Orange Cranberry Bread (Printer-Friendly)
Light and easy bread combining bright orange and tart cranberries for a delightful winter treat.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Wet Ingredients
01 -
1 large egg
02 -
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
03 -
⅓ cup granulated sugar
04 -
¼ cup fresh orange juice
05 -
1 ½ teaspoons orange zest (from one medium-large orange)
06 -
4 tablespoons light butter, melted (such as Land O'Lakes light butter spread)
→ Dry Ingredients
07 -
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
08 -
1 teaspoon baking soda
09 -
1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking powder
10 -
½ teaspoon salt
→ Fruit
11 -
1 ¼ cups fresh cranberries, halved, divided
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly mist a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until well incorporated. Stir in the melted butter.
03 -
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, aluminum-free baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine.
04 -
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in 1 cup of the halved cranberries.
05 -
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly distribute the remaining ¼ cup cranberries on top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
06 -
Remove the loaf pan from the oven and place on a wire rack. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert the pan onto the rack to release the bread. Flip the bread right side up and let cool completely before slicing into 12 pieces approximately ¾ inch thick.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
Use aluminum-free baking powder to prevent discoloration from the reaction with the acidic orange and cranberries.
02 -
Fresh cranberries yield the best flavor; if unavailable, frozen can be used after thawing.
03 -
Store wrapped on a paper towel inside an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
04 -
This bread freezes well when wrapped tightly; thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in a microwave before serving.