If Christmas had a scent, it would be cranberry orange loaf fresh out of the oven. This festive bread is trending again on Pinterest because it’s sweet, tangy, and simple—the perfect recipe for holiday mornings. Bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, it delivers that bright citrus aroma everyone loves this season.
It’s also one of those bakes that looks beautiful naturally—no heavy frosting, just a simple glaze and some cranberries on top. That makes it perfect for Pinterest photography and for gifting. You can bake it in mini loaf pans and wrap them with twine for an inexpensive homemade Christmas gift idea.
The texture is soft, moist, and lightly sweet—the kind of bread that pairs perfectly with a hot drink. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or cozying up at home, this loaf brings warmth to your table.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Loaf
This recipe (1X) makes 1 loaf
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
Instructions for Cranberry Orange Loaf:
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk juice, egg, butter, and zest.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, and fold in cranberries.
- Pour into loaf pan and bake 45–50 minutes.
Tips:
- Add chopped nuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with orange glaze for a bakery-style look.
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Cranberry Orange Loaf
Cranberry Orange Loaf FAQ
Cranberry Orange Loaf: Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to help you bake a moist, bright, and perfectly balanced cranberry orange loaf every time.
Why did my loaf turn out dense or heavy? +
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? +
How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom? +
How do I know when the loaf is fully baked? +
Can I add a glaze on top? +
How should I store leftovers? +
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