Dessert

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

BySophie Carsel March 3, 2026March 3, 2026

Introduction

Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat bursting with bright citrus flavor and tart cranberries. This moist and tender loaf is perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert. Simple to make, it brings a fresh twist to classic quick bread recipes.

The image shows a loaf of moist yellow cake with bright red cranberries spread evenly throughout. The cake is sliced to reveal two layers: the dense, yellow crumb of the cake mixed with juicy, red cranberry pieces, and a thin, golden-brown crust on the outside. In the background, there are blurred slices of orange adding a pop of yellow and orange color. The loaf is resting on white parchment paper placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil
1 cup white sugar
2 tablespoons orange zest
2 large eggs
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup sour cream
½ cup orange juice
1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and sugar. Add the sour cream, orange juice, orange zest, eggs, and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is smooth.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the fresh cranberries gently.
Step 4: Grease two loaf pans measuring approximately 9.25 x 5.25 x 2.75 inches. Divide the batter evenly between the pans and sprinkle extra cranberries on top for a decorative touch.
Step 5: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaves comes out clean.
Step 6: Let the loaves cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter burst, consider tossing the cranberries in a little sugar before folding them into the batter.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work well—just don’t thaw them before mixing to prevent extra moisture.
Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg can give the bread a warm, spiced flavor.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen and warm slices gently in a microwave or toaster oven.

How to Serve

A loaf of cranberry bread is shown on a white marbled surface, sliced to reveal two thick layers inside: a light yellow, moist cake base with bright red cranberries scattered evenly, and a golden brown crust wrapping around the sides and bottom for a firm texture. The front slice leans slightly forward to show the crumb detail with more cranberries inside. In the background, two orange slices add a pop of color. The light is soft, highlighting the bread’s moist crumb and the shiny, slightly cracked crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute orange juice with another liquid?

Yes, you can replace orange juice with equal parts apple juice or pineapple juice for a different fruity flavor, though orange juice provides the best citrus balance.