Orange-Cranberry Delight Bread Recipe

There’s something magical about the bright, zesty flavor of oranges paired with the tart burst of fresh cranberries. This Orange-Cranberry Delight Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re baking during the holidays or just craving a slice of sunshine in loaf form, this recipe delivers bold citrus flavor, beautiful color, and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

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Why You’ll Love This Orange-Cranberry Delight Bread

• Fresh, vibrant flavor from real orange zest and juice
• Studded with juicy cranberries for tart contrast
• Tender, moist crumb thanks to buttermilk and oil
• Perfect for gifting, snacking, or holiday spreads
• Easy to make with simple ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from 1–2 oranges)
• ½ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)

Optional Orange Glaze:

• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. Set aside.

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Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, and eggs until light and fluffy.
2. Add in the buttermilk, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

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Step 4: Combine and Fold in Cranberries

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined.
2. Gently fold in the cranberries. Do not overmix.

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Step 5: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 6: Add the Glaze (Optional)

1. Mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest in a small bowl until smooth.
2. Drizzle over the cooled bread. Let set before slicing.

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Storage and Tips

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
• Substitutions:
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a tangy twist
  • Try dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable—soak them in orange juice first
• Add-ins: White chocolate chips or chopped walnuts make great additions!

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Small Ingredients List & Instructions (For Quick Reference)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup oil
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 ½ cups cranberries

Instructions:

1. Mix dry ingredients.
2. Whisk sugar, oil, eggs, juice, zest, buttermilk, vanilla.
3. Combine and fold in cranberries.
4. Pour into pan. Bake 50–60 mins at 350°F. Cool, glaze if desired.