4.69 from 19 reviews

Cranberry Orange Breakfast Bread

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quick bread on a cutting board topped with cranberries

This cranberry orange bread is a favorite in my house!

It’s especially popular around the holidays since fresh cranberries flood the produce section at the store! But did you know you can actually buy cranberries year-round? I buy the frozen cranberries when the fresh aren’t as readily available.

If you know me, you know I love all things cranberries, and not just in fresh form.

I use dried cranberries in my salads and sometimes I use them to sweeten up a chicken dish! My love for fresh cranberries shows off in this homemade cranberry sauce and these cranberry oat crumble bars … I cannot seem to get enough of them!

a loaf of bread on a cutting board topped with an orange glaze, fresh cranberries and oranges

Health benefits of cranberries

Nutritionally, cranberries contain a heaping amount of Vitamin C and fiber. Plus, cranberries are naturally low in sugar!

Additionally, cranberries offer whole body health benefits. Scientists are actually exploring how the bioactive compounds found in cranberries may positively affect glycemic response, prevent recurrent UTIs, support gut health, improve heart health and reduce inflammation.

Cranberry orange bread ingredients

You can scroll down to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients and measurements. Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick breakfast bread recipe:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking soda and baking powder
  • Salt
  • Vegetable oil
  • Eggs
  • Orange juice and zest
  • Sour cream
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh/Frozen Cranberries
ingredients in glass bowls needed to make an orange quick bread

And for the simple vanilla orange glaze, you’ll need:

  • Powdered sugar
  • Orange juice
  • Vanilla extract
bread batter in a glass bowl with orange zest and cranberries folded in

How to make cranberry orange bread

Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for the full recipe instructions.

  1. Preheat your oven to 350° F. In one medium bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and whisk to combine.
  2. In another bowl, mix the remaining ingredients (except the cranberries).
  3. Once you have the wet mixture whisked together, use a rubber spatula to gently mix the wet mixture into the flour mixture. Fold until partially incorporated and then add in the cranberries.
  4. Turn the mixture over into your pan, bake, and enjoy!
cranberry bread made with fresh cranberries

FAQ

Can I make this recipe as muffins?

Yes, you can make cranberry orange muffins with this recipe too! To make muffins instead of quick bread, follow the same instructions, but bake for 15-16 minutes using a muffin or cupcake tin. This recipe makes 16 small muffins!

Is there a buttermilk substitute I can use?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, regular whole milk will work too. Just don’t try using 2% or skim milk in this cranberry orange bread recipe, as neither have enough fat in them to make this breakfast bread as moist as you want it to be.

Tips for making cranberry orange bread

  • You can make this cranberry orange bread using fresh or dried cranberries. If using fresh cranberries, you’ll need to add 2 cups to the breakfast bread batter. If using dried, add just 1 cup.
  • You’ll know the cranberry orange bread is finished baking when a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean and the top looks set.
  • Coat the fresh cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them in. This can help prevent them from rising to the top of the bread!
  • You’ll need to let this quick breakfast bread cool before adding the vanilla glaze, otherwise it’ll be tough to slice and the glaze will slide right off the top.
cranberry orange bread on a white plate

Which one do you prefer?

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

quick bread on a cutting board topped with cranberries
4.69 from 19 reviews

Cranberry Orange Bread

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
In this Cranberry Orange Bread, you taste the sweet flavor from the orange juice and zest and the tartness from fresh cranberries in each bite!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)
  • 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs (, beaten)
  • 1 Tbsp. orange zest
  • 3/4 cup orange juice ((about 2 small fresh oranges))
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh cranberries ((or 1 cup dried))

For the glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Last step! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk to combine.
    2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated white sugar, 2 tsp. baking powder, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1 tsp. salt
  • In a separate bowl combine the eggs, orange zest, orange juice, sour cream, buttermilk, coconut oil, and vanilla. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients, and gently mix just until moistened. (It will be thick!)
    1/4 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, 1 Tbsp. orange zest, 3/4 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • Fold in the cranberries. Pro tip: coat the fresh cranberries in a bit of flour before folding them in. This can help prevent them from rising to the top of the bread!
    2 cups fresh cranberries
  • Spray 9×5-inch bread loaf pan with non-stick baking spray. Pour mixture into prepared pan and bake for ~50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Once bread is cooled, whisk together ingredients for the frosting. You may need to alter some of the liquid or add more powdered sugar to get the consistency you like. Glaze and enjoy!
    1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 Tbsp. orange juice, 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Video

Notes

  • Cover your bread loosely with foil if it’s beginning to brown on top before it’s done.
  • Can use fresh/frozen or dried cranberries. If using frozen, don’t let frozen cranberries thaw. If using dried, use 1 cup. 
  • If you do not have vegetable oil, use 1/4 cup canola or melted coconut oil. 
  • If you do not have buttermilk, sub 1/2 cup whole milk.
  • If you do not have sour cream, sub 3/4 cup Greek yogurt, plain.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1slice, Calories: 347kcal (17%)

Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is automatically calculated. It should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Kroll’s Korner can’t make any guarantees to the accuracy of this information.

Krolls Korner

Krolls Korner

Welcome to my tiny โ€œkornerโ€ on the Internet! I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who loves cookies as much as kale. (OK, maybe I like cookies a little bit more but shh, donโ€™t tell anyone). I am so glad youโ€™re here! Follow along for hassle free, realistic and approachable recipes.

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4.69 from 19 votes (12 ratings without comment)
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Toni

This bread is so delicious! I made this on New Yearโ€™s Eve and it is gone today (Jan 2)!! We had some friends over on NYE and I served the bread with tea, everyone loved it. My husband and I have had it again as an after breakfast bread with coffee. Itโ€™s our new favorite! Thank you for the recipe!!

28D497C0-0450-4DE7-A0E4-CDDB5100DE03.jpeg
Maureen

Itโ€™s certainly delicious but my cranberries ( fresh) stayed on the top of the batter in the pan. Itโ€™s as if they floated to the top and there are none in the middle of the bread. Any suggestions for next time?

Dionne

My favorite way to start a day. Love how delicious this bread looks and tastes!

Gwynn Galvin

I will be making this recipe for our Christmas morning brunch. It was so delicious and festive!

Valerie

I need to try this! It sounds delicious and it looks so good I wish I cold take bite of the piece on my screen!

Tara

Such a fantastic start to the day! All those flavors sound amazing and I love the color from the cranberries. Yum!

Andrea

What a fabulous flavor combination for a bread. It’s perfect for the winter season.

Sandy

I want to make these as mini Bundts for the holidays! How long do you suggest to bake – or to start checking?

Amy Reese

This bread was unbelievably moist and delicious! Didnโ€™t last long!

Molly

I’m bookmarking this for later. Thank you for posting!