• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to footer navigation
  • Skip to home navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Top 10 Party Games
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter

Play.Party.Plan

Adding fun and creativity to everyday life

  • Fun Ideas by Occasion
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday
    • Game Night
    • Movie Night
    • Super Bowl
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Graduation
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
    • Back to School
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • New Year’s Eve
  • Games
    • Adult Games
    • Baby Shower
    • Bridal Shower
    • Birthday Party
    • Bingo Games
    • Board Games
    • Card Games
    • Christmas Games
    • Dice Games
    • Disney Games
    • Group Games
    • Holiday Games
    • Kid Games
    • Minute to Win It
    • Outdoor Games
    • Party Games
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Teen Games
    • Trivia Games
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Baked Goods
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Kid-Friendly
    • Main Dishes
    • Party Food
    • Sides
  • Free Printables
    • Crafts
    • Gift Tags
    • Kids Activities
    • Party Printables
    • Printable Games
  • Travel
    • Caribbean
    • Cruises
    • Disney
    • International
    • Travel Tips
    • United States
  • Life
    • Entertainment
    • Gift Ideas
    • Health
    • Church
    • Family
  • Shop
    • $1 Deals
    • Best Sellers
  • About
    • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Join the Free Party E-Club!
Home Recipes Baked Goods The Best Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

The Best Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

1 hour 10 minutes
Jump To Recipe Video Print Recipe
By: Britni Vigil
10/22/2020Updated: 12/14/2020
This post may contain affiliate links. Privacy policy.
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
Sliced pieces of cranberry orange bread with text for Pinterest
This is the best cranberry orange bread recipe! It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and delicious whether you make it in mini loaves, muffins, or regular loaves! Just make sure to make double because it’ll be gone in minutes!

This cranberry orange bread recipe combines the popular flavor of cranberry bread with the tart pop of citrus. Combined you have one of the absolute best and most moist cranberry orange bread recipes ever. It’ll be one of your go-to cranberry bread recipes every year. 

A loaf of cranberry orange bread in a white bread pan

The Best Cranberry Orange Bread

It all started when my mom convinced me to try mixing cranberry juice into my orange juice. The tart flavor of the cranberry perfectly balances the sweetness of the orange. Cranberry orange juice is still my favorite drink, but it’s gone far beyond just juice now.

I absolutely love the tartness of cranberries and how they can complement a sweet salad, baked good, or even soup so well. They’re amazing in these cranberry orange bites and in this strawberry spinach salad.

This cranberry orange bread recipe is actually one from one of my good friends Kristin. She made it for a baby shower we hosted together a few years ago, and I knew I had to have it. She so graciously shared it with me, and I’ve made this cranberry bread every year for the past eight years! And these cranberry orange bites.

why you’ll love this recipe

It’s my favorite, just above this easy zucchini bread! And I think you’re going to love it because:

  1. It’s super moist and flavorful!
  2. It’s easy to double or triple – great for holiday gifts!
  3. It freezes really well!
  4. It’s just straight out delicious with nuts or not!

Ingredients

Glass bowls with labeled ingredients for cranberry orange bread

Ingredient Notes

  • Cranberries – you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries but don’t use dried, they won’t give you the same flavor. If you can’t find fresh cranberries or it’s not cranberry season, I’ve always been able to find frozen cranberries at Whole Foods all year long!
  • Chopped nuts – I like to include chopped pecans or walnuts (personal preference) in this bread but if you aren’t a nut person, these can be skipped.
  • Vegetable oil – vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work best
  • Orange zest – freshly grated orange zest is best
  • Orange juice – I typically juice fresh oranges for this since I’m already going to be zesting them but any orange juice works great

How to Make Cranberry Bread

The cranberry bread is fairly simple to make but does take a little bit of time because you start out by chopping all of the cranberries in half. Watch the video below to see how easy it is!

 

Before you get started, preheat your oven and spray whatever loaf pans (mini or large) you’ll be using with non-stick spray. If you want to make muffins, here’s the recipe for cranberry orange muffins!

The first thing you need to do is chop the cranberries in half. Like I mentioned, this can take a bit of time but it’s totally worth it in the end.

And I don’t recommend using one of those chopper things or a food processor – you’ll end up with uneven pieces and little tiny ones. Less cranberry flavor mixed into every bite.

A bowl of chopped cranberries with an orange in the background

Once they’re all chopped, mix the cranberries with the sugar. Stir them around gently to frost them all.

