Bright, citrusy, and bursting with tart cranberries, this Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that bridges the gap between a cozy winter bake and a refreshing summer bite. With every slice, you get that perfect balance of sweet orange zest and tangy cranberry pop, all wrapped in a moist, tender crumb.

This bread is as beautiful to look at as it is to eat. Drizzled with a simple orange glaze and studded with ruby red cranberries, it feels festive enough for holidays, yet simple enough for an everyday tea companion. Whether you serve it for brunch, dessert, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, it always hits the right note.

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

Flavor Harmony: Sweet citrus and tart berries are a classic, crowd-pleasing combo.
Perfect Texture: Moist and soft inside with a light golden crust.
Versatile: Great for breakfast, snacks, gifting, or even holiday spreads.
Freezer-Friendly: Bake now, enjoy later.
Beautiful Presentation: That glaze and pop of cranberry make it irresistibly photogenic.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment:

Mixing Bowls: For combining wet and dry ingredients separately.
Whisk & Rubber Spatula: A whisk for emulsifying the wet mix, and a spatula for folding in the flour and cranberries without overmixing.
Microplane or Zester: To finely grate the orange zest, which enhances citrus flavor.
Loaf Pan (9×5 inch): Gives the bread its signature shape.
Cooling Rack: Crucial to avoid sogginess at the bottom after baking.
Measuring Cups & Spoons: Accuracy is key for baking.

Each tool plays a part in delivering the perfect texture and flavor. Don’t skip the zester—that orange zest is the soul of this bread.

Ingredients for the Orange Cranberry Bread

All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure and base for the bread.
Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise, giving it a light texture.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Orange Zest: Infuses the loaf with natural citrus brightness.
Fresh Orange Juice: Amplifies the orange flavor and adds moisture.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the bread’s structure.
Whole Milk or Buttermilk: Adds richness and tenderness.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Keeps the crumb moist and soft.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic depth.
Fresh or Dried Cranberries: The star ingredient, bringing vibrant color and tart bursts.
Powdered Sugar (for glaze): Creates a simple icing when combined with orange juice.

How To Make the Orange Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, orange zest, eggs, orange juice, milk, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine & Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the cranberries using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Tent with foil halfway if the top browns too quickly.

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once fully cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made by whisking powdered sugar with orange juice until pourable.

Serving and Storing Orange Cranberry Bread

This bread is best served at room temperature, allowing all the citrusy and tart flavors to shine through. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk. For an extra indulgence, serve it warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of whipped cream.

To store, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and enjoy when the craving hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of cranberries should I use?

You can use either fresh or dried cranberries. Fresh gives a more tart punch, while dried cranberries add sweetness and chew. If using dried, consider soaking them in orange juice first to plump them up.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for proper structure.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This can happen if the batter was overmixed or if the bread was underbaked. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick and avoid over-stirring the batter.

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?

Tossing them in a bit of flour before folding into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the loaf.

Can I skip the glaze?

Absolutely. The bread is flavorful on its own, but the glaze adds a beautiful finish and enhances the citrus notes.

Is it okay to add nuts?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and pair wonderfully with the cranberries and orange.

Want More Bread and Loaf Ideas?

If you loved this zesty Orange Cranberry Bread, here are a few more delightful bakes you might enjoy from my kitchen:

Honey Butter Sweet Alabama Pecan Bread for a nutty, buttery slice of Southern comfort.
Amish Applesauce Cake if you’re in the mood for spiced nostalgia in every bite.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a chocolatey twist on a classic.
Moist and Tangy Key Lime Pound Cake if citrusy flavors are your favorite.
Winter Brittle to add a sweet crunch to your dessert tray.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can find it whenever you need a quick citrusy bake.

And tell me in the comments—did you go with fresh or dried cranberries? Add a glaze or keep it simple? I love seeing your creative variations and kitchen wins.

Got a question or tip to share? Don’t be shy. Let’s make this baking community even sweeter.

Want more delicious inspiration? Head to my Pinterest page where I post daily recipes just like this one: Kitchen By Kate on Pinterest