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Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
The Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf is a delightful baked treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus notes of orange and warm spices. This moist, flavorful loaf makes the perfect addition to your breakfast table or afternoon tea spread. With its beautiful ruby-red cranberries scattered throughout golden cake and aromatic spices, this recipe delivers both visual appeal and incredible taste.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, making it an accessible recipe for any skill level
- Perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange flavors that creates a harmonious taste experience
- Moist texture that stays fresh for days, making it ideal for meal prep or gifting
- Versatile serving options – enjoy it plain, with butter, or as a dessert with cream
- Beautiful presentation with vibrant cranberries that make it perfect for holiday gatherings
Why This Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe Works
This recipe succeeds because it uses the perfect ratio of wet to dry ingredients, ensuring a tender crumb every time. The combination of fresh orange zest and juice provides natural moisture while delivering bright citrus flavor throughout each slice.
The key lies in the gentle mixing technique that prevents overdevelopment of gluten, keeping your loaf light and tender. The cinnamon adds warmth without overpowering the fruit flavors, while the cranberries provide delightful bursts of tartness that complement the sweet cake base.
What You’ll Need for This Perfect Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Provides structure and base for the loaf |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Sweetens and helps create tender texture |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | Leavening agent for proper rise |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 tsp | Adds warm spice flavor |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | Enhances flavors and balances sweetness |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 cup | Provides tartness and texture contrast |
| Large orange | 1 whole | Zest and juice for citrus flavor |
| Large eggs | 2 | Binds ingredients and adds richness |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | Adds moisture and rich flavor |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| 9×5 inch loaf pan | Shapes the loaf and provides even baking |
| Large mixing bowls | Separate wet and dry ingredients properly |
| Wire whisk | Combines dry ingredients evenly |
| Rubber spatula | Gently folds ingredients without overmixing |
| Microplane grater | Creates fine orange zest |
| Wire cooling rack | Allows proper cooling and prevents soggy bottom |
How to Make Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Prep Work | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray |
| Mix Dry Ingredients | In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined |
| Prepare Wet Ingredients | In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and zest until smooth and well blended |
| Combine Mixtures | Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix |
| Add Cranberries | Fold in cranberries carefully using a rubber spatula to distribute evenly throughout batter |
| Bake | Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean |
| Cool | Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Toss cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking to the bottom
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a more even batter texture
- Don’t overmix the batter – stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks
- Test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and ensure clean cuts
Serving and Storage Tips for Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
Serving Tips
Serve your Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Slice it into thick pieces using a sharp serrated knife for clean cuts. This loaf pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
For special occasions, try serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar. You can also toast slices lightly and spread with butter for a delightful breakfast treat. Check out our Ultimate Chicken Casserole for another comforting recipe idea.
Store the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Mistakes to Avoid while making Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
Overmixing the batter is the most common mistake that leads to a tough, dense loaf. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and you can’t see dry flour.
Using frozen cranberries without thawing can create excess moisture in your batter. If using frozen cranberries, thaw and pat them dry first. Another frequent error is not properly greasing the pan, which can cause sticking.
Opening the oven door too frequently during baking can cause temperature fluctuations and uneven cooking. Check for doneness only after the minimum baking time has passed.
You Must Know
- Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen ones are acceptable if properly thawed and dried
- The loaf will continue cooking slightly from residual heat, so don’t overbake
- Orange zest provides more flavor than juice alone, so don’t skip this ingredient
- Room temperature ingredients blend more easily and create a better texture
Suggestions for Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
Transform this basic recipe by adding chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and richness. You can also experiment with different spices like nutmeg or cardamom for unique flavor profiles.
For a sweeter version, try adding a simple orange glaze made with powdered sugar and fresh orange juice. Drizzle it over the cooled loaf for an elegant finish. Consider making mini loaves for gift-giving during the holiday season.
This recipe adapts well to muffin format too – just reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes. For more delicious baking inspiration, check out our 5-Ingredient Easy Keto Cloud Cake Recipe.
You can find similar recipes at AllRecipes and NYT Cooking for additional inspiration.
FAQs:
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but use only 3/4 cup as they’re more concentrated. Soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding to soften them slightly.
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. The loaf should also spring back lightly when touched and pull slightly away from the pan sides.
Absolutely! This loaf actually improves in flavor after a day. Wrap it tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
Use a sharp serrated knife and make gentle sawing motions. Ensure the loaf is completely cool before slicing, as warm loaf tends to crumble and stick to the knife.
You can reduce sugar by up to 1/4 cup, but this will affect the texture and moisture. The cranberries are quite tart, so the sugar helps balance the flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
This Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf delivers the perfect combination of tart cranberries, bright orange flavor, and warm spices in every bite. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you’ll have a bakery-quality loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.
The key to success lies in gentle mixing and proper timing. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a holiday treat, this loaf will become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t forget to explore our Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for your next cooking adventure!
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📖 Recipe Card
Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 days. for longer storage, wrap in plastic and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. thaw overnight at room temperature before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf that combines tart cranberries with bright orange zest and warm cinnamon spice for a perfect seasonal treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 whole large orange
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Instructions
- Prep Work: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and zest until smooth and well blended
- Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined – don’t overmix
- Add Cranberries: Fold in cranberries carefully using a rubber spatula to distribute evenly throughout batter
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes out clean
- Cool: Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing
Notes
- Toss cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking to the bottom
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a more even batter texture
- Don’t overmix the batter – stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour streaks
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrap in plastic and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf, cranberry bread, orange loaf, holiday baking, quick bread, homemade bread
