Moist Orange Cranberry Nut Bread
This delightful Moist Orange Cranberry Nut Bread combines the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries with the brightness of orange juice, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of crunchy nuts enhances the texture, making each slice a wonderful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Whether you enjoy it plain or with a pat of butter, this bread is sure to become a family favorite. I often double the recipe to use up an entire bag of cranberries and make plenty to share or freeze for later! Perfect for the holidays or any time of the year.
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
2 cups (all-purpose)
baking powder
1.5 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
0.5 teaspoon (none)
salt
0.5 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 cup (granulated)
fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup (washed and chopped or halved)
chopped nuts
0.5 cup (walnuts or pecans recommended)
egg
1 (beaten)
oil
3 tablespoons (vegetable or canola)
orange juice
1 cup (freshly squeezed preferred)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard loaf pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
3
Stir in the chopped cranberries and nuts until they are well coated with the flour mixture, which helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
4
In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, oil, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
5
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
6
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Moist Orange Cranberry Nut Bread?
It is a delightful quick bread that balances the tartness of cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of orange juice and the crunch of nuts.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, there is no need to thaw them first.
What type of flour is recommended?
All-purpose flour is recommended for achieving the best texture in this bread.
How do I prevent the cranberries and nuts from sinking to the bottom?
Stir the chopped cranberries and nuts into the dry flour mixture until they are well coated before adding the wet ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does this bread need to bake?
The bread typically takes about 60 minutes to bake, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Do I need to grease the loaf pan?
Yes, grease a standard loaf pan before adding the batter to ensure the bread releases easily after baking.
What kind of nuts work best in this recipe?
Walnuts or pecans are the recommended choices for adding a nice crunch to the bread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, the recipe can easily be doubled to make two loaves, which is perfect for sharing or freezing.
Why is it important to sift the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Can I substitute butter for the oil?
Yes, melted butter can be used instead of vegetable or canola oil if you prefer a richer flavor.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean without any wet batter.
Can I add orange zest for more flavor?
Absolutely! Adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the batter will significantly enhance the citrus aroma and flavor.
What is the best way to store this bread?
Store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it moist.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, this bread freezes very well and can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
Is freshly squeezed orange juice required?
While freshly squeezed orange juice is preferred for the best flavor, bottled orange juice also works well.
Can I use this batter to make muffins instead?
Yes, you can make muffins; simply adjust the baking time to approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, this is a very straightforward 'easy recipe' that is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
Why shouldn't I overmix the batter?
Overmixing can lead to a dense and tough bread; mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Can I omit the nuts?
Yes, if you have an allergy or prefer a nut-free bread, you can omit them without making any other changes.
What size pan should I use?
A standard 9x5 inch loaf pan is the ideal size for this recipe.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute some or all of the flour with whole wheat flour, but the bread will be denser.
Is the bread very sweet?
The bread has a balanced sweetness that perfectly complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, but keep in mind that using a sugar substitute may slightly alter the texture and browning of the bread.
What is the role of baking soda in this recipe?
Baking soda reacts with the acidity of the orange juice to help the bread rise during baking.
Can I add spices like cinnamon?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg can add a wonderful warmth to the flavor profile.
Is this bread suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, its festive colors and flavors make it a popular choice for holiday baking and gift-giving.
Can I use other types of berries?
While this recipe is optimized for cranberries, you can experiment with other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
What is the best way to serve this bread?
It is delicious served plain, toasted, or with a light spread of butter or cream cheese.