Are you dreaming of cozy evenings and the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread? Then look no further! This cranberry orange bread recipe, featuring the delightful tartness of Ocean Spray cranberries, is the perfect treat for any occasion. It's incredibly easy to make, even for beginner bakers, and delivers a delicious explosion of flavor in every bite. This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply satisfying that sweet tooth craving. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup Ocean Spray whole berry cranberry sauce (canned)
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily once baked. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming. Zest your orange and measure out your other ingredients beforehand for a smoother baking process.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents throughout your bread, resulting in a light and fluffy texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step. Creaming the butter and sugar incorporates air, creating a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the cranberries and orange.
Step 5: Incorporate Cranberry Sauce and Orange Zest
Gently fold in the cranberry sauce and orange zest. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. The cranberry sauce adds moisture and a beautiful tartness to the bread.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
Step 7: Add Nuts (Optional) and Orange Juice
Stir in the chopped nuts (if using) and orange juice. The orange juice adds extra moisture and enhances the citrus flavor.
Step 8: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 15 minutes, as ovens can vary.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy your delicious cranberry orange bread!
Tips and Variations:
- For a sweeter bread, increase the sugar to 1 cup.
- Substitute other nuts like almonds or walnuts for the pecans.
- Add a ½ cup of chopped dried apricots or cherries for extra fruity flavor.
- Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: Around 10-12g Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g Protein: Around 3-4g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This cranberry orange bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Its bright flavors and moist texture make it a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every delicious bite!