Cranberry Orange Bread
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
3/4 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup canola oil
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. grated orange zest
3 to 4 Tbsp. fresh orange juice, divided
1-1/2 cups frozen whole cranberries, chopped
1-1/2 cups powdered sugar
cooking spray
Detailed Steps:
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8-1/2- x 4-1/2 -inch loaf pan with cooking spray.
Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
Whisk together buttermilk, oil, eggs, and 1 tablespoon of the orange zest in a large bowl until combined.
Add flour mixture to buttermilk mixture, and stir and fold until just combined, about 30 seconds (do not overmix). Gently stir in cranberries until just combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour, 5 minutes. Cool in pan on wire rack 10 minutes; carefully remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
Whisk together powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons orange juice, and remaining 1 tablespoon orange zest in a small bowl until smooth. Add more orange juice, 1 teaspoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
Set wire rack over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch any drips. Pour glaze over cooled loaf. You can collect the drips and pour glaze a second time, if desired.
Prep Time: 25 mins. Cook Time: 1 hr. 5 mins.
Total Time: 2 hrs. 20 mins.
Cranberry Orange Bread is a delicious treat that can brighten up any day with its vibrant flavors. The combination of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest creates a uniquely enjoyable taste that makes this bread a perfect addition to breakfast or as a delightful snack. To further enhance the flavor profile, consider pairing this bread with a spread of butter or cream cheese, which adds a rich creaminess to complement the natural tang of the cranberries. For an elevated version, topping it with a sprinkle of toasted nuts can also introduce a satisfying crunch. When baking, ensure your cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor in each slice. It’s also important to not over-mix the batter, as this helps maintain a light and tender texture. The key to achieving a perfect crust is to monitor the baking time closely, as each oven varies. Be sure to check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your Cranberry Orange Bread is ready! This bread keeps well for several days at room temperature, so you can make a batch in advance for gatherings or holiday festivities. Wrap it in foil or keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. You can also customize this recipe by adding chocolate chips or nuts for an extra twist. Alternatively, consider making mini loaves for easy gift options or as part of a brunch platter. Enjoy your baking, and relish every slice of this comforting and flavorful bread!