Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a bake that can elevate any breakfast table or brighten up snack time, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is about to become your next go-to recipe. The sweet-tart cranberries play beautifully with zesty orange, and the whole loaf is so tender and fragrant that one slice will never be enough. Whether you’re planning a holiday brunch or just have a craving for something homemade, this easy loaf delivers big flavor in very little time—with just a handful of pantry staples!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread has a delicious job to do. Simple, fresh, and easy to find, they work together to create a bake that’s bright, moist, and loaded with crunch and color.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the backbone of the quick bread, giving it enough structure while allowing for a moist, tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf just enough to balance the tart cranberries and citrusy burst from the orange.
• Baking powder: Gives the bread its beautiful lift and helps it rise into that perfect loaf shape.
• Baking soda: Works with the acidity from the orange juice to create softness and that lovely, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, cutting through the sweetness and making every bite pop.
• Orange zest: This is where the magic happens—the zest infuses fresh, intense citrus aroma in every nibble.
• Orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred): Adds both moisture and a bright, tangy flavor that pairs so well with cranberries.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bread soft and moist, helping it stay fresh for days without tasting heavy.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and ensures the loaf stays tender and rich.
• Fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large): Brings those juicy bursts of tartness throughout the loaf—don’t skip these gems!
• Optional: Chopped walnuts or pecans: Add crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the fruity brightness perfectly.

How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and either grease it well or line it with parchment paper for easy release. Having everything ready means you can move straight from mixing to baking with zero stress.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your fragrant orange zest. This ensures all leavening agents and zest are distributed evenly, guaranteeing a consistent texture and flavor in every slice of Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, and large egg until everything is silky smooth and well combined. The orange juice gives the batter a bright, lively flavor while the oil and egg ensure it bakes up moist.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined—don’t overmix! Overworking the batter makes the bread dense. You want a few streaks of flour to remain, as they’ll vanish once you add the cranberries and nuts.

Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts

Now the fun part: gently fold in the cranberries and, if you’re feeling nutty, the chopped walnuts or pecans. If your cranberries are frozen, add them right in (no need to thaw!). This keeps them from bleeding color and helps the loaf bake evenly.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and give the top a gentle smooth-out with a spatula. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. The aroma will be amazing! Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to let it finish cooling completely. This (mostly) prevents crumbling and locks in all the gorgeous moisture.

How to Serve Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread

Garnishes

Dress up your loaf with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle on a quick orange glaze for extra shine and sweetness. For a touch of color, scatter a few extra chopped cranberries or orange zest curls over the top just before serving—truly eye-catching!

Side Dishes

Serve thick slices alongside a bowl of creamy yogurt, a fruit salad with extra citrus, or a steaming mug of coffee or tea. For brunch spreads, this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is absolutely lovely paired with scrambled eggs or a vibrant green salad tossed in light citrus vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and toast it for a quick morning treat, or use it as the base for sweet brunch sandwiches slathered with cream cheese. Dress up individual slices with whipped mascarpone or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert. Mini loaves make perfect gifts—wrap them in parchment, tie with a ribbon, and share a little sunshine!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap cooled leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or pop them into an airtight container. Kept at room temperature, Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread stays fresh and tender for up to two days—just keep it away from heat and direct sunlight.

Freezing

This loaf is a freezer hero! Once completely cool, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices in two layers of plastic wrap followed by foil, then freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or a few hours at room temperature for best texture.

Reheating

If you love warm bread, just pop a slice (or two) into the toaster or a low oven until heated through. This brings out the citrusy aroma and softens the fruit, making every bite taste oven-fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Absolutely! If using dried, soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes to plump them up, then drain thoroughly before folding into the batter. They’ll give a sweeter, slightly different texture but will still be delicious.

Why did my quick bread sink in the middle?

This sometimes happens if the bread is underbaked or if the oven temperature fluctuates. Use an oven thermometer if possible, and always check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center before pulling out your Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread.

Is it okay to skip the nuts?

Of course! The nuts are entirely optional and the bread still shines beautifully without them. Simply leave them out or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch if you like.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend, and make sure your other mix-ins are gluten-free as well. The texture might be just a bit different, but the flavors pop just as brightly.

How do I make an orange glaze for the top?

Mix about 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a couple of teaspoons of fresh orange juice, whisk until smooth, then drizzle over your cooled bread. It adds an extra zing and looks beautiful for special occasions!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly cheery about this Easy Cranberry Orange Quick Bread, from the tangy fragrance that fills your kitchen to the bright pops of fruit in every slice. Make a loaf for yourself or share with a friend—you’re sure to brighten someone’s day with each bite!

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