Easy One Bowl Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake is the ultimate quick bread recipe for any time of year, especially the holiday season. Made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and a drizzle of a simple orange glaze, this moist and flavorful treat strikes the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you’re baking for Christmas morning, a family gathering, or simply craving something cozy, this loaf cake delivers.

Let’s dive into this easy cranberry orange bread recipe that uses basic ingredients, one large bowl, and a single bread pan to create a bakery-worthy loaf.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Quick and Easy: One bowl, minimal cleanup, and no fancy equipment.
• Packed with Flavor: The lemon and orange zest and fresh tart cranberries create a vibrant taste.
• Versatile: Turn it into cranberry orange muffins or mini loaves.
• Perfect Treat: Great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, especially during the holiday season.

Ingredient List

• Fresh Cranberries: These add tartness and a burst of juicy flavor that balances the sweetness of the loaf. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work just as well—just thaw and pat them dry. For a twist, try dried cranberries, but soak them in water or orange juice to plump them up.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the loaf and balances the tangy flavors of the cranberries and citrus. You can substitute with whole cane sugar for a slightly caramel-like flavor or a blend of sugar and a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar option.
• Orange Zest and Lemon Zest: These are the stars of the flavor profile, infusing the loaf with bright, citrusy notes. The zest adds more concentrated flavor than juice. If you don’t have fresh oranges or lemons, you can use dried citrus peel in smaller amounts, but fresh zest is highly recommended for the best results.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the citrus flavor. Fresh orange juice is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch. For a different flavor profile, you could use lemon juice, but it will be tangier.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb. Use whole milk for richness or substitute with plant-based milk like almond, oat, or soy for a dairy-free version.
• Neutral-Tasting Oil: Keeps the loaf moist and gives it a soft texture. Use extra-light olive oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil or another neutral oil. You can swap it with melted butter for a richer flavor but the crumb may be a bit drier.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that complements the citrus. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract can work, but use less as it has a stronger flavor.
• Almond Flour: Adds a delicate texture and helps keep the loaf moist. If almond flour isn’t available, you can replace it with more all-purpose flour, though the texture will be slightly denser.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the loaf. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.
• Baking Soda and Baking Powder: These leavening agents ensure the loaf rises properly and has a light texture. It’s important to use both for the right balance of lift. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness. You can use regular table salt but reduce the amount slightly since it’s saltier by volume.

Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Bread Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 1 lb loaf pan with unsalted butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Chop the Cranberries

Roughly chop the fresh cranberries into smaller pieces. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Citrus Sugar

In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, orange zest, and lemon zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips to release the citrus oils. This step enhances the orange flavor and creates a fragrant sugar mixture.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the fresh orange juice, milk, oil, vanilla extract, and almond flour to the sugar. Whisk until smooth and the almond flour until fully incorporated with no lumps. Almond flour tends to clump but since it contains no gluten, you can mix it with the wet ingredients before adding the flour.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and kosher salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the flour mixture into the batter with a spatula. Avoid overmixing for the best results.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries

Carefully fold the juicy cranberries into the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared bread pan and smooth the top of the batter with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake

Bake at 350°F for 50-55 minutes. The top of the bread should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool the Loaf

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make the Simple Orange Glaze

1. In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, a pinch of salt, and fresh orange juice. Stir until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip over the sides for a glossy finish.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Chop the Cranberries: smaller pieces disperse better throughout the loaf and give it a balanced flavor of tart cranberries against the sweet cake.
• Weigh the ingredients – I always recommend using a kitchen scale to weigh ingredients when baking. It is the most accurate way to bake and ensures that you will get the correct results from any recipe.
• Don’t over-mix – Mix the flour into batter by hand to avoid overworking the flour in the mixer which could cause the cake to be tough and dense instead of fluffy and tender.
• Use a thermometer – Because all ovens are different it is always a good idea to use an oven thermometer so you know the true temperature of your oven. They are inexpensive and widely available.

Storage

Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or store the loaf in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze orange cranberry bread, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap then store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea as a breakfast treat.
• Serve warm with a dollop of cranberry sauce or whipped cream for dessert.
• Use it as a festive addition to your holiday season brunch table.

FAQ

What About Variations?

• Add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to make cranberry nut bread
• Turn this into cranberry orange muffins by adjusting the oven temp to 400˚F and the baking time to 15-20 minutes.

Why This Cranberry Orange Loaf Cake Is a Must-Try

This cranberry orange loaf cake is a great way to celebrate the holiday season or any special occasion. With its juicy cranberries, bright orange flavor, and tender crumb, it’s a perfect treat that’s sure to impress.

So, grab your grocery store essentials, and let’s get baking! Don’t forget to pin this orange cranberry loaf cake recipe and share your creations in the comments below.

Happy baking!

More easy holiday Recipes

• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Easy Cranberry Icebox Cake
• Easy Irish Shortbread Cookies
• Easy Skillet Cornbread
• Vegan Chocolate Chunk Cranberry Walnut Cookies
• Easy GF Pumpkin Bread

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