Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf
Looking for easy cranberry recipes? This Cranberry Orange Loaf is moist, zesty & foolproof! Perfect for tea. Get my Nana's secret tip!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into cranberry recipes ! ever wonder how to jazz up a grey tuesday? or maybe impress your nan with something other than the usual biscuit tin offerings? well, this zesty cranberry orange loaf is your answer.
Seriously, it's like a little slice of sunshine, even when it's chucking it down outside.
Cranberry Magic: More Than Just Sauce
This ain't your average christmas sauce. this recipe brings together the best of both worlds. think of it as the love child of a scone and a cake.
A bit like your mum's trifle, but for brekkie. this loaf recipe is easy as pie (easier, actually!) and takes about an hour and a bit from start to finish.
You'll get about 8-10 slices, perfect for sharing or… not.
Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Why This Cranberry Loaf Is Your New Best Mate
Honestly, cranberries are good for you! they're packed with antioxidants. so you can tell yourself you're being healthy while scoffing a slice.
I love serving this at a festive brunch, it goes down an absolute treat. but really, any excuse is a good excuse for this loaf, right? what makes this loaf unique is that the flavour combination, a blend of classic baking ingredients in perfect balance.
Next up, let's gather all the bits and bobs you will need. It's all pretty simple stuff. Don't fret, you probably already have most of it in your cupboard.
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up this Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf . Trust me, it’s easier than arguing with your nan about politics. It's perfect with a cuppa!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so, before we get our aprons on, let's talk about what you need. don't worry, it's all pretty basic stuff.
And remember, even if you don't have exactly what i list, there are always cheeky substitutions.
Main Ingredients
Right then, here's the shopping list, with all the bits and bobs you'll need. I've added both US and metric measures, because, you know, we need to be inclusive!
- Flour Power: 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour, plus extra to stop those cranberries misbehaving.
- Sweet Talk: ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar.
- Rise to the Occasion: 2 teaspoons Baking Powder, and ½ teaspoon Baking Soda.
- A Pinch of Sanity: ¼ teaspoon Salt.
- Milky Way: ½ cup (120ml) Whole Milk.
- Oily Business: ¼ cup (60ml) Vegetable Oil (or melted unsalted butter, if you're feeling fancy).
- Egg-cellent: 1 Large Egg , lightly beaten.
- Vanilla Vibes: 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract.
- Orange Burst: Zest of 1 Large Orange , plus ½ cup (120ml) Fresh Orange Juice.
- Cranberry Kick: 1 ½ cups (150g) Fresh Cranberries, roughly chopped (or frozen, thawed).
The quality of your orange matters. Go for something that smells amazing, as the zest really makes the loaf sing. Plus this recipe is great with those Frozen Cranberry Recipes Healthy ideas.
Seasoning Notes
It's not just about cranberries and orange. It's about making them dance!
- Orange & Vanilla: This is our core. Don't skimp.
- A Pinch of Spice: A tiny pinch of ground nutmeg can add warmth. Honestly, just a whisper .
- Extract Swap: Almond extract is a good sub for vanilla but go easy!.
This loaf reminds me of those Coconut Cranberry Bars Mum used to bake around Christmas. Always a hit. Or maybe even try some Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Healthy ones.
Equipment Needed
Right, onto the tools of the trade! Nothing too scary, promise.
- Loaf Pan: A 9x5 inch Loaf Pan. Essential, unless you want a flatbread.
- Mixing Bowls: Large and medium, for wet and dry shenanigans.
- Whisk: For dry ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: For folding in cranberries.
- Zester: For that essential orange zest.
- Juicer: If you're posh. A fork works too, right?
- Parchment Paper: Optional, for easy peasy loaf removal.
Don't stress if you haven't got exactly everything. a cake tin will do at a push, and who needs a fancy juicer anyway? it is almost like making a no knead cranberry honey walnut bread recipe if you use a dutch oven!.
Next level might be a cranberry brie sourdough pull-apart bread recipe .
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about Cooking Method , particularly for baking a scrummy Cranberry Orange Loaf.
From Zero to Loaf Hero: Let's Bake!
Honestly, baking this zesty cranberry orange loaf is easier than figuring out what to watch on netflix! it’s a lovely cranberry dessert , especially around the holidays.
We can also think to use fresh frozen cranberry recipes healthy , in this dessert.
Prep Like a Pro: Essential Steps
First, mise en place , darling! get everything measured and chopped before you start. chop those cranberries, zest that orange – it's all about efficiency.
Flour the cranberries. this stops them sinking! remember: preheat the oven to 350° f ( 175° c) . safety first, loves.
Don't burn yourself!
Baking Bliss: Step-by-Step Guide
- Dry Mix Magic: Whisk together your dry ingredients. Flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt.
- Wet Wonders: In a separate bowl, mix milk, oil, egg, vanilla, zest, and juice. Orange, obvs!
- Combine Carefully: Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until mixed. Don't overdo it.
- Cranberry Carnival: Gently fold in those cranberries.
- Pan Perfection: Pour into your greased loaf pan.
- Bake Time: Pop it in the oven for 50- 60 minutes .
- Check for Done: Skewer test! It should come out clean. If it is getting too brown, cover it.
