Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Cranberry orange bread is a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and sweet, zesty orange flavors. This quick bread is moist, tender, and packed with festive flavors, making it perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a special treat. Whether served at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a dessert, this bread is sure to impress. The best part? It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and comes together in no time!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Bread
This cranberry orange bread is a must-try because it’s:
- Bursting with flavor: The tartness of fresh cranberries perfectly complements the sweetness of orange.
- Moist and tender: Thanks to the orange juice and a touch of yogurt, the texture is irresistibly soft.
- Simple to make: No special equipment or complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for holiday gatherings, breakfast spreads, or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Customizable: You can easily add nuts, chocolate chips, or a glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
Optional glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
How To Make Cranberry Orange Bread

- Preheat your oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb.
- Add the wet ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but slightly lumpy.
- Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze (optional): Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. If using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle over the cooled bread.
Pro Tips
- Coat the cranberries in flour: Toss the chopped cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest: Fresh ingredients provide the best flavor and aroma.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Line the pan with parchment paper: This makes it easy to lift the bread out without sticking.
How To Serve
- Breakfast: Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning treat.
- Snack: Enjoy it as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
- Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a sweet ending to your meal.
- Holiday gatherings: Add this festive bread to your holiday spread for a seasonal touch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Adjustments: Use whole wheat flour or reduce sugar for a healthier version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to a week.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange bread is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and zesty flavors. Its festive appearance and incredible taste make it a hit for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of glaze, this bread is a surefire way to brighten your day. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! And if you’re looking for more baked goods to share, don’t miss our recipes for pumpkin spice muffins or banana nut bread.
FAQ Section
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! Soak dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the batter.
What can I substitute for yogurt?
You can use sour cream or buttermilk as a 1:1 substitute for yogurt.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy baking and savor every bite of this delightful cranberry orange bread!

Emily Harper is a kitchen decor expert and interior designer with a passion for creating stylish, functional spaces. As a busy mom, she understands the importance of a kitchen that works for both family life and design. With 6 years of experience, Emily specializes in transforming kitchens into inviting, practical spaces. She’s known for her ability to blend trends with everyday needs, helping families create kitchens that feel like the heart of the home.