.

What Makes Cranberry Orange Loaf So Inviting

• Capture festive cheer with minimal effort. This cranberry orange loaf transforms simple ingredients into a delightful treat that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
• Designed for home cooks of all skill levels, the recipe offers straightforward steps that guarantee success. No complicated techniques or professional equipment needed- just basic mixing and standard oven skills.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings, weekend brunches, or afternoon tea. The bright citrus and tart cranberry combination creates a memorable dessert that impresses guests without complicated prep work.
• Prepare the loaf in advance and store at room temperature for 3-4 days, or freeze for longer preservation. Ideal for busy schedules, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without last-minute stress.

Ingredients That Make Up Cranberry Orange Loaf

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for the loaf, providing structure and texture to the baked goods.
• Baking Powder: Helps the loaf rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and helps the batter rise evenly.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the loaf.

• Butter, Softened: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf, creating a tender crumb.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the loaf.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bring bright, citrusy flavor and aroma to the recipe.
• Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps create a soft, moist texture.

• Cranberries, Fresh or Frozen: Add tartness and bursts of flavor throughout the loaf.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the loaf.
• Additional Orange Juice: Used to thin and sweeten the glaze for drizzling.

How to Make a Perfect Cranberry Orange Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, then dust with flour. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Blend Dry Components

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Step 3: Whip Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

Step 4: Incorporate Liquid Elements

• Eggs (one at a time)
• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest

Beat until the mixture looks smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Unite Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 6: Welcome Cranberries

Softly fold fresh or frozen cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Rest and Cool

Allow loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.

Step 9: Create Zesty Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until silky smooth.

Step 10: Finish and Serve

Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf. Slice and savor each delicious bite!

Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Moist cranberry orange loaf brings festive winter warmth straight from Mediterranean kitchens. Zesty citrus and tart berries dance together, creating a perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Primary Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk (or milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 12 tablespoons orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour or parchment paper lining.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly to ensure even distribution of dry components.
3. Utilize a large mixing bowl to cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a light, airy consistency with a pale color.
4. Introduce eggs one at a time, incorporating each completely before adding the next, then blend in fresh orange juice and zest until the mixture achieves a smooth, uniform texture.
5. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk and maintaining a gentle mixing technique to prevent overmixing.
6. Delicately fold fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without disrupting the batter’s delicate structure.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top and consistent baking environment.
8. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
9. Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, enabling initial cooling and structural stabilization.
10. Carefully transfer the loaf to a wire rack, permitting complete cooling and preventing moisture accumulation.
11. Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until achieving a silky, pourable consistency.
12. Once the loaf has cooled completely, elegantly drizzle the orange glaze across the surface, creating an enticing visual and flavor finale.

Notes

• Swap Cranberries for Dietary Needs: Fresh or frozen cranberries work perfectly, but you can substitute with dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped nuts for varied texture and flavor profiles.
• Enhance Moisture Levels: Adding a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can create an extra tender, rich loaf with improved moisture retention.
• Maximize Orange Flavor: Use freshly zested orange rind and room temperature juice to ensure vibrant citrus notes and smoother ingredient integration.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, adding 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum to maintain proper bread structure and prevent crumbling.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg