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Best Moist Cranberry Orange Bread

moist cranberry orange bread - featured image

A reliable, moist cranberry orange bread that is perfect for Thanksgiving. It balances sweetness with tartness and stays tender for days without being dense.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until no lumps remain.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the yogurt, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed or fold with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and nuts (if using).
  7. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender crumb. If using fresh cranberries, toss them in flour first to prevent sinking. The bread can be stored at room temperature for 3 days, refrigerated for a week, or frozen for 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, thanksgiving sides, moist bread, holiday baking, easy bread recipe, thanksgiving dessert