Cranberry Bread Recipe (with Video)

Cranberry Bread Recipe: There’s nothing like the sweet and tangy flavor of freshly baked cranberry bread. Whether you’re looking for a comforting breakfast treat or a crowd-pleasing dessert for the holidays, this bread is perfect.

Packed with juicy cranberries and rich flavors, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug. But what makes it special? The secret lies in balancing tartness with sweetness, creating a texture that’s both soft and moist.

Ready to learn how to bake it? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread Recipe

To make the best cranberry bread, you need a mix of basic and flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Core Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup orange juice (for a citrus kick)
• 2 eggs
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for a crunchy texture)
• ½ cup white or dark chocolate chips (for a sweeter touch)
• 1 tbsp orange zest (for added flavor depth)

These ingredients come together to create a well-balanced flavor with just the right amount of sweetness and tartness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the right tools to make your baking process smooth:

Basic Baking Equipment:

• Mixing bowls (one for wet ingredients, one for dry)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk and a rubber spatula
• A loaf pan (9×5 inches recommended)

Special Tools (Optional):

• Citrus zester (for zesting oranges)
• Sifter (to avoid clumps in the flour)
• Cooling rack

Having these tools on hand ensures that everything goes smoothly from preparation to serving.

Preparation Steps

Success in baking starts with preparation. Organize your workspace and ingredients before you begin.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your batter is.
2. Prepare the loaf pan: Grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Measure ingredients: Lay out all your ingredients and tools so you won’t have to pause mid-recipe.

This step is all about efficiency and making the baking process as smooth as possible.

Making the Cranberry Mixture

Cranberries are the star of this recipe, and prepping them properly enhances their flavor.

• Fresh Cranberries: Rinse and pat dry. You can cut them in half to prevent large bursts of juice in the bread.
• Dried Cranberries: Soak them in warm orange juice for about 10 minutes to rehydrate.
• Optional Zest: Add orange zest to the cranberries to boost the flavor profile.

Taking time to prepare the cranberries gives your bread a vibrant, tangy bite.

Mixing the Wet Ingredients

This step sets the base for your batter’s texture and consistency.

1. Whisk together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth.
2. Avoid overmixing: Blend just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can make your bread dense instead of fluffy.

Wet ingredients provide moisture and flavor, which balance out the dry components.

Combining Dry Ingredients

Now, let’s prepare the dry ingredients that form the structure of the cranberry bread.

1. Sift the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Add sugar: Stir the sugar into the flour mixture to ensure it’s evenly distributed.

Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures that the leavening agents, like baking powder and soda, are evenly spread throughout the batter. This is key for a well-risen, evenly textured loaf.

Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Here’s where it all starts to come together.

1. Make a well in the dry mixture: Create a small hole in the center of the flour mixture.
2. Add the wet mixture: Pour the wet ingredients into the well and gently fold everything together using a spatula.
3. Mix gently: Combine just until the flour disappears. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to tough, dense bread.

By folding rather than vigorously stirring, you keep the batter light and airy, which leads to a soft and tender final product.

Folding in Cranberries

Now it’s time to incorporate the star ingredient into your batter.

1. Gently fold in the cranberries: Add the cranberries to the batter and fold them in with a spatula.
2. Distribute evenly: Make sure the cranberries are spread throughout the batter to avoid clumps of fruit in one spot.

Folding keeps the cranberries from breaking and ensures they’re evenly distributed, so every bite has a burst of tangy flavor.

Choosing the Right Baking Pan

The pan you use can affect the baking time and the final texture of your bread.

1. Recommended size: A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best.
2. Alternatives: You can also use smaller loaf pans, muffin tins, or even a bundt pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
3. Grease and prep: Be sure your pan is well-greased and lightly floured to prevent sticking.

A well-prepped pan ensures easy removal of the bread and a clean, intact loaf.

Preheating the Oven

This is a crucial step that many beginners overlook.

1. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C): Allow at least 10-15 minutes for the oven to preheat.
2. Position the rack: Place the rack in the center of the oven for even baking.
3. Consistent temperature: Avoid frequently opening the oven door while baking to maintain a steady temperature.

Preheating your oven properly helps the bread bake evenly and prevents the middle from being undercooked.

Baking Instructions

It’s time to bring all your hard work to life!

1. Pour the batter: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
2. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
3. Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the bread is ready.

Baking times may vary based on your oven and pan size, so keep an eye on it during the final 10 minutes.

Cooling the Bread

Proper cooling is just as important as baking to achieve the perfect texture.

1. Cool in the pan: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
2. Transfer to a cooling rack: Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack.
3. Allow to cool completely: This prevents the bread from becoming soggy or falling apart when sliced.

Cooling on a rack ensures air circulates around the entire loaf, preventing moisture buildup on the bottom.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry bread is versatile and pairs well with various sides and toppings.

1. Classic options: Serve with butter or cream cheese for a simple treat.
2. Sweet touch: Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.
3. Pairings: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of warm milk.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, cranberry bread is a comforting addition to any meal or gathering.

Storing and Freezing Cranberry Bread

Keep your bread fresh and flavorful with proper storage techniques.

1. Short-term storage: Wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: Store in the fridge for up to a week, but be aware that refrigeration can slightly dry out the bread.
3. Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

These methods ensure your bread retains its moisture and flavor for days or even weeks.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Bread

Want to take your cranberry bread to the next level? Try these tips:

• Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can lead to a dense, rubbery texture.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and high-quality vanilla extract enhance the overall flavor.
• Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or other dried fruits to customize your loaf.
• Measure accurately: Baking is a science, so be sure to follow measurements closely for consistent results.

By following these tips, you can ensure your cranberry bread turns out perfectly every time.

Health Benefits of Cranberries

Cranberries aren’t just tasty—they’re also incredibly nutritious!

1. Rich in antioxidants: Cranberries are packed with powerful antioxidants that help fight free radicals.
2. Supports urinary health: Cranberries are well-known for preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
3. High in vitamin C: This boosts your immune system and helps keep your skin healthy.
4. Low in calories: A great choice for those watching their calorie intake.

Incorporating cranberries into your diet offers both health benefits and delicious flavor.

FAQs about Cranberry Bread Recipe

1. What type of cranberries can I use in cranberry bread?

You can use either fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries in your cranberry bread recipe. Fresh cranberries will give a tart flavor and firm texture, while dried cranberries will add a sweeter taste and chewier texture. If using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them before baking.

2. Can I make cranberry bread without nuts?

Absolutely! While nuts such as walnuts or pecans are a common addition to cranberry bread for added texture and flavor, you can easily omit them or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for a nut-free version.

3. How do I keep my cranberry bread from getting too dry?

To prevent your cranberry bread from drying out, make sure not to overbake it. Keep an eye on the bread and check it with a toothpick inserted into the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. Additionally, ensure your measurements, especially for flour and liquids, are accurate.

4. Can cranberry bread be made vegan?

Yes, cranberry bread can be adapted for a vegan diet by substituting animal-based ingredients like eggs and butter with vegan alternatives such as flax eggs, applesauce, or vegan butter.

5. How long does cranberry bread last and how should it be stored?

Cranberry bread can last up to 4 days at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap followed by foil to maintain freshness.

6. Can I add other fruits to my cranberry bread?

Yes, adding other fruits such as orange zest, chopped apples, or raisins can enhance the flavor profile of your cranberry bread. Make sure to adjust the quantities so that the additional moisture from the fruits does not affect the bread’s texture.

Conclusion

Cranberry bread is a simple, flavorful recipe that’s sure to impress. From mixing the ingredients to baking and serving, you now have all the steps and tips to make the perfect loaf. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!