Here is a simple, full article about the Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe. Read the short lead first, then the required sections between the *** lines.
Enjoy this easy read and the recipe.
INTRODUCTION
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe is a bright, simple bread that tastes like fall and spring at once. It bakes fast and fills the house with a warm orange smell. This quick bread uses fresh cranberries and real orange juice and zest for a clean fruit taste. The bread is made with common pantry items and is easy to slice for snacks, breakfast, or a light dessert.
Pair a warm slice with a hot drink for a cozy start to the day. For a smooth coffee match, try a cup while you read a recipe on the web like this cozy coffee manga recipe to sip while you read. The bread can fit into a simple meal plan and works well for quick mornings.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe because it is fast, pretty, and easy to share. It is a lighter option than heavy cakes because it uses oil and orange juice for moisture rather than lots of butter. The cranberries give fiber and vitamin C. This bread is great for meal prep because you can slice it and use it for several days. It is also easy to tweak if you want a healthy version or a diabetic-friendly loaf.
The loose crumb and bright fruit make it a balanced snack with a cup of yogurt or a boiled egg for a higher protein start. If you want a warm treat and coffee at the same time, this bread goes well with other recipes; try it with a cup following a quick and creamy mushroom coffee recipe for cozy mornings. The bread can be made in under an hour plus cool time, so it works as a quick treat or a good choice for meal prep.
HOW TO MAKE Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
This section gives a clear view of how to make the bread. The list below shows the tools and the exact ingredients. Follow the step-by-step part to bake the bread.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Standard size bread loaf pan (9×5 inch works well)
- Mixing bowls (small and large)
- Whisk and spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooling rack
- Small sieve or grater for orange zest (optional)
- Toothpick for testing doneness
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp orange zest, 1/2 cup canola oil, 1/2 cup half and half, 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1-1/2 cups fresh cranberries, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 Tbsps freshly squeezed orange juice, 1 tsp orange zest
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
- Preheat oven to 350. Spray a standard size bread loaf pan with non-stick spray with flour. (I use Bakers Joy.)
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Use a small spatula to stir and smoosh the zest in to the sugar for about 1 minute. Your sugar will start to turn a light orange, but you will still see flecks of zest.
- Whisk the canola oil, half and half, and orange juice in to the sugar mixture. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix by hand until just combined. (Don’t overmix.)
- In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with the Tbsp of cornstarch then stir them in to the batter by hand.
- Pour the batter in to your prepared bread pan, then bake at 350 for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick in the middle comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes then run a knife around the edge and remove from the pan to let it finish cooling.
- For the glaze: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp of orange juice and orange zest. You want it drizzle consistency, so add up to another Tbsp of orange juice if you need more!
- After the bread is COMPLETELY cool, drizzle with glaze and serve!
HOW TO SERVE Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Serve this bread in small slices. A single serving is about 1 inch thick for a loaf that yields 10–12 slices. Keep portions small if you watch sugar or calories. For a healthier serving, pair one slice with plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. That adds protein to make a more balanced breakfast or snack. You can also serve a slice with a salad or a side of fresh fruit for a light meal.
For those who want a low calorie or weight loss friendly plan, choose thin slices and add a side of protein-rich food. This bread works as a lighter option when you swap the glaze for a dusting of powdered sugar or skip it entirely.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
Store the cooled bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 7 days. To freeze, wrap the loaf in plastic and place it in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge or on the counter. Slice only after thawing for best texture.
To reheat, warm a slice in a microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a toaster oven for a light crisp edge. This is great when you make a batch for meal prep and want warm bread each morning.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- For a balanced breakfast, serve one slice with 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt and a small handful of nuts.
- For a light dessert, top a slice with a scoop of low-fat ricotta and fresh berries.
- For an afternoon snack, pair one slice with a boiled egg for added protein.
- For a heart healthy meal, serve with a small salad of spinach, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette. This keeps the meal rich in fiber and vitamin C.
VARIATIONS
- Healthier version: Use whole wheat pastry flour or a half-and-half mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to add fiber. Cut the sugar to 3/4 cup or use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar if you want a diabetic-friendly bread. You can swap canola oil for a lighter oil or unsweetened applesauce for lower calories and fat. This makes a healthier version that keeps the flavor.
- High-protein or low-carb version: To make a high protein meal, replace 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup unflavored protein powder and swap the half and half for plain Greek yogurt. You can lower carbs by using almond flour and a low-carb sugar substitute, but note texture will change. Add a scoop of protein powder to the glaze or serve slices with high-protein toppings to help it feel like a true high protein meal.
- Air fryer or oven-baked option: If you have a large air fryer that fits a small loaf pan, you can bake the loaf at 320°F for 30-40 minutes; check with a toothpick for done-ness. The oven method given is standard: bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes. Both give good crust and a soft inside. The air fryer can give a slightly crisper crust and shorter bake time.
FAQs
Q: Is this bread good for people watching sugar?
A: The recipe uses 1 cup sugar and a glaze with powdered sugar. For a diabetic-friendly or lower sugar version, reduce sugar to 3/4 cup, skip the glaze, or use a sugar substitute that measures like sugar. Also pair slices with protein to slow sugar absorption.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Do not thaw them. Toss frozen cranberries in the cornstarch the same way and add to the batter straight from frozen. This helps keep them from bleeding into the batter.
Q: How long does the bread last in the fridge? (storage-related)
A: Wrapped well, it lasts up to 7 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in slices or a whole loaf for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make this gluten free?
A: Yes, with a gluten free flour blend that is a 1:1 swap. Some blends need extra binding, so consider adding 1/2 tsp xanthan gum if your blend does not contain it. Texture will change but flavor stays similar.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: This recipe can fit into a weight loss plan if you control portions and lower sugar or glaze. Make it a lighter option by slicing thin and pairing with protein or salad to feel full.
Q: Can this be a part of meal prep?
A: Yes. This is great for meal prep because it keeps for days and freezes well. Slice and pack single servings for quick snacks or breakfasts.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
- Make the bread a day ahead and slice it for easy grabs. It is great for meal prep because you can store slices in the fridge for quick breakfasts.
- Freeze slices in single packs so you can thaw one at a time. Thin slices thaw fast and warm in a toaster. This saves time and makes mornings calm.
- If you want to save prep time, zest and juice oranges the day before and keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. Mix dry ingredients the night before in a bowl and cover them. In the morning, whisk wet ingredients and combine for quick baking.
- If you often make warm bread and coffee together, plan ahead and brew a pot while the loaf bakes. This is a nice routine for a weekend or a busy weekday.
For a different coffee to pair with your slice when you meal prep, you may also enjoy learning how to brew a delicious Nescafe Gold espresso recipe at home to make your mornings even better.
If you need a printable recipe card or a lower sugar ingredient list, I can make one for you with simple swaps and exact nutrition tips.
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a standard size bread loaf pan with non-stick spray.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a larger mixing bowl, add the sugar and orange zest, and mix together for about 1 minute.
- Whisk the canola oil, half and half, and orange juice into the sugar mixture, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix by hand until just combined.
- In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with the cornstarch and fold them into the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan on a cooling rack for at least 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge to remove from the pan and finish cooling.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 1 Tbsp of orange juice and zest until smooth. Adjust with more orange juice if needed for drizzle consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle with the glaze and serve.