Orange Cranberry Bread

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 50–55 minutes

• Cool & Glaze Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes

 Intensity Level: Easy

This is a straightforward quick bread recipe, made in one bowl with no mixer required. A perfect beginner-friendly baking project!

 Ingredients

 For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¾ cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons orange zest (from 1 large orange)

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice

• ½ cup whole milk (or buttermilk)

• 1⁄3 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)

• 1 tablespoon flour (for tossing cranberries)

 For the Orange Glaze (Optional but recommended):

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• Additional orange zest for garnish

 Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan

• Mixing bowls and whisk

• Zester or grater

• Rubber spatula

• Cooling rack

 Step-by-Step Instructions

 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.

 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together:

   • 2 cups flour

   • Baking powder, baking soda, and salt

2. Set aside.

 Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

1. In another bowl, whisk:

   • Sugar and orange zest (rub them together to release oils)

   • Orange juice

   • Milk

   • Oil

   • Egg

   • Vanilla extract

 Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

2. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.

 Step 5: Fold in Cranberries

1. Toss cranberries in 1 tablespoon flour (prevents sinking).

2. Gently fold them into the batter.

 Step 6: Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

2. Smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

 If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

 Step 7: Cool and Glaze

1. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

2. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

3. While cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth.

4. Drizzle over the cooled bread and top with extra zest if desired.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve slices warm with butter or cream cheese

• Add to a holiday brunch spread

• Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot spiced cider

 Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 1 week, though best at room temp.

• Freezer: Freeze (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

 Nutrition Information (Per Slice, based on 10 slices)

Nutrition may vary slightly depending on ingredients used.