Zesty Pioneer Woman Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: Bright Joy!

Orange cranberry bread bursts with zesty charm and rustic allure right from the first bite.

Citrusy whispers and cranberry echoes create a melodic taste experience that elevates classic baking.

Tart berries and sunny orange zest intertwine, crafting a sensational quick bread that sings with seasonal delight.

Soft, tender crumbs promise comfort in every slice, transforming simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Home bakers can easily craft this stunning breakfast treat with basic kitchen tools and minimal effort.

Warm aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning friends and family to gather around this irresistible homemade treasure.

Savor a slice of pure, delectable bliss that celebrates the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.

Flavor Variations for Orange Cranberry Loaf

• Swap out cranberries for other seasonal fruits like blueberries, chopped dried apricots, or diced pears for a delightful twist.
• Add a crunch by mixing chopped pecans, walnuts, or sliced almonds into the batter or sprinkled on top of the streusel for extra texture and depth.
• Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing the bread's delicious taste and tender crumb.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for a make-ahead treat that's ready whenever you are.

How to Serve Orange Cranberry Bread

• Serve Warm and Cozy: Slice this cranberry orange bread while it's slightly warm, letting the sweet aroma fill your kitchen and inviting everyone to enjoy a comforting piece.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Spread a generous layer of cream cheese or butter on each slice, adding a rich, smooth texture that complements the bread's tangy cranberry flavor.
• Create a Festive Breakfast Spread: Accompany the bread with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful morning treat that brings warmth and joy to your breakfast table.
• Transform into Delightful Dessert: Cut into cubes and serve as a sweet ending to your meal, or use as a base for a festive bread pudding that showcases its vibrant orange and cranberry notes.

How to Store Sliced Cranberry Bread

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Slice and Serve Smart: Cut the bread into thick, even slices after it's completely cooled to prevent crumbling. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts that showcase the beautiful texture.
• Refrigerate for Freshness: Store the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moist and delicious flavor.
• Freeze for Later Enjoyment: Wrap individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freezes perfectly for up to 3 months – just thaw at room temperature when a bread craving hits.
• Quick Revive Trick: Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast a slice to bring back that fresh-baked softness and boost the aromatic orange and cranberry notes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 11

Orange Cranberry Bread Ingredient Rundown

• Flour: Select all-purpose flour with fine, smooth texture for even mixing.
• Sugar: Opt for granulated white sugar with fine crystals for perfect crumbling.
• Cinnamon: Choose fresh, fragrant ground cinnamon for warm, aromatic flavor.
• Butter: Use cold, high-quality unsalted butter straight from the refrigerator.

• Flour: Pick unbleached all-purpose flour with consistent protein content.
• Baking Soda: Ensure fresh, unexpired baking soda for proper rising.
• Salt: Select fine-grain table salt for even distribution.

• Egg: Use large, room-temperature eggs for smooth batter integration.
• Brown Sugar: Pick moist, clump-free brown sugar for rich caramel notes.
• Granulated Sugar: Choose pure white sugar for balanced sweetness.
• Buttermilk: Select fresh, tangy buttermilk for tender crumb texture.
• Oil: Use neutral vegetable or canola oil for moisture without overpowering.
• Vanilla Extract: Pick pure vanilla extract for deep, complex flavor.
• Orange Zest: Select bright, fragrant fresh oranges with vibrant zest.

• Cranberries, Nuts: Choose plump, dry cranberries and fresh, crunchy nuts for textural contrast.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Select fine, smooth powdered sugar for silky glaze.
• Orange Juice: Use fresh, bright citrus juice for zingy finishing touch.

Tools to Bake Orange Cranberry Bread Smoothly

• Oven: Used to bake the cranberry bread at 350°F.
• 9×5-inch loaf pan: Perfect for creating the bread's shape.
• Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents bread from sticking to the pan.
• Medium mixing bowl: For preparing streusel topping and batter.
• Pastry cutter: Helps break butter into small crumbs for streusel.
• Two forks: Alternative to pastry cutter for mixing streusel.
• Two separate mixing bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
• Whisk: Blends wet ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Gently combines wet and dry ingredients.
• Wire rack: Allows bread to cool evenly after baking.
• Aluminum foil: Used to prevent over-browning during baking.
• Toothpick: Checks bread's doneness by testing for clean removal.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Instructions for Orange Cranberry Bread Perfection

• Preheat Kitchen Oven

Warm up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy bread removal.

• Craft Crumbly Streusel Topping

Create a delightful crumble by mixing flour, sugar, and cinnamon. Cut cold butter into tiny pieces using a pastry cutter until the mixture looks like small pebbles. Chill the streusel in the refrigerator while preparing the bread batter.

• Combine Bread Ingredients

Whisk wet ingredients in one bowl – include eggs, sugars, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, and orange zest until perfectly smooth. In another bowl, blend dry ingredients like flour, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold wet and dry mixtures together, then softly incorporate cranberries and optional nuts.

• Layer and Prep for Baking

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the chilled streusel across the top, gently pressing it into the surface for a delicious crunchy layer.

• Bake and Monitor

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Halfway through cooking, cover the bread with foil to prevent excessive browning. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

• Finish with Glaze

Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack. Whip up a quick glaze using confectioners’ sugar and orange juice, adjusting the liquid for perfect drizzling consistency. Generously coat the cooled bread with the sweet glaze and get ready to savor every bite.

Rustic Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 11 1x

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Description

Ree Drummond’s orange cranberry bread blends zesty citrus with tart berries in a delightful quick bread. Moist crumb and tangy glaze make this recipe a delectable treat that you’ll savor with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 ¼ cups (281g) all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 cup (110g) cranberries
• ½ cup (105g) light or dark brown sugar
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable or coconut oil
• 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tbsps (43g) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp orange zest
• 1–2 tbsps orange juice
• ½ cup (65g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Generously spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Streusel Creation: Blend flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Cut cold butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while preparing other components.
3. Dry Ingredient Combination: Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk egg with brown and granulated sugars until thoroughly combined.
4. Liquid Integration: Whisk buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest into the egg mixture until smooth and uniform.
5. Batter Assembly: Gently fold liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, minimizing mixing. Carefully incorporate cranberries and nuts, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
6. Baking Preparation: Pour batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle chilled streusel on top, gently pressing to adhere.
7. Baking Process: Bake for 50-55 minutes, covering with aluminum foil halfway through to prevent over-browning. Verify doneness by inserting a toothpick that comes out clean.
8. Cooling and Glazing: Allow bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Whisk confectioners’ sugar with orange juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze.
9. Finishing Touch: Once cooled, drizzle orange glaze over the bread, allowing it to flow naturally across the surface.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir batter minimally to maintain tender, soft bread texture and avoid tough, dense results.
• Zest Management: Freshly grate orange zest directly before mixing to capture maximum citrus flavor and aromatic oils.
• Streusel Chilling: Refrigerate streusel mixture before sprinkling to ensure crisp, distinct crumble topping during baking.
• Foil Protection: Cover bread midway through baking to prevent excessive browning and ensure even, golden-brown crust.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 11
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg