If you adore the sweet, tangy burst of cranberries paired with the bright, citrusy zing of orange, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe. This loaf is a beautiful balance of flavors, with moist, tender crumb and a subtle crunch from toasted almonds topping it all off. Whether it’s for breakfast, a cozy snack, or a charming addition to your holiday table, this bread delivers warmth and delight in every slice.

A moist yellow cake loaf with two main layers: the outer crust is golden brown and topped with sliced almonds and powdered sugar, creating a textured, crunchy surface, while the inside is soft and fluffy with a few visible pieces of red cranberries scattered throughout. The cake is being held by two woman's hands, one on each side, lifting a thick slice from the rest of the loaf that remains on a black wire cooling rack. The background and surface are a clean white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting your ingredients right is the first step to making this bread truly spectacular. Each component plays a crucial role—bringing together the sweetness, moisture, zest, and texture that make this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe so unforgettable.

2 cups all-purpose flour, fluffed, spooned and leveled: Properly measured flour ensures a perfectly tender crumb without being dense.
1 cup sugar: Sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries and orange zest.
1 cup cranberries (plus optional ½ cup): Fresh cranberries add tang and a pop of vibrant color; more means more bursts of tartness.
½ cup neutral oil: Keeps the bread moist without overpowering flavor, contributing to a tender crumb.
¼ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a subtle tang that heightens the orange and cranberry flavors.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together while lightening the texture.
Zest of 1 medium orange: Infuses the batter with addictive citrus aroma and flavor.
Juice of ½ medium orange: Adds natural moisture and refreshing tang.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the bread rise and keeps it tender.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for the perfect lift and lightness.
1 teaspoon almond extract: A small splash adds a lovely nutty warmth that complements both cranberry and orange beautifully.
Pinch of salt: Balances and enhances all the sweet and citrus flavors.
For the crunchy topping: ¼ cup sliced almonds and 2 tablespoons sugar, toasted slightly on top to give a delightful crunch and contrast.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper then grease all sides generously with butter or oil. This ensures the bread releases easily and the crust develops a lovely golden tone.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

Carefully zest the entire orange, avoiding the bitter white pith beneath. Then, juice half the orange and set that aside. In a medium bowl, whisk the sugar and eggs vigorously until the mixture is light and pale yellow—this step dissolves the sugar and incorporates air, giving your bread a light texture.

Next, add the orange zest, orange juice, almond extract, neutral oil, and sour cream to the eggs and sugar mixture. Whisk gently until everything is combined into a smooth, inviting batter.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Cranberries

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until blended. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until the flour disappears—over mixing can toughen your bread, so be gentle here. Lastly, fold in the cranberries, leaving some whole and halving others, so each bite contains fun bursts of tartness.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle the sliced almonds and sugar evenly over the surface for that irresistible crunchy topping. Bake for 57 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Avoid overbaking to keep the crumb tender and moist.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar makes the loaf look festive and adds a hint of extra sweetness. Alternatively, a thin glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar drizzled on top pairs wonderfully with the almond crunch.

Side Dishes

This bread shines when served alongside a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast or a snack. If you’re elevating it for brunch, fresh whipped cream or a mild cream cheese spread complements the flavors perfectly without overpowering the delicate balance of cranberry and orange.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice and serve the bread with a smear of homemade orange marmalade for an extra citrus pop. To impress guests, make miniature loaf-sized versions for individual servings. You can even toast slices lightly and top with ricotta cheese and a few extra fresh cranberries for a delightful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cranberry orange bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature—it will remain fresh and moist for up to three days. Refrigeration is not necessary unless your kitchen is very warm.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or on your kitchen counter.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, slice and gently toast pieces or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes. A quick microwave zap for 20 seconds also revitalizes texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well, but be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding them to avoid a soggy batter.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

You can omit the almond extract or substitute with vanilla extract for a more classic flavor profile—though the almond notes definitely add a lovely depth.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, but you’ll want to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum or another binder, and measure it carefully to maintain the proper texture.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Coating the cranberries lightly in flour before folding them into the batter helps distribute them evenly throughout the loaf.

Can I replace sour cream with yogurt?

Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will provide similar moisture and tang to the bread.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, flavorful treat, this Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is the perfect place to start. It’s bursting with festive flavors and textures that make every bite a delight. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share with your loved ones over a comforting cup of something warm.