Name: Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490342H34M28S
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp salt; ¾ cup orange juice; ⅓ cup vegetable oil; 1 tbsp orange zest; 1 large egg; 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

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If you’ve been searching for a delightful and festive treat to brighten your holiday mornings, this Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread is an absolute must-try. It boasts a moist, tender crumb bursting with the lively flavors of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making it a vibrant addition to any breakfast table or a charming homemade gift. This bread masterfully balances sweetness with citrus brightness, creating a seasonal favorite that’s impressively simple to prepare yet delivers spectacular results every single time.

Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this recipe, and luckily, each one is straightforward but essential in building up the bread’s wonderful texture, flavor, and festive appearance. From the fluffy all-purpose flour creating the perfect base to fresh cranberries adding bursts of tartness, every component plays a special role.

All-purpose flour (2 cups): Provides structure and a soft crumb to the bread, the foundation for that perfect slice.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Adds sweetness that balances the tart cranberries and bright orange flavors.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp): The leavening agent, essential for making the bread rise and become delightfully fluffy.
Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors while keeping the sweetness in check.
Orange juice (¾ cup): Infuses the bread with fresh citrus freshness and moisture, giving it a lovely zing.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the bread tender and moist without overpowering the natural flavors.
Orange zest (1 tbsp): Offers concentrated citrus aroma and a punch of flavor that elevates the bread’s brightness.
Large egg (1): Helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness to the dough.
Fresh or dried cranberries (1 cup): The star ingredient providing bursts of tartness and beautiful pops of color throughout the bread.

How to Make Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, generously grease a loaf pan to make sure the bread bakes evenly and releases effortlessly after baking. This straightforward step sets the stage for baking success.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Combining these well distributes the leavening agents and seasoning evenly throughout the flour, which is key for an even rise and balanced flavor.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

To the dry mixture, stir in the orange juice, vegetable oil, freshly grated orange zest, and the large egg. These wet ingredients bring moisture, richness, and freshness that make this bread irresistibly tender and fragrant. Mix gently just until combined for the best texture.

Step 4: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold the cranberries into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed without overmixing. This step ensures that each slice is speckled with vibrant reds that contrast beautifully with the bright orange notes in the bread.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time allows the bread to develop a golden crust while staying moist and tender inside.

Step 6: Cool Before Slicing

Once out of the oven, let your Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Cooling fully before slicing is crucial to avoid a crumbly mess and to let all those festive flavors settle beautifully.

How to Serve Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread

Garnishes

This bread is lovely on its own, but adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of orange glaze can make it feel even more special. Fresh whole cranberries or thin orange slices on the side can also add a festive touch when serving guests.

Side Dishes

Pairing your cranberry orange bread with a warm cup of spiced tea or a cozy latte elevates the experience, especially on chilly mornings. It also pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamy contrast to the bread’s sweet and tangy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider slicing the bread and serving it with a dollop of whipped vanilla butter for extra indulgence. If you’re gifting this delightful bread, wrap it in festive parchment paper with a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon sticks tied with twine for a beautiful presentation that friends and family will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After baking, keep any leftover cranberry orange bread tightly covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps preserve its moistness and bright flavors so you can enjoy it fresh longer.

Freezing

This bread freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect to bake ahead of holiday rushes. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or container. It will keep beautifully frozen for up to two months.

Reheating

To enjoy your Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread after freezing, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can warm slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth and aroma—perfect for a comforting treat anytime.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine; just be sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before folding them into the batter to avoid sogginess.

Is it possible to substitute orange juice with something else?

You can substitute freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with some water in equal parts, but the classic orange flavor really shines in this recipe and is highly recommended.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, the bread stays fresh and moist for about three days. Beyond that, refrigeration or freezing is the best way to keep it fresh.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can try a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but results may vary slightly in texture. Be sure to follow the blend’s instructions for best outcomes.

What other fruits could I add instead of cranberries?

Dried cherries or fresh blueberries are great alternatives that complement the orange flavor and add a similar delightful burst of juiciness.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Easy Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread that brings holiday cheer with every bite. Its bright, fresh flavors paired with the moist texture make it a favorite to bake year after year. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become a treasured staple during the festive season—go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to this wonderful festive loaf!