Introduction
Looking for the perfect holiday treat that brings warmth, comfort, and festive flavors in every bite? This Cranberry Orange Bread is soft, moist, citrusy, and packed with tart cranberries. It’s the ideal loaf for Christmas mornings, cozy winter evenings, or gifting to someone special. One bite and you’ll feel the holiday magic!
Ingredients
For the Cranberry Orange Bread
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (halved)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
2 tbsp orange zest
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
For the Simple Orange Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp fresh orange juice
1/2 tsp orange zest (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the Bread
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, eggs, orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and buttermilk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently — do not overmix.
- Fold in cranberries evenly.
- Pour batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool completely before adding glaze.
- Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
- Add extra zest on top for color and flavor. Tips for Best Results Toss cranberries in 1 tsp flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking.
For a richer flavor, replace vegetable oil with melted butter.
Store in an airtight container — it tastes even better the next day! Suggested Opening Questions for Facebook Post Would you eat this for breakfast or dessert?
Do you prefer fresh cranberries or dried cranberries in holiday baking?
Who should bake this for you during the holidays? Tag them! - enjoy