Cranberry Bread Recipe: Moist, Zesty, and Perfect for the Holidays
Loaf at First Bite!
“Loaf around with cranberries…” Because honestly, who said cranberries should only be stuck in sauce or jelly jars? This cranberry bread recipe with orange zest proves that tart berries deserve the spotlight in a moist, fragrant loaf that’s as cozy as a blanket on a frosty morning. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday breakfast, sneaking a slice before dinner, or pairing it with coffee, this easy cranberry bread with fresh cranberries is berry good in every way.
This recipe is not just about baking—it’s about creating a seasonal tradition. With bright citrus notes, bursts of tart cranberry, and a tender crumb, this loaf is the kind of comfort food that makes your kitchen smell like the holidays. And because it’s simple to make, you’ll find yourself baking it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread Recipe
- Moist & Flavorful: Fresh orange juice and grated peel infuse every bite with citrusy fragrance.
- Perfect for Seasonal Pairings: Complements soups, stews, and festive breakfasts.
- Easy to Make: Pantry staples, minimal prep, one loaf pan.
- Customizable: Add nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips for flair.
For more cozy bakes, check out this Banana Bread Recipe—another classic that pairs beautifully with coffee mornings.
Ingredients for Homemade Cranberry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange peel
- 2 tbsp shortening
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How to Make Cranberry Bread (Step-by-Step Instructions)
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a medium bowl.
- Add orange juice, grated peel, shortening, and egg. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts.
- Pour batter into loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing from pan.
- Wrap cooled loaf and let rest overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Serve warm with butter, or enjoy plain with coffee. For another cranberry treat, try Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bread
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Egg and shortening blend better when not cold.
- Even Baking: Rotate pan halfway through for uniform color.
- Cranberry Prep: Toss frozen cranberries in flour to prevent sinking.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Swap orange juice for apple juice for a sweeter loaf.
- Add white chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra bursts of sweetness.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for crunch.
- Mix walnuts, pecans, or almonds for texture.
Looking for another fall favorite? Try this Pistachio Cranberry Sauce Recipe —a spread that pairs beautifully with cranberry bread.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bread
- Serve with softened butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
- Pair with hot tea, coffee, or Caramel Apple Cider Float.
- Use cranberry bread as a substitute for pumpkin in this Pumpkin Mousse Trifle with Sugared Pecans.
FAQs About Cranberry Bread
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries? A: Yes! Toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking.
Q: How should I store cranberry bread? A: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
Q: Can I freeze cranberry bread? A: Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts: A Holiday Loaf Worth Sharing
This cranberry bread recipe with orange zest is festive, fragrant, and easy enough for everyday baking. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a snack, or alongside holiday meals, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Don’t forget to slice yourself a piece before anyone else catches on—it’s just that good.
Cranberry Bread Recipe: Moist, Zesty, and Perfect for the Holidays
This cranberry bread recipewith orange zest proves that cranberries don’t just belong in jelly. Moist, fragrant, and bursting with citrusy flavor, it’s perfect for holiday breakfasts, cozy brunches, or a sweet snack with coffee. For another cranberry treat, try our Pumpkin Cranberry Cookies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange peel
- 2 tbsp shortening
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir in orange juice, grated orange peel, shortening, and beaten egg until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Wrap the cooled loaf and let rest overnight to enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve warm with butter, or enjoy plain with coffee. For another seasonal favorite, try our Banana Bread Recipe.
Notes
Tips & Tricks:
- Room temperature ingredients blend better for a smooth batter.
- Rotate the loaf pan halfway through baking for even color.
- Toss frozen cranberries in a little flour to prevent them from sinking.
Variations & Creative Twists:
- Substitute apple juice for orange juice for a sweeter loaf.
- Add white chocolate chips or extra dried cranberries for bursts of flavor.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a crunchy finish.
- Swap nuts: walnuts, pecans, or almonds for texture variety.
- Pair with a homemade Pistachio Cranberry Sauce for holiday spreads.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with butter or cream cheese for breakfast or brunch.
- Pair with coffee, hot tea, or a Caramel Apple Cider Float.
- Substitute in place of pumpkin cake in our Pumpkin Mousse Trifle for a festive dessert twist.
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking.
- How should I store this bread? Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Can I freeze cranberry bread? Yes! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Notes:
- Letting the bread rest overnight intensifies flavors and improves texture.
- Slice thick for breakfast or thin for a snack. Originally published on January 31, 2012; updated on November 13, 2025 to update ingredients and instructions, add step-by-step directions with schema markup, enhance accessibility with image captions and alt text, include internal recipe links, and provide expert tips, variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs for a better user experience.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
16Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 259Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 286mgCarbohydrates: 45gFiber: 3gSugar: 19gProtein: 6g
The Nutritional Information may not be accurate. This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Originally published on January 31, 2012; updated on November 13, 2025 to update ingredients and instructions, add step-by-step directions with schema markup, enhance accessibility with image captions and alt text, include internal recipe links, and provide expert tips, variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs for a better user experience.