Cranberry Orange Loaf is like a warm hug on a cold morning. Picture this: a loaf that bursts with vibrant cranberries and zesty orange flavor, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Every slice is a delightful combination of sweet and tart that dances on your taste buds and makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Now, imagine enjoying this delightful treat with family or friends over coffee or as a special addition to a holiday brunch. The anticipation builds as the loaf bakes, transforming your kitchen into a cozy haven filled with mouthwatering scents that promise an amazing flavor experience.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-make Cranberry Orange Loaf takes just under an hour from start to finish
- You can customize it by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning, adding charm to any gathering
- Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with tea or coffee
The day I first made this loaf was unforgettable; my friends couldn’t get enough of it. Their faces lit up with joy after each bite, turning our ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for the best texture in your loaf.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the loaf beautifully; feel free to adjust if you prefer less sweetness.
- Baking Powder: Essential for making the loaf rise perfectly without being too dense.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it.
- Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red berries; frozen ones work too but may add moisture.
- Zest of One Orange: Adds vibrant flavor; use a microplane for fine zesting.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed juice offers the best flavor; bottled juice just doesn’t compare.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and help achieve that perfect crumb.
- Vegetable Oil: Keeps the loaf moist; don’t use olive oil as its flavor can overpower.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of ingredients.
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and fragrant.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep that light texture.
Add Cranberries: Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The burst of color will brighten up your mixture.
Bake Your Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.
Enjoy creating this delightful Cranberry Orange Loaf that combines sweetness and tartness in every slice.
You Must Know
- This delightful Cranberry Orange Loaf is not just a treat but a sensory experience
- The sweet and zesty aroma fills the kitchen, making it impossible to resist
- Perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon pick-me-up, this loaf is versatile and scrumptious
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by creaming butter and sugar, then add eggs, followed by dry ingredients and cranberries. This sequence ensures even mixing and perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for blueberries or add nuts for extra crunch. These variations can bring a unique twist to your loaf.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Cranberry Orange Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. For reheating, pop slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh cranberries for a vibrant flavor boost; frozen ones can make the loaf soggy
- Ensure your butter is softened for easy creaming—it makes a difference in texture
- Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing for cleaner cuts
Sharing this Cranberry Orange Loaf recipe always brings smiles and compliments from friends and family, especially during festive gatherings.
FAQ
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water first to moisten them up.
How do I know when my loaf is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when finished.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Loaf?
Absolutely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings
Description
Cranberry Orange Loaf is a moist and flavorful treat that combines tart cranberries with zesty orange, making it perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Salt
- Fresh Cranberries
- Zest and Juice of One Orange
- Eggs
- Vegetable Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix eggs, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest until smooth.
- Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in fresh cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Breakfast/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
