Easy and mouthwatering cranberry orange bread for busy days

Preparation time: 20 minutes.
Cooking time: 60-70 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (about 240 grams)
• 1 cup sugar (about 200 grams)
• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (about 100 grams)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (about 6 grams)
• 0.75 cup fresh orange juice (about 180 ml)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 28 grams), melted
• 1 large egg

Method

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the perfect temperature when you’re ready to bake.
2. Take a large bowl, and combine all of your dry ingredients in it. This includes the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix them thoroughly.
3. Now, let’s add some flavor into the mix. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest until the cranberries are well coated with the flour mixture.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, and the egg. These are your wet ingredients which will combine with the dry ones to create the bread batter.
5. Then, pour these wet ingredients into the original bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir them all together, but remember not to overmix! The batter should be thick and lumpy.
6. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it for easy removal of the bread. Then, pour in your batter, making sure to smooth the top with a spatula for that perfect loaf look.
7. Place your pan into your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
8. After the baking, let your bread cool before slicing. Let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. Patience is key here – your bread will be much easier to slice when it’s cool!

That’s it! Enjoy your homemade cranberry orange bread. This simple, inexpensive, and absolutely delicious bread is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Plus, with all the energy you’ll save from the easy prep, you’ll have more time to enjoy eating it. Enjoy, bakers!

A healthier take on cranberry orange bread

Want to make your cranberry orange bread even healthier? You can make a few simple swaps.

• Replace part of the white flour with whole wheat flour for extra fiber.
• You can also substitute oil with applesauce to reduce the fat content.
• To lower the sugar, consider using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of the granulated sugar.

Don’t skip the zest! The tangy orange zest not only imparts a wonderful flavor but is also packed with vitamin C.

Storing your cranberry orange bread

To keep your cranberry orange bread fresh for longer, allow it to cool completely before storing. Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 2 days.

If you need to store it for a longer period, consider refrigeration or freezing. The refrigerator can extend your bread’s freshness for up to a week.

You can also freeze the loaf (or slices for convenience) for up to 2 months. Thaw it at room temperature or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Pairing cranberry orange bread

Cranberry orange bread is a versatile dish that can be served with various accompaniments. For breakfast, pair it with a spread of cream cheese or butter along with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

If serving as a dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Alternatively, a glass of dessert wine can complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the bread.