Nothing says holidays like the smell of cranberry bread baking in the oven! This cranberry bread recipe holiday bliss has been my go-to for every festive gathering since I first tasted it at my aunt’s Christmas brunch years ago. The moment that sweet-tart aroma hits the air, everyone comes running to the kitchen.

What makes this recipe special? That perfect balance of moist crumb and bright cranberry zing, with just enough orange zest to make it sing. I’ve tweaked it over the years – adding walnuts for crunch, adjusting the sugar just so – until it became the version my friends beg me to make every December.

Now it’s not truly Christmas in our house until I’ve baked at least three loaves: one for us, one to gift, and one that mysteriously disappears before I can wrap it! The tart cranberries bursting through each slice make it feel festive without being overly sweet – exactly what you want when you’re already surrounded by cookies and candy canes.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss

This isn’t just any quick bread – it’s your new holiday baking MVP. Here’s why everyone goes crazy for it:

So easy a reindeer could do it: One bowl, no fancy techniques – just mix and bake
Festive flavors that shout “holidays!”: Tart cranberries + sweet orange zest = Christmas in every bite
Magically moist texture: Stays delicious for days (if it lasts that long!)
Gift-ready gorgeous: Wrap it in pretty paper and suddenly you’re the most thoughtful friend
Perfect excuse to lick the bowl: That orange-zested batter? Don’t let it go to waste

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss

Gather these simple ingredients – most are probably already in your pantry! The magic happens when they all come together:

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 cup granulated sugar (yes, the full cup – trust me!)
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt (I use kosher)
3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 medium oranges)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg (room temperature works best)
1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest (don’t skip this!)
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional but recommended)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

No fresh cranberries? Frozen work too – just thaw and pat dry first. Out of walnuts? Try pecans or leave them out entirely. For a dairy-free version, any neutral oil works instead of butter. And if you’re feeling fancy, swap half the white sugar for brown sugar – it adds lovely caramel notes. Just promise me you’ll keep that orange zest – it’s the secret weapon!

Equipment You’ll Need

Here’s all you really need to make this cranberry bread recipe holiday bliss happen:

9×5-inch loaf pan (my trusty old one has baked dozens of loaves!)
2 mixing bowls – one for dry, one for wet ingredients
Whisk (or fork in a pinch)
Rubber spatula – for scraping every last bit of batter
Box grater – for that fresh orange zest magic

No stand mixer required – this is wonderfully old-school hand mixing at its best. The fewer dishes, the merrier, right?

How to Make Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss

Okay, let’s get baking! This cranberry bread comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps for holiday perfection:

Preheat that oven! Set it to 350°F (175°C) and grease your loaf pan really well. I like to use butter and a dusting of flour – it never fails me.
Mix the dry team. In your big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a good stir so everything’s evenly distributed.
Whisk up the wet crew. In another bowl, combine the orange juice, oil, egg, and that glorious orange zest. Whisk until it’s all friendly and smooth.
Bring them together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently – just until the flour disappears. A few lumps are totally fine, I promise!
Fold in the stars. Now gently fold in those gorgeous chopped cranberries and walnuts (if using). Don’t overmix – we want them evenly distributed but not smashed.
Into the pan it goes. Scrape every last bit of batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula – it should look bumpy and inviting.
Bake to golden perfection. Pop it in the oven for 55-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean (maybe with a crumb or two, but no wet batter).
Cool like a pro. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes – this helps it set. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely (if you can wait that long!).

Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bread

Here’s how I make sure every loaf turns out bakery-worthy:

Don’t overmix! Stir just until combined – overworking the batter makes tough bread.
Chop cranberries evenly so you get that perfect tart burst in every bite.
Check your oven temp with a thermometer – mine runs hot, so I bake at 325°F.
Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly before the center’s done.

Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss

This cranberry bread shines brightest when served warm with a pat of butter melting into its craggy surface – pure holiday magic! For breakfast, pair it with your favorite coffee or a steaming mug of spiced chai. At brunch, it’s perfect alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.

Want to dress it up? Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice – just whisk until smooth and pour over the cooled loaf. For special occasions, I’ll add a sprinkle of orange zest on top. It’s also fantastic toasted the next day with a smear of cream cheese!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

This cranberry bread stays moist for days when stored right! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze whole or sliced – just double-wrap in plastic and foil. To reheat, pop slices in the toaster or microwave for 10 seconds. The smell will make you think it’s fresh from the oven all over again!

Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
You sure can! Just soak them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes first to plump up. You’ll need about 3/4 cup dried since they’re more concentrated. But fresh cranberries give that wonderful tart pop I adore.

How long does this cranberry bread stay fresh?
Kept in an airtight container, it stays moist and delicious for 3-4 days at room temperature. After that, I recommend freezing slices – they toast up beautifully straight from the freezer!

Can I make this recipe into muffins?
Absolutely! Fill muffin cups 3/4 full and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or last-minute gifts. Just watch them closely – they bake faster than the loaf.

Why does my bread sink in the middle?
This usually means it needed a few more minutes baking. Ovens vary, so use the toothpick test – no wet batter should cling to it. Also make sure your baking powder is fresh!

Can I add other fruits?
Oh yes! I’ve added diced apples or pears with great success. Just keep the total fruit amount about the same. The cranberries are the star, but a few surprises never hurt!

Nutritional Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the approximate breakdown per slice (based on cutting the loaf into 12 generous pieces):

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 15g
Fat: 6g
Protein: 3g

Remember – these are estimates that might vary based on exact ingredients used. But hey, it’s the holidays – let’s focus more on those happy tastebuds than the numbers!

If you are interested in learning more about the science behind baking and how ingredients interact, you can check out resources on food science principles.

Share Your Cranberry Bread Creations

I’d love to see your holiday baking magic! Snap a photo of your cranberry bread masterpiece and tag me – I’ll be your biggest cheerleader. Did you add a special twist? Leave a comment below to share your genius ideas. Nothing makes me happier than seeing this recipe become part of your family traditions too!

For those looking for other festive, easy recipes, you might enjoy exploring some of our other quick baking projects, like our blue velvet cake recipe.

If you are curious about how to make other holiday drinks to pair with this bread, consider looking into a recipe for a refreshing easy Hugo Spritz recipe.

Irresistible 2-Ingredient Cranberry Bread Recipe Holiday Bliss

Author: Zach
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious cranberry bread perfect for holiday gatherings. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1 tbsp grated orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk orange juice, oil, egg, and orange zest.
Stir wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined.
Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze for longer storage.
Add a simple glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice for extra sweetness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 180
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cranberry bread, holiday recipe, easy bread, festive baking