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To make the perfect cranberry orange loaf, you need these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved - 1 orange, zested and juiced - ½ cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the loaf rise. Salt balances the flavors, and cranberries add a tart punch. The orange zest and juice bring bright, fresh flavor. Butter adds richness, and eggs bind everything together. Finally, Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and tang. These ingredients are easy to find. You can get them at any grocery store. Using fresh cranberries and a good orange makes a big difference. Enjoy the process! Cooking with quality ingredients always pays off in flavor. - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Start by setting your oven. This ensures your loaf bakes evenly. Greasing and lining the pan helps the loaf come out easily. - Combine 2 cups all-purpose flour. - Add 1 cup granulated sugar. - Mix in 1 tablespoon baking powder. - Add ½ teaspoon baking soda. - Stir in ½ teaspoon salt. In a large bowl, mix all the dry ingredients together. Whisk until everything blends well. This step adds great flavor to your loaf. - Whisk ½ cup melted butter. - Add 2 large eggs. - Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. - Zest and juice 1 orange. In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients. Whisk them until smooth. The orange zest and juice add a fresh taste that makes the loaf special. - Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. - Stir gently until just combined. - Fold in 1 cup halved fresh cranberries. Carefully mix the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the loaf tough. Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are spread throughout the batter. - Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. - Bake for 50-60 minutes. Once the batter is in the pan, smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until a toothpick comes out clean. This step is key for a perfect loaf. - Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring. After baking, let the loaf cool in the pan. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove. After 10 minutes, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the batter. When you mix too much, the loaf can turn dense. Just stir until the dry and wet ingredients blend. It’s okay to see some lumps. Also, ensure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven that’s too hot can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. Use an oven thermometer to check if needed. Once your loaf cools, you can make it look special. Drizzle a simple icing made of powdered sugar and orange juice on top. This adds sweetness and a nice shine. For a colorful touch, garnish the loaf with whole cranberries and fresh mint. This makes it pop on any table. Having the right tools makes baking easier. Use a sturdy mixing bowl and a whisk for blending. A rubber spatula helps fold ingredients without overmixing. I recommend a 9x5-inch loaf pan for the best results. It helps the loaf bake evenly and gives you a nice shape. If you line it with parchment paper, removing the loaf is a breeze. {{image_2}} You can easily swap Greek yogurt for sour cream. This change gives a nice tang and keeps the loaf moist. If you want a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Both add sweetness without refined sugar. Want to make your loaf even more exciting? Add some nuts or chocolate chips to the batter. Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. If you're a chocolate lover, dark chocolate chips will melt in and add richness. You can also play with spices. Try adding cinnamon for warmth or nutmeg for a cozy flavor. Just a pinch can change the whole taste! This loaf can fit any holiday. You can switch the orange for lemon or lime for a fresh twist. Adding festive ingredients like dried fruits or nuts can make it special. Think of cranberries with ginger or even festive spices like allspice. These changes make your cranberry orange loaf perfect for holiday gatherings! To keep your cranberry orange loaf fresh, store it at room temperature. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. If you plan to eat it within a few days, this method works well. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This keeps it safe from freezer burn. If you choose to refrigerate, use a container that seals well. This will help keep moisture in and flavors intact. However, the fridge can dry out the loaf faster than room temperature. When stored correctly, your cranberry orange loaf lasts about 4 to 5 days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. If you freeze it, expect it to stay good for about 3 months. Look for signs of spoilage. If the loaf feels hard or dry, it may be past its prime. Mold is also a clear sign to toss it. Trust your senses; if it smells off, it's best to throw it away. When it’s time to enjoy your loaf again, reheating is easy. Place slices in a toaster oven for about 5 minutes. This method warms the loaf while keeping it moist. You can also wrap slices in foil and use a regular oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the loaf rubbery. Enjoy your perfectly warmed cranberry orange loaf! You can use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones. They add a sweet flavor. If you want to try other fruits, go for blueberries or chopped apples. These fruits work well and keep the loaf tasty. Yes, you can make this loaf gluten-free. Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try a gluten-free flour blend. These options give you a great loaf without gluten. Serve this loaf with butter or cream cheese for a rich taste. A drizzle of honey also works well. For drinks, pair it with tea or coffee. These pairings make a lovely snack or breakfast. You can make a vegan version easily. Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water. Use coconut oil instead of butter. For yogurt, try a plant-based yogurt. These swaps keep the loaf moist and delicious. This blog post guides you through making a delicious cranberry orange loaf. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting the texture. You also learned about variations, storage, and helpful FAQs. Seeing how easy it is to bake this loaf, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy your baking journey and feel free to explore your own twist on the recipe!

Cranberry Orange Loaf

A delightful loaf cake infused with fresh cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
  • 1 orange zested and juiced
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice. Whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Fold in the halved cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an extra touch, drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice, and garnish with a few whole cranberries and a sprig of mint.
Keyword baking, cake, cranberry, loaf, orange