Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe (No Mixer Required)

Moist Cranberry Bread with Fresh Cranberries

Easy cranberry orange bread with orange glaze is moist, tasty, flavorful, and sharp. It has the right amount of tart from the fresh cranberries, the sweetness of the orange juice, and flavors from the zest. Cranberry loaf bread is perfect for dessert, breakfast, or brunch; let us say it is versatile. In other words, this makes for a satisfying holiday breakfast, a kind of dessert for breakfast thing-y! Enjoy a slice of this fancy cranberry orange bread with your morning coffee or tea. Another festive breakfast we love is my cinnamon-date rolls!

If you are looking for a simple holiday dessert, cranberry bread is a great option. It requires less effort and gives the most satisfaction like any other dessert. Also, it is kid-friendly, ask my kids, and they will tell you why. 

This cranberry orange bread recipe is easy to make; there is no need for a hand mixer or electric mixer. Add all the ingredients, mix with a spatula, bake and enjoy your creation.  Click To Tweet

No Mixer Required:

One of the reasons I love this easy cranberry orange bread is that it requires no mixer. Listen, you do not need a hand mixer or an electric mixer. As long as you have a spatula, spoon, and fork, you are good! In reality, I am a lazy baker and can be easily discouraged. So I always look for the easiest route.

If you are not a baker (or you are a beginner cook), you have nothing to worry about when it comes to this recipe! In the end, it works out well – moist and flavorful cranberry loaf!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe:

The main ingredients for making this cranberry orange loaf are obviously fresh cranberries and fresh oranges. Personally, I feel that using fresh ingredients instantly elevates this recipe. On the other hand, you can use dry cranberries if that’s what you have. Unfortunately, nothing beats the juiciness of fresh cranberries in this bread recipe. The bottom line is that if you want moist cranberry orange bread, then use fresh cranberries. 

Ok,I heard you could buy already zested orange zest from the grocery store. Not sure if this is true; however, don’t do it! I recommend zesting the orange(s) yourself to get the freshest zest flavors. An old lady once told me that “if you need an orange flavor, use the orange zest.” This saying is true, especially in this cranberry orange bread! Also, you will need both orange zest and orange juice. However, the zest is more important (in my opinion)!

Other Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour 
• Pure Cane Sugar (granulated sugar)
• Baking powder 
• Salt
• Milk (room temperature) 
• Butter, unsalted and melted
• Fresh eggs, (room temperature)
• Additional all-purpose flour for dusting the pan (about one teaspoon)
• Alongside the above you will need powdered sugar, zest and orange juice to make the orange glaze. 

HOW TO MAKE MOIST ORANGE CRANBERRY BREAD:

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Wash the fresh cranberries, pat dry. Zest a big orange or two small oranges. Spray or grease a 6-cup 8½ – 4½ bread pan, line with parchment paper. Finally, dust the bread pan with a bit of flour, shake it out, and set it aside. 
3. Add the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) into a bowl; mix. Stir in the orange zest, mix and add the (pat dried) fresh cranberries. Combine gently, ensure not to smash the cranberries.
4. Add the wet ingredients (milk, orange juice, eggs, and melted butter; all room temperature) into a bowl. Use a fork to beat/mix.
5. Pour the wet ingredients onto the dry ingredients, use a spatula to mix well. 
6. Gently pour the mixture into the bread pan, level out with the spatula, and add more fresh cranberries on top.
7. Bake in the center of the oven for 45 – 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. (I baked mine precisely for 50 minutes).
8. Allow cooling for at least 10 – 15 minutes before removing from the pan, glazing, or slicing.
9. Make the orange glaze: add the powdered and fresh zest to a bowl. Then add the orange juice. Use a whisk to combine; Thin out to suit your desire by adding more orange juice.

Make this simple but fancy orange cranberry bread during the holidays or whenever you wish! Serve them as dessert, breakfast, or brunch! You can't beat the taste of fresh cranberries and oranges any day!  Click To Tweet

How to Store Leftover Moist Cranberry Orange Bread.

Without question, if you make this recipe during the holidays, there will hardly be leftovers. However, cranberry loaf leftovers keep well in the fridge for a couple of days. First, allow the slices to cool completely, place in a dry container, and store in the refrigerator for 3 – 4 days.

On the other hand, you can keep it in the freezer for three months. I recommend not pilling them together if you desire to freeze them. Instead, store them individually, preferably in a Ziplock bag (works better)! Finally, double this cranberry orange bread recipe, so you have some leftovers.

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD:

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MORE HOLIDAY BREAKFAST IDEAS:

• Chocolate Baked Oats. (So good!!!)
• Honey Wholewheat Banana Bread.
• Homemade Cinnamon – Date Rolls (Best sticky buns)!
• Healthy Greek Yogurt Oatmeal Pancakes.
• Gluten-free Banana Oat Waffles.

While you are still here, grab my FREE (5) spinach salad recipe bundle. It would be a great addition to your dinner table (if you like salads) or you are looking to incorporate more veggies. Get the recipes here.

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Stay well and safe.

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