- The cranberry bread recipe balances tartness and sweetness, enhanced by orange zest for a fragrant touch.
- Preparation tips include chopping cranberries, measuring ingredients, and softening butter for smooth mixing.
- Don't overmix and use room-temperature ingredients to ensure a tender, moist texture.
- Variants like Cranberry Orange and Gluten-Free options cater to different tastes and dietary needs.
- This recipe is versatile, perfect for brunch, gifts, or cozy snacking with tea.
There’s something magical about baking a cranberry bread recipe during the colder months. The tart pop of cranberries nestled in a soft, slightly sweet loaf feels like comfort in every slice. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering; the aroma filled the kitchen and instantly put everyone in a festive mood. This bread is versatile too. It works as a quick breakfast, a thoughtful edible gift, or a cozy afternoon treat with tea. If you’re searching for a cranberry bread recipe that’s both easy and impressive, this one is bound to become a favorite.
Table of contents
Cranberry Bread Recipe Card
Cranberry Bread Recipe
10
servings15
minutes55
minutes240
kcalA cozy loaf packed with tart cranberries, a touch of citrus, and a crunchy oat topping. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings.
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Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup rolled oats
1 cup granulated sugar
1.5 teaspoons baking powder
0.5 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
1 tablespoon orange zest
0.75 cup orange juice
0.33 cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard loaf pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Toss the chopped cranberries in a spoonful of the flour mixture so they don’t sink.
- In another bowl, mix the orange zest, orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be thick but slightly lumpy. Gently fold in the cranberries.
- Transfer the batter to your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Slice only once fully cooled.
Notes
- Don’t skip tossing cranberries in flour, it keeps them evenly distributed.
- This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap slices in parchment and store in freezer bags.
- For a festive look, sprinkle coarse sugar or extra oats on top before baking.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 5g
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The Secret to Perfect Cranberry Bread
What makes this cranberry bread recipe shine is its balance of tart and sweet. Cranberries, with their natural zing, cut through the richness of the bread, making each bite bright and satisfying. Using orange zest or juice enhances that flavor and adds a fragrant citrusy note that pairs beautifully with cranberries. The recipe is also highly adaptable. Swap all-purpose flour with a whole-wheat blend for a nuttier texture or substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness. For those who want to make it lighter, Greek yogurt or applesauce can replace some of the butter without sacrificing moisture.
Another reason this recipe works so well is its simplicity. You don’t need special equipment, and it can be mixed together in one bowl. The texture comes out /tender and moist, while the cranberries provide colorful bursts of flavor. Cranberries are low in calories and rich in fiber, as confirmed by the USDA nutrition database.
Getting Ready Before You Bake
To make the baking process smooth and enjoyable, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what I recommend:
- Chop cranberries: If you’re using fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chop them so they distribute evenly in the batter.
- Zest and juice the orange: Citrus is often used in cranberry bread, so prepare both ahead of time.
- Measure ingredients: Pre-measure flour, sugar, and other dry ingredients. It saves time and avoids mistakes.
- Line your loaf pan: Grease or line with parchment for easy removal.
- Soften butter or prepare substitutes: If using butter, let it come to room temperature for smooth mixing.
How to Nail This Recipe Every Time
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make cranberry bread foolproof and even more delicious.
- Use room-temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
- Don’t overmix the batter: mix just until combined to avoid a dense loaf.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let the bread cool before slicing to keep it from crumbling.
- For a bakery-style finish, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
For more tips on getting perfect baking results, you can check the King Arthur Baking Company’s quick bread guide, which is packed with expert advice.
Make It Your Own: Cranberry Bread Variants
Cranberry Orange Bread
This is probably the most classic version. Adding fresh orange juice and zest not only balances the tartness of cranberries but also gives the bread a fragrant citrus note. It’s a festive loaf that works beautifully around the holidays.
Cranberry Nut Bread
If you love texture, this one is for you. Walnuts or pecans are fantastic additions that bring a toasty crunch to every bite. Nuts also add protein and healthy fats, making the bread more filling.
Healthy Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread
Swap out half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier, heartier version. You can also reduce sugar slightly or use maple syrup for natural sweetness. It’s a wholesome option for breakfast.
Gluten-Free Cranberry Bread
With a quality gluten-free flour blend, you can still enjoy this bread without compromise. Be sure to check the blend includes xanthan gum to help mimic the texture of traditional flour.
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Bread
For those who want to lean into indulgence, fold in dark chocolate chips with the cranberries. The contrast between tart cranberries and melty chocolate makes each slice irresistible.
If you enjoyed this, you might also love my pumpkin bread recipe for another seasonal favorite. I encourage you to try your own twists — maybe add nuts, chocolate, or even a glaze.
FAQs about xxx
Yes, but reduce the sugar slightly since dried cranberries are sweetened. Soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before adding.
No, you can add them straight from the freezer. Just extend the baking time by 5 minutes if needed.
Overbaking or overmixing the batter can cause dryness. Make sure to bake only until a toothpick comes out clean.
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week. It also freezes well.
While sweetened, this recipe has oats and cranberries which add fiber and nutrients. For a lighter option, swap some sugar with maple syrup.
Wrapping Up with Flavor
There you have it! a cranberry bread recipe with oats that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. It’s moist, slightly tangy, and topped with a rustic crunch. This is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell amazing and brings everyone running to the table. Whether you serve it at a holiday brunch, wrap it as a gift, or enjoy it with your morning coffee, it never disappoints.
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