- Cool Down: Let it cool before slicing.
Baking Brilliance: Pro Tips
Want to take your loaf from "meh" to "magnificent"? don't overmix. it's the cardinal sin of baking! use room-temperature ingredients; they blend better.
Fancy a walnut cranberry bread ? chuck in some chopped walnuts. you can totally make the dry mix ahead of time.
It is an amazing holiday bread !
Now, if you're really feeling adventurous, you could try turning this into a cranberry brie sourdough pull-apart bread recipe . it's a bit more involved, but oh-so-worth it.
And if you're after something quicker, those easy cranberry bliss bars are a winner. i also like making cranberry oatmeal bars healthy .
Anyway, back to the loaf. it is important to not over-mix the batter. i can share some more amazing cranberry recipes soon.
Honestly, this loaf is practically foolproof. So, what are you waiting for? Get baking!
Alright, here's that "Recipe Notes" section, all chatty and personal, just like we talked about.
Recipe Notes: Let's Get Real About This Loaf!
Okay, so you're about to tackle this amazing cranberry orange loaf , right? good on ya! honestly, i've made this thing so many times i could probably do it in my sleep.
But hey, even pros need a little guidance sometimes. here’s the lowdown to really nail it.
Serving This Beauty
Plating wise? keep it simple, my friend. a nice slice on a plate, maybe with a dusting of icing sugar.
Chef's kiss . you could also totally rock it with a dollop of greek yogurt or whipped cream. as for sides? honestly, this loaf is fantastic on its own.
If you’re feeling fancy, pair it with a cup of earl grey tea or a mimosa. it would be really delicious with cranberry brie sourdough pull-apart bread recipe , or even a slice of quick rise artisan bread .
Storing It Like a Pro
So, you've baked this beauty. now what? honestly, it never lasts long in my house. but, if you have superhuman willpower, here's how to store it.
In the fridge, it will keep for about 3-4 days. wrap it well in cling film to stop it drying out.
Freezing is also a go! just wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months.
To reheat, just pop it in the oven at a low heat (around 300° f or 150° c) for about 10 minutes.
Tweaking It (Because Why Not?)
Fancy a twist? of course you do! for a dietary change, you could try using a gluten-free flour blend. just be sure to watch the consistency; you might need a touch more liquid.
Alternatively, fancy adding some nuts? try no knead cranberry walnut bread by chucking in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
For a seasonal vibe, think about swapping the orange for lemon. boom! lemon cream cheese bars are another yummy citrus compliment.
A loaf of honey oat artisan bread would be fantastic too. why not try no knead cranberry honey walnut bread , or even dutch oven bread ?!
Nutrition: The Basics
Look, it's cake, alright? so, let's not pretend it's a health food. however, it does have fruit in it. cranberries are bursting with antioxidants, so you're basically a superhero for eating this.
Each slice will have roughly 250-300 calories. and while you're treating yourself, have you considered coconut cranberry bars or orange cranberry bliss bars .
You can create healthy cranberry bliss bars or easy cranberry bliss bars with some adjustments to the fat and sugar, so go wild! the cranberry bars recipe is easy to adapt to your own taste.
Honestly, this cranberry recipes is one of my all-time faves. it's simple, it's delicious, and it always makes me feel like i've actually achieved something that day.
Go on, give it a go! you might also like frozen cranberry recipes healthy .
So there you have it! time for a good old holiday bread . and the copycat cranberry bliss bars are awesome.
Have you had a look at cranberry walnut bread , homemade cranberry bliss bars ?! enjoy your baking adventure!. why not try some fresh cranberry recipes for your next bake?!
And finally, don't forget to have some delicious Cranberry Dessert or amazing Cranberry Bars . And don't forget Cranberry Oatmeal Bars Healthy !
Happy baking, you legend! I know you'll smash it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Loaf recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping and tossing them with flour. Think of it like rescuing those berries from a chilly swim before their star turn!
My loaf is browning too quickly. What can I do?
Ah, the dreaded over-browning! A simple fix is to tent the loaf pan with aluminum foil halfway through the baking time. This will shield the top from direct heat and allow the inside to cook through without burning. It's like giving your loaf a little hat to protect it from the sun!
How do I store the Cranberry Orange Loaf to keep it fresh?
To keep your loaf moist and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months. A little tip - slicing before freezing means you can grab a slice straight from the freezer whenever you fancy a treat!
I'm looking for different cranberry recipes. Can I adapt this one?
Definitely! This Cranberry Orange Loaf is a great base for experimentation. Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist, or swap out the orange for lemon zest and juice for a Lemon Cranberry Loaf. Feel free to sprinkle a little crumble topping before baking too! Get creative and make it your own signature bake.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum or add some separately, as this helps to bind the ingredients and prevents the loaf from becoming crumbly. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the batter consistency, but a simple swap will do the trick and means everyone can enjoy a slice of sunshine!
Is this Cranberry Orange Loaf healthy?
While it's a delicious treat, this loaf is best enjoyed in moderation. It does contain sugar and oil, but the cranberries offer some fiber and antioxidants. Consider it a "sometimes" food, like a slice of Victoria Sponge at a proper afternoon tea. You can reduce the sugar content slightly if you prefer a less sweet loaf.