The Sweetest Season: Celebrate with Cranberry Orange Bread
A fragrant loaf that brings holiday cheer to every slice
As the scent of pine and cinnamon fills the air and twinkling lights brighten the neighborhood, nothing feels more festive than baking something special to share. This Cranberry Orange Bread is the kind of recipe that captures the magic of the season—bright, citrusy, and just sweet enough to enjoy with your morning coffee or alongside a mug of hot cocoa by the fire.
The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange feels undeniably December. It’s also simple enough to make on a busy weekend but impressive enough to gift to neighbors or bring to a holiday brunch.
Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of one large orange
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, and egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Fold in the cranberries and nuts, if using.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing (the hardest part!).
Make It Extra Festive
For a bakery-worthy touch, drizzle a quick glaze over the cooled loaf by mixing ½ cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon of orange juice. Sprinkle with extra zest or sugared cranberries for sparkle.
Serving & Gifting Ideas
Wrap a cooled loaf in parchment and tie it with red-and-white baker’s twine for a homemade holiday gift. Pair with a jar of marmalade, a small bag of coffee beans, or a handwritten note for an easy, heartfelt present.
This bread tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long.