Chopped cranberries in a large glass bowl with sugar

Next mix your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) together in a bowl and set them aside. You’ll work with them in a minute.

Glass bowl with dry baking ingredients

In another bowl, combine the sugar, orange rind, and vegetable oil. Then add the eggs and combine.

Stirring the batter for cranberry orange bread

Add the flour mixture, orange juice, and water to the bowl with the sugar mixture. Mix together until well combined.


Once the bread is done, serve sliced or just bite off chunks of the mini loaves like I do. No matter the way you slice it, it’s going to be delicious.

Hand pouring a glass of orange juice into a bowl with cranberry orange bread batter

Add chopped nuts and cranberries to the batter and stir gently to combine.

Glass bowl with nuts, cranberries, and cranberry orange bread batter

Pour the batter into your greased loaf pans and bake in the preheated oven.

Mini loaf pan with cranberry orange bread batter

Bake until you can insert a knife or toothpick in the largest part of the bread (typically the center) and it comes out clean.

Mini loaf pan with cranberry orange bread

Let cool before removing from the loaf pan. Serve warm (or at room temperature) with butter or your other favorite spread.

Sliced pieces of cranberry orange bread on a stack of white plates

Or wrap them up with these fun holiday tags and gift to friends, family, and neighbors!

Wrapped cranberry orange bread with a holiday gift tag

Cranberry Orange Bread Expert Tips

Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the best cranberry orange bread every time!

Don’t substitute the oil for something healthier. The oil is what makes this one of the most moist cranberry orange bread recipes ever. It’s moist and absolutely delicious. If you do feel the need to make a substitution, substitute it with another oil like avocado oil.

Check the bread’s doneness with a knife. Every oven cooks differently, so when you think the bread might be done – stick a butter knife straight into the bread and pull it out. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out covered in gooey batter, let it cook for a few more minutes.

Let the cranberry bread cool before cutting. If you try to cut it while it’s still hot, it’ll likely crumble when you’re cutting the bread. It still tastes good crumbly but won’t hold together as well. If you just let it cool a little longer, the slices will stay together well.

Enjoy the flavors faster by making cranberry orange muffins that bake in half the time!

A white plate with sliced cranberry orange bread

Recipe FAQs

Where Can You Find Cranberries All Year Long?

You can find frozen cranberries in grocery stores like Whole Foods on a daily basis. Or purchase them during cranberry season and freeze to use all year long.

Can I Use Dried Cranberries Or Craisins In Cranberry Orange Bread?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries or Craisins in this bread recipe, but it is not going to taste the same. Dried cranberries are just not the same. They don’t carry the same amount of flavor, moisture, or tartness. If you’re totally out of luck and can’t find actual cranberries, they’ll work in a pinch but the bread will likely be a bit drier and sweeter than normal.

If you use Craisins or already sweetened dried cranberries, I’d skip the step where you sugar the cranberries or they’ll be way too sweet. I’d also recommend rehydrating them in either water or orange juice before putting them in the recipe.

Will This Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Work Without The Orange Zest?

Yes, this bread recipe will work without the zest – however, the orange flavor may not be as strong. If you don’t have dried orange rind, you can definitely use fresh orange zest as well. And if you don’t have either and really want to make this bread, you can omit it – it just won’t have as strong of an orange flavor.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries In Cranberry Bread?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Simply let them thaw before using them in this recipe. Frozen cranberries are a great way to make this bread when fresh cranberries aren’t readily available.

Can I Just Pulse The Cranberries Instead Of Cutting Them In Half?

Technically you could just pulse the cranberries then add the sugar to them, but you may end up with tiny bits of cranberry and really big pieces of cranberry, which could change the consistency and taste of the bread.

Does This Make Regular Loaves Or Mini Loaves? Or Muffins?

All of the above! This recipe typically makes 6-8 mini loaves depending on how full you fill the pan. It typically makes two full size loaves. If you want to make muffins, use this cranberry orange muffins recipe (with a yummy glaze) instead!

How Long Does This Cranberry Orange Bread Keep?

This cranberry orange bread will be good for up to a week wrapped in plastic wrap or in a plastic bag. If you’re not going to eat within a week, freeze.

Can you freeze cranberry orange bread?

Simply wrap and freeze wrapped in plastic. When you want to eat it – take it out and let it thaw before eating. The bread may not be quite as moist when thawed after being frozen, but it still tastes delicious!

