When the air turns crisp and cozy baking season arrives, there’s nothing quite like a warm slice of Cranberry Orange Bread. Moist, flavorful, and bursting with bright citrus and sweet-tart cranberries, this quick bread is a winter tradition worth keeping (and sharing!).
Best of all, it comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients—perfect for busy days, holiday brunches, or gifting to someone special.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
Quick breads are the superheroes of baking—fast, forgiving, and always rewarding. This loaf delivers:
✨ Moist texture
✨ Sweet citrus aroma
✨ Pops of cranberry tartness
You’ll mix the dry ingredients in one bowl, whisk the wet ingredients in another, then bring them together with just a few stirs. While it bakes, your kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting the hardest part!
A Smart, No-Waste Trick
One of the best things about this recipe is how it uses the whole orange—both zest and juice—so you get maximum flavor without throwing anything away.
Love Muffins Instead?
You can easily turn this batter into muffins! Just scoop into a greased tin and bake 20–23 minutes for an easy grab-and-go treat.
Best Ever Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 8 oz canned whole cranberries in sauce
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons applesauce
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
1. Prep the Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray a loaf pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine eggs, cranberries, orange zest and juice, applesauce, almond extract, and oil.
4. Bring It Together
Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender.
5. Bake
Spread batter into the loaf pan and bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
To Make Muffins: Fill greased muffin cups ⅔ full and bake 20–23 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Whether you serve it warm for breakfast, slice it for an afternoon snack, or wrap it for a holiday gift, this Cranberry Orange Bread is a festive favorite that brings comfort and flavor to every bite. Once you taste it, you’ll know why families return to it year after year!