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I can't wait to tell you about my Cranberry Orange Bread! This stunning loaf brings together tart cranberries and zesty orange in the most amazing combo. It's turned into my go-to holiday gift – that mix of tangy berries, sweet topping and super moist texture is just too good to pass up.
What You'll Need
- Flour: Regular all-purpose flour gives the bread its basic form.
- Baking Powder: This makes your bread nice and airy.
- Salt: Brings out the tastes and cuts through sweetness.
- Milk: Let it sit at room temp for smooth mixing.
- Orange Zest and Juice: Gives that sunny citrus kick; grab the zest before you squeeze.
- Butter: Make sure it's soft and unsalted for a juicy bread.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance those sour cranberries.
- Eggs: These help with softness and holding everything together.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work great, coat them with flour so they don't drop.
Cranberry Bread Directions
- Step 1: Mix Your Dry Stuff
- Grab a medium bowl and stir the flour, baking powder, and salt together so everything's well mixed.
- Step 2: Get Your Wet Mix Ready
- In a measuring cup, blend milk, orange juice, and orange zest. Put it aside for now.
- Step 3: Beat Butter with Sugar
- In a big mixing bowl, whip the soft butter and sugar until it's fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing each one in fully.
- Step 4: Put Everything Together
- Add your dry stuff to the butter mix in two batches, switching with the milk mixture. Don't overmix, just blend until it comes together.
- Step 5: Ready Your Cranberries
- Roll cranberries in 1/2 tablespoon of flour until they're coated. Fold them into your batter carefully so they spread out nicely.
- Step 6: Into the Oven
- Pour your batter into a greased and floured 8.5×4.5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.
- Step 7: Let It Rest
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then move it to a rack to finish cooling before you top it or cut it.
Amazing Topping
The topping really makes this bread stand out. I mix sugar powder with fresh orange juice and bits of zest until it's just right. When you pour it over the cooled bread, it creates this stunning sweet and tangy layer that'll wow everyone who tries it.
Clever Tricks
Here's a smart move: always dust those cranberries with flour before you mix them in. That stops them from dropping to the bottom. Make sure your butter isn't too hard or melty, and don't rush the cooling part before you add that topping.
Storage Smarts
Your bread will stay yummy for about 3 days if you wrap it well and leave it out, or a week if you stick it in the fridge. I often bake extra loaves to freeze since they last for months that way. Just let them thaw in the fridge overnight when you want some.
Can't Find Fresh Berries?
No stress if fresh cranberries aren't around! I've made this tons of times with dried ones. Use roughly 2/3 cup and cut back on sugar to keep things balanced. Want to know my trick? Soak those dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes and they'll get nice and juicy again.
Add Some Nuts
I sometimes throw in about half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. They give such a nice bite and their nutty flavor goes so well with the cranberries and orange. It really takes this bread up a notch.
Make It Anytime
I always grab extra cranberries during holiday season and toss them in the freezer. That way I can whip up this bread whenever I want. You don't even need to thaw them first, just throw them straight into the mix.
What Goes Well With It
This bread tastes fantastic with your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For special times I like to serve it with a bit of whipped cream or orange jam on top. It's also super tasty with cream cheese spread on it for breakfast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why add flour to cranberries?
Tossing cranberries in flour keeps them spread evenly in the batter so they don't sink.
- → What’s the deal with alternating wet and dry ingredients?
It mixes them more evenly and avoids overworking the batter, which could make it tough.
- → What about dried cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are best for tartness and texture. Dried ones make it sweeter and less moist.
- → Why wait to glaze it?
If the bread’s still warm, the glaze will melt and won’t set properly.
- → How do I store it?
Seal it in a container at room temperature. It’ll stay nice and fresh for a few days.