Festive Cranberry Orange Bread: A Holiday Baking Delight

Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread Loaf

If you’re craving a festive cranberry orange bread bursting with tart berries, zesty citrus, and crunchy pecans, you’ve come to the right place. This loaf is wonderfully moist, easy to slice, and perfect for holiday sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread

• Moist & Tangy: Balanced sweetness with bright orange zest.
• Festive Crunch: Chopped pecans add texture and nutty flavor.
• Holiday Staple: Perfect for Christmas brunch or Thanksgiving dessert tables.
• Simple Prep: One-bowl mix—no fuss, no stress!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2%)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• Juice of 1 large orange (about ¼ cup)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup chopped pecans (optional, for crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar until well combined.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs lightly. Stir in melted butter, milk, orange zest, and orange juice.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just mixed—avoid overmixing to keep the crumb tender.
5. Fold in cranberries and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
6. Transfer batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove the loaf and let it cool completely before slicing.

Baking Tips & Variations

• Tip: If using frozen cranberries, toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking.
• Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts or leave out nuts for a nut-free version.
• Glaze Option: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons orange juice for a sweet citrus drizzle.

Nutrition Information

• Calories: 224 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 8 g (Saturated Fat 1 g)
• Cholesterol: 16 mg
• Sodium: 261 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 19 g

Enjoy your homemade cranberry orange bread and share the holiday cheer!