There's nothing quite like the combination of bright citrus and tart cranberries to bring a burst of flavor to your day. This Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that balances sweetness with a tangy punch, making it perfect for breakfast, a mid-morning snack, or dessert.

I first discovered this recipe during the holiday season when I was looking for a unique baked good to share with friends and family. It quickly became a staple in our home, not just for special occasions but year-round—especially when I need a quick and delicious pick-me-up.

Let me show you why this easy, moist bread will become your new favorite, too!

Why You’ll Love This Orange Cranberry Bread

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to baked treat. This Orange Cranberry Bread is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, even for beginner bakers.

First off, it’s bursting with vibrant, fresh flavors. The zesty orange and tart cranberries are a match made in heaven, creating a beautiful balance of sweet and tangy in every bite.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it for brunch, enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, or gift it to friends during the holidays. It’s always a hit, no matter the occasion.

Plus, it’s freezer-friendly! Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or want to save some for later, this bread freezes beautifully while maintaining its moist, tender texture.

Best of all, it requires just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. No fancy baking skills or tools needed—just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Ingredients Notes

The secret to this Orange Cranberry Bread lies in its simple, flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in delivering the perfect taste and texture.

Fresh cranberries are the star of this recipe. Their natural tartness pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bread, creating little bursts of flavor in every bite. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries (no need to thaw) or dried cranberries as a substitute.

Orange zest and juice add brightness to the bread and complement the cranberries perfectly. Be sure to use fresh oranges for the best flavor—bottled juice just doesn’t compare.

All-purpose flour forms the base of this bread, providing the right structure and crumb. If you’d like to experiment, you can substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier taste.

Granulated sugar sweetens the loaf while balancing the tart cranberries. If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar slightly without affecting the texture.

Buttermilk keeps the bread soft, moist, and tender. Don’t have buttermilk on hand? No problem! Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup of milk, let it sit for 5 minutes, and you have a perfect substitute.

You’ll also need basic baking essentials like eggs, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and butter to tie everything together. A loaf pan and mixing bowls are the only tools required—simple and straightforward!

How To Make This Orange Cranberry Bread

Creating this flavorful, moist Orange Cranberry Bread is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a beautiful loaf ready to enjoy in no time.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. This step ensures your bread bakes evenly and doesn’t stick to the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will create the perfect structure for your bread, so be sure it’s well combined.

In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, resulting in a tender, moist crumb. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the orange zest and orange juice for that burst of citrus flavor.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread dense instead of light and fluffy.

Gently fold in the cranberries, being careful not to crush them. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want. Pour it into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should have a golden-brown top and your kitchen will smell heavenly. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Storage Options

This Orange Cranberry Bread stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or gifting.

To store at room temperature, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days on your countertop.

For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator. Place it in an airtight container or zip-top bag, and it will last for up to a week. Be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or pop them in the toaster for a quick treat.

Reheating is simple—warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast them lightly for a crisp edge.

Variations and Substitutions

This Orange Cranberry Bread is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!

If you prefer a sweeter loaf, try using dried cranberries instead of fresh. They add a chewy texture and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.

For a nutty twist, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries. The added crunch takes this bread to the next level.

Looking to make this recipe a bit healthier? Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly. You’ll still get a moist, flavorful loaf with a little extra fiber.

Want to add a glaze? Whisk together powdered sugar and a splash of orange juice for a simple, citrusy topping. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf for a bakery-style finish.

For a festive touch, toss in a handful of white chocolate chips. The creamy sweetness complements the tart cranberries perfectly, making it ideal for holiday gatherings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tart, moist and tender. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, gifting it to friends, or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, this loaf is guaranteed to brighten your day. Try it out and see why it’s a family favorite in my home—and soon, in yours!