Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

Start your day with a delightful slice of this Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf, bursting with citrusy flavors and sweet-tart cranberries.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-29T18:26:29.342Z

This Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf is perfect for cozy mornings or special brunches. With its vibrant flavors and moist texture, it's sure to be a family favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Bright and zesty flavor profile from orange and cranberries
  • Moist and tender crumb that's perfect for breakfast
  • Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

There's something special about starting your day with a homemade breakfast loaf. The Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf not only fills your kitchen with a delightful aroma but also sets a positive tone for the day ahead. The combination of juicy cranberries and zesty orange creates a flavor explosion that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee or as a quick grab-and-go snack, this loaf is sure to become a morning favorite.

This breakfast loaf is not just a treat for the palate; it's also a source of energy to power you through your morning. The wholesome ingredients, including fresh cranberries and nutrient-rich orange juice, provide essential vitamins and minerals, making each slice both delicious and nourishing. It's a wonderful way to incorporate fruit into your breakfast routine without compromising on taste.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The versatility of the Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf makes it an ideal choice for various occasions. Whether you're hosting a brunch, attending a potluck, or simply enjoying a cozy morning at home, this loaf fits the bill perfectly. Its vibrant colors and enticing aroma will impress your guests, making it a standout dish on any table.

Moreover, this loaf is easy to make in larger batches, allowing you to share its delightful flavors with friends and family. Imagine surprising your loved ones with warm slices fresh out of the oven or gifting a loaf to a neighbor as a thoughtful gesture. It's a simple yet heartfelt way to connect with others and spread joy through baking.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once you've baked your Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf, you'll want to make sure it stays fresh for as long as possible. To store, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy a slice anytime you crave a burst of citrusy goodness without the hassle of baking again.

When it comes to serving, there are countless ways to enjoy this delightful loaf. Serve it plain, or add a smear of butter or cream cheese for extra richness. For a festive touch, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the top. Pair it with yogurt or fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Mix all ingredients thoroughly for best results!

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Mix the wet ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.

Combine dry ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Combine wet and dry mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.

Bake the loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Store any leftovers in an airtight container.

Tips for Success

To achieve the best results with your Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf, use fresh cranberries when possible. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them beforehand; simply fold them into the batter straight from the freezer. This will help maintain their shape and ensure they provide bursts of flavor in every bite.

Additionally, make sure not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf rather than the light, tender crumb you desire. Mix until just combined, and then gently fold in the cranberries for a perfect texture.

Variations to Try

While the classic Orange Cranberry flavor is irresistible, don't hesitate to experiment with variations! Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutrition. You could also incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to create a warm, cozy flavor profile that complements the citrus.

For a tropical twist, try substituting the orange juice with pineapple juice and adding shredded coconut to the batter. This will create a different yet equally delightful loaf that transports you to a sunny beach with every bite.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just do not thaw them before mixing.

→ How do I store the leftovers?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I substitute the butter?

You can substitute the butter with applesauce for a lighter version.

→ What can I serve with the loaf?

This loaf pairs well with cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream.

Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf

Start your day with a delightful slice of this Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf, bursting with citrusy flavors and sweet-tart cranberries.

Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Duration50 minutes
Overall Time65 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Easy Baking Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 1 loaf

What You'll Need

For the Loaf

  1. 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 cup granulated sugar
  3. ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  4. 2 large eggs
  5. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  6. ½ cup orange juice
  7. 1 tablespoon orange zest
  8. 1 teaspoon baking powder
  9. ½ teaspoon baking soda
  10. ½ teaspoon salt
  11. 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Step 02

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.

Step 03

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 04

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the cranberries.

Step 05

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 06

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 250 kcal
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 3g