This Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread is a festive and flavorful treat, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift. The tart cranberries paired with the bright citrusy orange flavor create a moist and delicious loaf that embodies the taste of the season. It’s simple to make and will fill your home with the wonderful aroma of the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- ½ cup buttermilk
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until light and creamy.
- Stir in the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
4. Fold in the Cranberries:
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour (to prevent sinking) and gently fold them into the batter.
5. Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread:
- Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness, drizzle an orange glaze made with powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled bread.
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, but frozen cranberries can also be used straight from the freezer.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
FAQs About Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread:
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but you may want to rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes! This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! You can pour the batter into muffin tins instead of a loaf pan. Bake at the same temperature for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
This Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfect holiday treat, bursting with the tartness of cranberries and the bright flavor of orange. Whether you’re making it for a Christmas breakfast, a holiday party, or gifting it to loved ones, this bread will quickly become a holiday favorite!
