Description
This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist, flavorful quick bread bursting with the bright citrus notes of fresh orange zest and juice, paired perfectly with tart cranberries. Ideal for breakfast or a festive snack, this easy-to-make loaf combines a tender crumb with a subtle sweetness enhanced by a dusting of powdered sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh orange zest
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ¼ cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Other
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until evenly mixed and fragrant.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk to blend thoroughly.
- Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Prepare to bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness; if unavailable, frozen can be used but do not thaw them before folding into the batter.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter alternative.
- If desired, add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
- Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, citrus bread, Barefoot Contessa recipe, festive bread, holiday baking
