Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Bread from Barefoot Contessa is a delightful treat that combines the bright zest of orange with tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, this moist bread is easy to make and bursting with flavor.

Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp orange zest
¾ cup orange juice
¼ cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups cranberries
Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare for baking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
Step 3: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw them to prevent bleeding into the batter.
For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add a tablespoon of orange juice glaze over the cooled bread.
Substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts for some crunch.

Storage

Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh oranges instead of orange juice and zest?

Yes, you can zest a fresh orange for the zest amount and juice it to replace the orange juice. Fresh ingredients will add the most vibrant flavor.

What can I do if I don’t have a loaf pan?

You can bake this batter in a similarly sized baking dish or muffin tins, adjusting the baking time accordingly—muffins will take about 20–25 minutes.

Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread combines the bright, citrusy flavor of fresh orange zest and juice with tart cranberries in a moist, tender loaf. Perfect for breakfast or a holiday treat, this quick bread is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection, dusted with powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices) 1x
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp orange zest

Wet Ingredients

¾ cup orange juice
¼ cup melted butter
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Fruit

1½ cups cranberries

Optional

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until well combined to disperse the leavening agents and zest evenly.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a smooth liquid mixture.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and blend gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold the cranberries into the batter to spread them evenly without crushing.
Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the Bread: Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully baked.
Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar if desired, slice, and serve.

Notes

For a more intense orange flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and fresh-squeezed orange juice.
Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the bread moist and fluffy.
The cranberries can be fresh or frozen; if frozen, do not thaw before adding to avoid color bleeding.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices.
Powdered sugar dusting is optional but adds a nice decorative touch and subtle sweetness.

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, quick bread, holiday bread, Barefoot Contessa, citrus loaf, cranberry loaf, orange zest bread, moist bread