Cranberry bread is a timeless quick bread that brings together the tang of fresh or dried cranberries and the sweet warmth of a moist, golden loaf. Originating as a popular holiday treat in North America, this bread has grown in popularity thanks to its versatility and festive flair. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or served alongside tea, its unique tart-sweet balance makes it a standout dish.
The bread’s bright bursts of cranberry offer a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, often complemented by orange zest, nuts, or spices. It’s also culturally significant during fall and winter, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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¾ cup orange juice
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1 tbsp orange zest
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¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 large egg
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1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1 cup dried)
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½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Substitutions:
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Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
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Vegan: Replace egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
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Low-sugar: Use a natural sweetener like monk fruit or a sugar substitute blend.
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Nut-free: Simply omit nuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Preheat Oven
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Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
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Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet Ingredients
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In another bowl, whisk orange juice, orange zest, oil, and egg until smooth.
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Fold Wet into Dry
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Slowly add the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
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Add Cranberries and Nuts
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Gently fold in cranberries and nuts. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw beforehand.
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Pour and Bake
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Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid:
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Overmixing the batter—leads to dense bread.
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Using thawed frozen cranberries—they may bleed color and become mushy.
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Not greasing the pan thoroughly.
Pro Tips and Cooking Techniques
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Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better texture.
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Toast the nuts before adding to deepen their flavor.
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Zest first, then juice! It’s easier to zest an orange whole.
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Don’t overbake—check for doneness with a toothpick at the 50-minute mark.
Kitchen Tools That Help:
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Microplane zester
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Silicone spatula
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9×5 loaf pan
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Cooling rack
Variations and Customizations
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Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze: Add a simple orange glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp orange juice) after baking.
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Vegan Option: Replace egg with applesauce or flax egg.
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Gluten-Free Version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.
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Spiced Version: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a cozy twist.
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Mini Loaves or Muffins: Adjust baking time—20–25 minutes for muffins.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese.
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Add a drizzle of honey or citrus glaze for extra sweetness.
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Pairs well with:
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Chai tea or hot apple cider
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Greek yogurt and fresh fruit
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A savory brunch spread with eggs and roasted veggies
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For an elegant touch, garnish slices with a dusting of powdered sugar and a few sugared cranberries.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, approx. 10 slices)
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Calories: 210
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Protein: 3g
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Carbs: 32g
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Fat: 8g
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Fiber: 2g
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Sugar: 18g
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Sodium: 190mg
Note: Values may vary based on substitutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day. Store wrapped in foil at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in plastic or foil and keep at room temperature. Refrigeration may dry it out.
Can I use dried cranberries?
Absolutely. Use about 1 cup and consider soaking them in orange juice or warm water for 10 minutes to plump them.
Why did my bread sink in the middle?
Likely causes include underbaking, too much liquid, or overmixing.
Closing Thoughts
Cranberry bread is more than a recipe—it’s a comforting slice of tradition. Whether you bake it for the holidays or as a treat for yourself, it’s sure to bring smiles. Try it with your own twist and don’t be afraid to experiment!
