Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf

Name: Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ½ cup fresh cranberries, chopped; ½ cup orange juice

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

Delight in the zesty flavor of our Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf, perfect for your morning routine or a cozy brunch.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-29T14:31:27.262Z

This Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf combines the sweetness of cranberries with the refreshing zest of oranges, making it a delightful addition to your breakfast table.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright citrus flavor paired with tart cranberries
Moist and tender crumb that’s perfect for slicing
Easy to make and great for sharing at gatherings

      

The Perfect Breakfast Treat

The Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf is more than just a delightful way to start your day; it’s an experience that awakens your senses. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and satisfying. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf, the inviting aroma of citrus filling your kitchen, and a hint of sweetness tickling your taste buds. This loaf is perfect for those busy mornings when you need a quick and delicious breakfast option without sacrificing flavor.

What sets this loaf apart is its moist and tender crumb, making it ideal for slicing. Each piece holds together beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it plain or slathered with butter. Whether you’re serving it to guests at a brunch or enjoying it solo with your morning coffee, the Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf is sure to impress. It’s a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences, whether you want to add nuts or swap cranberries for another fruit.

Easy to Prepare

One of the best aspects of this breakfast loaf is how simple it is to prepare. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious treat in no time. The recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that even beginners can achieve a perfect loaf. The mixing process is straightforward, and the baking time is just under an hour, making it a quick addition to your morning routine or a last-minute brunch option.

In addition to its ease of preparation, this loaf is also a fantastic make-ahead option. You can bake it the night before and let it cool completely, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. In the morning, simply slice and serve, or warm individual pieces in the microwave for a comforting breakfast. The Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf holds up well for several days, making it a great choice for meal prep or to enjoy throughout the week.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf is not just for breakfast; it’s perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, a cozy gathering, or looking for a thoughtful gift for a friend, this loaf is sure to be a hit. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation make it a standout centerpiece on any table. You can easily dress it up with a light glaze or serve it alongside a selection of cheeses for a delightful spread.

Additionally, the loaf is easily customizable, allowing you to tailor it to your specific taste or dietary needs. Consider adding chopped nuts for extra crunch, or substituting the cranberries for blueberries or raspberries. With its flexible nature, the Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf can be enjoyed year-round, making it a versatile recipe that you’ll return to time and again.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

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

Mix well until combined.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Cream Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add Eggs and Flavorings

Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the orange juice. Stir in the chopped cranberries.

Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf!

Storage Tips

To keep your Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, consider refrigerating it, which can keep it fresh for a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the loaf. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or bring it to room temperature before slicing.

If you prefer to enjoy individual slices, consider cutting the loaf into portions before freezing. This way, you can easily take out a slice whenever you crave a quick breakfast or snack. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up, and you'll have a delicious treat ready in no time.

Pairing Suggestions

The zesty flavor of the Orange Cranberry Breakfast Loaf pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. For a classic breakfast experience, serve it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea. The bright citrus notes complement the rich flavors of coffee, making for a delightful morning ritual. Alternatively, consider enjoying it with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice to enhance the citrus experience.

For a more indulgent option, serve the loaf with a spread of cream cheese or mascarpone, adding a creamy texture to the tartness of the cranberries. You can also top it with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light glaze made from orange juice and powdered sugar for an added touch of sweetness. These simple pairings can elevate your breakfast loaf experience and make it even more enjoyable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used without thawing, but they may add extra moisture.

→ How should I store the loaf?

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

→ Can I substitute the butter?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute or vegetable oil.

→ Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.