A slice of cranberry orange bread on a white plate
Want More Goodies?

Want more delicious recipes just like this one? Enter your first name and email address in the form below to join the Play Party Plan community! You’ll receive weekly recipes and party ideas directly to your inbox!

Print Rate
4.94 from 44 votes

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

This cranberry orange bread recipe combines the popular flavor of cranberry bread with the tart pop of citrus. Combined you have one of the absolute best and most moist cranberry orange bread recipes ever. It'll be one of your go-to cranberry bread recipes every year. 
Sliced cranberry orange bread on a cutting board
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 50 minutes
Total: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves8 mini loaves

Ingredients

  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 cups sugar + 1/4 cup to put on top of the cranberries
  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries cut in half
  • 2 Tbs grated orange rind
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 1 cup water
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and spray mini loaf pans with non-stick spray. 
  • Slice cranberries in half. Top with 1/4 cup sugar then set aside.
  • Mix together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups sugar, orange rind, and vegetable oil.
  • Add eggs and combine.
  • Slowly add flour mixture, orange juice, and water to sugar mixture.
  • Once all mixed together, add chopped nuts and cranberries.
  • Divide batter into 8 greased mini loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.
  • Bake at 350 degrees for 35-45 minutes.

Tips & Notes:

Change it up! This recipe will make two large loaves - cook for 60-70 minutes or until a knife comes clean. If you want to make muffins, divide batter into 24 muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. 
Don’t substitute the oil for something healthier. The oil is what makes this one of the most moist cranberry orange bread recipes ever. It’s moist and absolutely delicious. If you do feel the need to make a substitution, substitute it with another oil – not applesauce.
Check the bread’s doneness with a knife. Every oven cooks differently, so when you think the bread might be done – stick a butter knife straight into the bread and pull it out. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If it comes out covered in gooey batter, let it cook for a few more minutes.
Let the cranberry bread cool before cutting. If you try to cut it while it’s still hot, it’ll likely crumble when you’re cutting the bread. It still tastes good crumbly but won’t hold together as well. If you just let it cool a little longer, the slices will stay together well.

Nutrition Info

Calories: 820kcal, Carbohydrates: 111g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 771mg, Potassium: 298mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 56g, Vitamin A: 173IU, Vitamin C: 24mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 4mg

Nutritional Disclaimer

Author: Britni Vigil
Course:Breakfast
Cuisine:American
Did You Make This?Tag @PlayPartyPlan on Facebook and Instagram and hashtag it #playpartyplan so I can see your creations!
This is the best cranberry orange bread recipe! It’s easy to make, incredibly moist, and delicious whether you make it in mini loaves, muffins, or regular loaves! Just make sure to make double because it’ll be gone in minutes!

you may also like…

  • A simple coconut pineapple bread recipe you can make today
    Baked Goods
    Easy Coconut Pineapple Bread Recipe
  • Four bread bowls with soup on them with a blue background
    Baked Goods
    Easy Homemade Bread Bowls
  • Breakfast
    Breakfast Wellington Recipe
  • Baked Goods
    Pineapple Monkey Bread Recipe

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Use the form below to submit your question or comment. I love hearing from you and seeing what you made!
rate this recipe:




text here

  1. D. Adelis says

    Posted on 11/23 at 12:08 am

    Looking forward to trying tomorrow. Can we replace butter for vegetable oil?

    Thank you.

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 12/19 at 10:15 am

      I’ve never tried that D, I think it might change the texture of the bread. Sorry!

      Reply
  2. Andrea says

    Posted on 12/8 at 3:59 pm

    What do I need to do to keep the loafs from being to moist even though they are done.

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 12/9 at 1:17 am

      Do you mean they came out too moist even if they were cooked all the way through? This is a pretty moist recipe because of the orange juice and the cranberries, if it’s too moist, I’d recommend cooking a bit longer.

      Reply
      • Sacheen says

        Posted on 12/26 at 8:14 pm

        Can I get the recipe for the orange bag pls

      • BritniV says

        Posted on 1/7 at 1:41 pm

        The recipe for the bread is at the very bottom of the post.

  3. JanVa says

    Posted on 12/14 at 6:52 pm

    This recipe looks perfect for Christmas gifts! Can I make ahead and freeze?
    Thanks for your help!

