Name: Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: Grandma's Amazing Twist
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen

Jump to Recipe

Thanksgiving just isn’t Thanksgiving without something baking in the oven, am I right? And this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving? Oh, it’s a game-changer! The way the tart cranberries burst in your mouth, followed by that bright, sunny orange flavor… it’s like a little taste of autumn magic. Seriously, forget the pumpkin spice (just for a minute!).

Every year, my grandma used to make this incredible cranberry bread. The whole house would smell amazing! Honestly, I think that smell *is* Thanksgiving for me. I’ve tweaked her recipe a tiny bit over the years, and this version? This is *it*. It’s moist, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it looks gorgeous on the Thanksgiving table. So ditch the store-bought rolls this year and whip up this amazing Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Seriously, you *need* this bread in your life this Thanksgiving! It’s not just tasty; it’s got a bunch of things going for it that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been baking it all along.

Quick and Easy

Okay, let’s be real: Thanksgiving is BUSY. This bread is so simple, you can practically make it with your eyes closed (but don’t, for safety reasons!). Minimal prep, easy steps – even the kids can help!

Perfect for Thanksgiving

This isn’t just *any* bread; it’s *Thanksgiving* bread! The colors are perfect, the flavors are festive, and it goes with everything from turkey to leftovers the next day. It just *belongs* on that table, you know?

Delicious Flavor Combination

That tangy cranberry mixed with bright orange? Wow! It’s sweet, it’s tart, it’s just… *right*. It’s a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Trust me on this one!

Ingredients for Your Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving is super forgiving, BUT you gotta have the right stuff. Here’s the lowdown:

Dry Ingredients

First up, the dry crew: You’ll need 2 cups of all-purpose flour (yep, the regular kind!), 1 cup of granulated sugar (for sweetness, duh!), 1 teaspoon of baking powder (for that lovely rise!), 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (a little extra oomph!), and 1/4 teaspoon of salt (to balance everything out!). Don’t skip the salt – it makes a difference!

Wet Ingredients

Now for the wet squad: Grab 1/2 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought is fine too!), 1/4 cup of vegetable oil (or canola oil – whatever you have!), and one large egg (gotta bind it all together!). Make sure that egg is a *large* one, okay?

Fruit and Zest

And finally, the stars of the show! You’ll need 1 teaspoon of orange zest (that’s the secret weapon for that amazing orange flavor!), and 1 cup of cranberries. Now, you can use fresh or frozen cranberries for this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving. I usually use frozen ’cause they’re easier to keep on hand. Just don’t thaw ’em before you toss ’em in!

How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get baking? This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving is seriously simple, I promise! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous loaf in no time.

Preparing for Baking Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

First things first: crank that oven up to 350°F (that’s 175°C for you metric folks!). While it’s heating up, grab a loaf pan (the standard size is perfect) and grease it *really* well. I like to use shortening, but butter works too. Then, dust it with flour. This is super important, or your bread will stick! Trust me, I’ve been there, and it’s not pretty!

Mixing the Ingredients

Alright, grab a big bowl and whisk together all those dry ingredients we talked about: the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Get ’em nice and combined! In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: orange juice, oil, and that egg. Now, pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and mix until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Seriously, overmixing is the enemy of a tender bread!

Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving - detail 1

Adding Cranberries and Baking

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in those cranberries (remember, don’t thaw ’em if they’re frozen!). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). If it starts to get too brown on top, tent it with foil.

Cooling and Serving

Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know, it’s tempting to slice into it right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! Once it’s cool, slice it up and serve. And hey, if you wanna add a glaze (more on that later!), now’s the time!

Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Want to take your Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving from good to *amazing*? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years.

Choosing the Right Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries? That’s the big question! Honestly, both work great. Fresh cranberries will give you a slightly tarter flavor, while frozen are a bit sweeter. Just remember: if you’re using frozen, don’t thaw them! Toss ’em in frozen solid.

Ensuring a Moist Bread

Nobody wants dry bread! The key here is not to over-bake it. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes, and don’t be afraid to pull it out even if the toothpick isn’t *perfectly* clean. A few moist crumbs are totally fine!

Adding Extra Flavor

Want to really amp up that orange flavor? Use orange extract! Just a 1/2 teaspoon will do the trick. You can also add a little extra orange zest. My favorite part is brushing the loaf with warm orange marmalade right after it comes out of the oven. Wow! It’s sticky, sweet, and delicious!

Variations on This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! Because, hey, why not?

Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Oh, a glaze just takes this bread to the next level! It’s super easy: Just whisk together about a cup of powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of orange juice until it’s smooth and pourable. Drizzle it over the cooled bread. Boom! Instant deliciousness!

Nutty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Want some crunch? Toss in some chopped nuts! Walnuts or pecans are fantastic in this bread. About 1/2 cup should do the trick. Just fold ’em in with the cranberries. Trust me, that nutty flavor adds a whole new dimension!

Storing Your Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Okay, so you’ve baked this amazing Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving. Now, how do you keep it fresh? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!

Storage Instructions

The best way to store your Orange Cranberry Bread is at room temperature in an airtight container. It’ll stay nice and moist for about 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before you wrap it up, or it’ll get soggy!

Reheating Instructions

Want to warm up a slice? Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or toast it lightly. A little butter on top? Oh yeah! It’s like a little taste of Thanksgiving all over again!

Frequently Asked Questions About Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Got questions about this Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving? I get it! Baking can be tricky. Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked all the time:

Can I use dried cranberries?

Yep, you totally can! Just keep in mind that dried cranberries are a bit chewier and sweeter than fresh or frozen. So, you might want to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by a tablespoon or two. Also, soaking the dried cranberries in some warm orange juice for about 15 minutes before adding them to the batter helps plump them up and keeps them from drying out your bread. Smart, right?

How do I keep the bread moist?

Ah, the million-dollar question! Nobody wants dry bread. Here’s the secret: don’t overbake it! Seriously, that’s the biggest culprit. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes, and don’t be afraid to pull it out even if the toothpick isn’t perfectly clean. A few moist crumbs are totally fine! Also, storing it properly (in an airtight container) is key.

Can I freeze Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving?

Absolutely! This Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving freezes like a dream. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or pop it into a freezer bag. It’ll keep for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or on the counter. You can even slice it and toast it straight from frozen! How easy is that?

Nutritional Information for Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving

Okay, quick disclaimer: Nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (brands, sizes, etc.). So, what I’ve got here is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come yellin’ at me!

Enjoy Your Orange Cranberry Bread!

Alright, you did it! You baked this amazing Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe For Thanksgiving! Now, go enjoy it! And hey, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, okay? I wanna hear all about it!