Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread Recipe 🍞🍊
Overview:
This delightful Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread is a cherished recipe in our household, beloved by my husband and always in demand at parties, especially during the holiday season. Originally sourced from the Betty Crocker Cookbook, I’ve made a few tweaks over the years to make it truly irresistible. The addition of a tangy glaze takes it to another level, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Margarine | 1/4 cup |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Egg | 1 |
| Cranberries | 1 cup |
| Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
| Orange juice | 3/4 cup + extra for glaze |
Instructions:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or spray the bottom only of an 8×4 or 9×5 inch loaf pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Add the margarine and mix until the mixture becomes crumbly.
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Moisten the Mixture: Stir in the orange zest, 3/4 cup of orange juice, and the egg until the mixture is moistened. Add the cranberries (and nuts if desired) and stir until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Baking: Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. For an 8-inch loaf, this typically takes about 75 minutes, while for a 9-inch loaf, it may take 55-65 minutes. Keep an eye on it after about 50 minutes, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
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Cooling: Once baked, loosen the sides of the bread from the pan and carefully remove it. Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack.
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Prepare the Glaze: Once the bread has cooled, prepare the glaze by combining 1 tablespoon of orange juice with 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar. Add extra orange juice as needed to achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.
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Glazing: Drizzle the prepared glaze over the top of the cooled loaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides enticingly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Slice the Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread into generous portions and relish the burst of flavors with every bite. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack any time of the day.
Tips:
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the cranberries.
- To ensure the bread stays moist, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
- This bread makes a wonderful homemade gift for friends and family, especially during the festive season. Package it in a decorative tin or wrap it with festive ribbon for a thoughtful touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 2580.1
- Fat: 53.1g
- Saturated Fat: 11.4g
- Cholesterol: 186mg
- Sodium: 3533.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 497.6g
- Fiber: 12.4g
- Sugar: 288.9g
- Protein: 34.5g
Conclusion:
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread, a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, brunch with friends, or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, this bread is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen as you create cherished memories with every slice.
