There is something truly special about the smell of citrus and berries baking in the oven. It just fills the whole house with warmth and joy. This Easy One-Bowl Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s sunshine in a loaf pan!

You are going to love how simple this comes together. We are talking minimal mess and maximum flavor. It is perfect for a weekend baking project, a holiday treat, or even a thoughtful homemade gift.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavor is incredible. The bright, zesty orange pairs perfectly with the tartness of the fresh cranberries. Every single bite is a burst of deliciousness.

This is a wonderfully moist and tender Cranberry Loaf Bread. Thanks to the buttermilk and oil, it stays fresh and soft for days. No dry, crumbly bread here!

It looks absolutely stunning, too. The vibrant red cranberries and the sweet orange glaze make it look like it came from a fancy bakery. It is a showstopper for sure.

And honestly, it’s just so easy. You don’t need any special equipment or skills to make this amazing Easy Cranberry Bread. It is a fantastic recipe for beginners!

Ingredients

Here is what you will need to gather for this delicious bread. Simple ingredients for an amazing result!

• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• Orange zest from 2 large oranges
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
• 4 large eggs, slightly beaten
• 2 Tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups Cranberry Bread With Fresh Cranberries, halved

For The Orange Glaze (Optional)

• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 Tablespoons fresh squeezed orange juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest

Step By Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pans And Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350° F. Go ahead and spray two 9×5 loaf pans with cooking spray. This will make getting the bread out so much easier later.

Step 2: Combine The Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the sugar and orange zest together with your fingers. This helps release all those fragrant oils. Then, add the flour, salt, and baking powder and give it a good stir.

Step 3: Whisk The Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until they are well combined.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Now, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir everything just until it is combined. Be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are totally okay.

Gently fold in your halved fresh cranberries. Now you’re ready to pour the beautiful batter into your prepared loaf pans.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Bake the loaves for about 60 to 75 minutes. For mini loaves, you will want to bake for 35 to 45 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

If the tops start to get too brown, just loosely cover them with a piece of aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 6: Cool And Glaze

Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them first.

While they cool completely, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest for the glaze. Drizzle it all over the cooled bread, slice, and enjoy!

How To Store Leftovers

Storing your leftover Cranberry Loaf Bread is simple. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container.

It will keep nicely at room temperature for about two to three days. If you prefer, you can also store it in the refrigerator for the same amount of time.

This bread also freezes wonderfully! Let it cool completely, then wrap it well and place it in a freezer safe bag. It will be good for up to three months.

Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest and juice. The bottled stuff just doesn’t compare. It really makes a difference in this recipe!

To prevent your cranberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. It is a simple trick that works every time.

Try to use room temperature ingredients, especially the eggs and buttermilk. This helps the batter mix together more evenly, resulting in a better texture.

Remember not to overmix the batter. Mixing until just combined keeps the bread tender and light. Overmixing can make it tough.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A truly delightful Easy One-Bowl Fresh Cranberry Orange Bread that is as fun to make as it is to eat. It is a simple recipe with such a rewarding, delicious result.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this Easy Cranberry Bread is sure to be a new favorite. Happy baking!

FAQ

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

Yes, you can! Do not thaw them first. Just toss the frozen cranberries with a little flour as suggested in the tips and fold them right into the batter.

What Can I Use Instead Of Buttermilk?

If you do not have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. For every 1 cup of milk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I Add Nuts To This Bread?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a fantastic addition. I would suggest adding about one cup of chopped nuts when you fold in the cranberries.

Can I Make This Recipe Into Muffins?

Yes, this batter works great for muffins. Pour the batter into lined muffin tins, filling them about three quarters full. Bake at 350° F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.