Easy Orange Cranberry Bread

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread: A Fresh and Zesty Treat

Looking for a delicious, citrusy treat to enjoy with your morning coffee or as a quick snack? This Easy Orange Cranberry Bread is the perfect blend of tart, sweet cranberries and fresh orange zest, baked into a soft and tender loaf. With its vibrant flavors and moist texture, this bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or just when you’re craving something a little special. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup sugar
• Zest of 3 large oranges
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (chopped or halved)

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it well. This will ensure your orange cranberry bread comes out of the pan easily after baking.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Give it a quick stir to make sure all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, then set the bowl aside.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the orange zest, buttermilk, oil, eggs, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract. The combination of orange zest and juice will infuse the bread with a wonderful citrus flavor, while the buttermilk ensures a moist and tender crumb.

4. Bring the Batter Together:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding them together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense. When the batter is almost combined, fold in the chopped or halved cranberries. The cranberries add a pop of tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweet orange.

5. Bake the Bread:

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake the bread for about 1 hour, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark. The bread should have a golden brown crust and the kitchen will smell amazing!

6. Cool and Serve:

Once baked, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Letting the bread cool ensures that it slices easily and holds its shape.

Serving Suggestions:

This Easy Orange Cranberry Bread is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a dollop of butter, cream cheese, or even a drizzle of orange glaze if you want to elevate it further. It’s a fantastic choice for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even dessert!

Recipe Summary:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Calories: 230 kcal per slice
• Yield: 10-12 slices

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a bright, zesty loaf that’s easy to make and full of fresh flavors. With only 10 minutes of prep time, it’s a simple recipe that anyone can master. Whether you’re serving it at a festive brunch or enjoying it as a weekday treat, this bread is sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your table! Happy baking!

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