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 12/19 at 10:09 am

      Yes JanVA you can make ahead and freeze, just know that the loaves may be not be quite as moist as if you ate them without freezing.

      Reply
  4. Pat says

    Posted on 12/18 at 7:19 pm

    Would love to try recipe for cranberry orange bread but can’t seem to get full recipe? Help?

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 12/19 at 10:08 am

      The full recipe is at the bottom of the page. Sometimes if you’re looking at it on mobile it can be hard to find, so look on a desktop computer and if you’re still having problems email me and I can send it to you.

      Reply
  5. Catherine says

    Posted on 12/21 at 9:48 am

    I made these loaves yesterday and they turned out beautifully. They were moist, delicious and very flavourful. I would suggest that the cranberries be tossed in flour instead of sugar as this prevents the cranberries from sinking during the baking process. Whenever baking with fruit, it should be coated with flour. Thank you for this great recipe that will become part of my holiday baking repertoire from now on.

    Reply
  6. Teresa says

    Posted on 12/26 at 9:20 am

    I made this yesterday and tried it out in three containers: regular bread pan, mini loaf pan and muffin tins. My favorite was the muffin tins with foil liners for 22 minutes. They were moist and fluffy! All three were delicious though! Thanks so much for the recipe!

    Reply
    • BritniV says

      Posted on 1/7 at 1:42 pm

      Glad you enjoyed them Teresa!

      Reply
  7. nicolthepickle says

    Posted on 2/21 at 4:57 pm

    I loved how crisp brown sugary this was when it was fresh.
    I made it in bread, loaf pan size.
    This was lovely and I’ll make it again.

    I didn’t bother with sugaring the cranberries. I just skipped that bit as I love their tartness.

    Reply
  8. Janet Brinkman says

    Posted on 3/9 at 12:04 am

    I made this as a gift for my elderly parents, and they loved it. I didn’t get to taste it, but it smelled Devine out of the oven.

    Reply
  9. Sabrina says

    Posted on 11/12 at 7:59 am

    I have made multiple times now – this has become one of my go to recipes and someone always asks for the recipe when I make it. For something extra I sometimes add a light orange glaze-super yummy! I’ve made both mini and regular loaves, and planning to make a stash of muffins for Thanksgiving week when I’ll have a bunch of family in town. Thanks very much for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Ashley S. says

    Posted on 11/12 at 9:17 am

    I doubled the recipe because I made mini loaves for gifts for my neighbors so prep took a looking time but so worth it. Other recipes I’ve tried didn’t have enough orange or were too dry. This was perfect!!! I dont add the nuts to quick breads but everything else was the same. DELICIOUS!!!!
    I typically buy cranberries fresh then freeze them. They freeze well. If you wait too close to the holidays the berries look like they were picked pre-ripe.

    Reply
Older Comments
Newer Comments
Previous Post
15+ Fun Fall Party Games
Everything you need to know about planning a Chuck E. Cheese birthday party!
Next Post
Planning a Chuck E Cheese Birthday Party – Everything You Need to Know

Primary Sidebar

Hi! I’m
Britni

I love sweet treats, my family, games, and anything fun!

Read More

Ideas By Theme

Baby Shower Birthday Bridal Shower Disney Game Night Holiday Just For Kids Movie Night Outdoors

Healthy Favorites

Almond chicken on a plate

Almond Chicken

Homemade taco meat is perfect for a Whole 30 meal plan

Homemade Taco Meat

A white bowl filled with roasted root vegetables

Roasted Root Vegetables

Instant Pot Chicken Tacos

Popular Games

three adults looking at a card while playing games

Party Games for Adults

These hilarious St. Patrick’s Day games are fun for kids or adults! Play them as minute to win it games or play them just as regular old party games for some of the most hilarious St. Patrick’s Day activities ever!

Minute to Win It Games

Olympic Games

Birthday Ideas at Home

Free Party Ideas E-Club!

As Featured On

Join The Party

You're invited to the most fun party around! Join to get new posts, freebies, and more!

connect
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter
  • Play
    • Board Games
    • Kids Activities
    • Minute to Win It
    • Scavenger Hunts
  • Party
    • Food
    • Games
    • Printables
    • Themes
  • Plan
    • Disney Trips
    • Easy Meals
    • Family Travel
    • Gift Ideas

Disclaimer

Britni Vigil is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com.
Back to Top
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility
© 2021 · PLAY PARTY PLAN · Site Credits Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window