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Freshly baked cranberry orange spice bread with cranberries and orange slices

Spiced Orange Cranberry Bread

A delightful loaf bursting with fresh cranberry and zesty orange flavors, blended with aromatic spices for a warm and cozy treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 200

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (260g) The foundation of your bread, providing a fluffy texture.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder Ensures your bread rises beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda Works in harmony with the baking powder for perfect fluffiness.
  • ½ teaspoon salt Enhances the overall flavors of the bread.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cardamom Adds a warm and slightly sweet aroma.
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon Infuses the bread with comforting, familiar notes.
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger Provides a subtle spice that complements the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil (60mL) Keeps the loaf moist and tender.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g) Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Binds the ingredients together.
  • ¾ cup whole milk (180mL), room temperature Adds richness and moisture.
  • ¼ cup orange juice (60mL), room temperature Brings a burst of citrus flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest Enhances the brightness and aroma.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Introduces depth of flavor.
Main Ingredient
  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (160g) The star ingredient, offering a tart contrast.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by cutting any cranberries that are larger than a blueberry in half, then set them aside.
  2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) with the rack positioned in the center.
  3. Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, and line it with parchment paper.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger.
  5. In a larger bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, whole milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
  7. Gently fold in the prepared cranberries.
  8. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glazing and Serving
  1. To make the glaze, combine the confectioners’ sugar with milk, adding it gradually until you achieve a drizzle-worthy consistency.
  2. Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled loaf.
  3. Slice the loaf into thick slices and enjoy.

Notes

Fresh cranberries can be used whole, or you can experiment with spices by adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove for an extra layer of warmth. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.