Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf has been my go-to recipe for cozy mornings and festive gatherings since I first tasted my aunt Carol’s version years ago. The aroma that fills my kitchen when it’s baking – a warm hug of cinnamon, nutmeg, and bright citrus – is simply irresistible. This easy quick bread strikes the perfect balance between tart cranberries and sweet, zesty orange, creating a truly delightful treat. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a little slice of comfort that I love sharing. Making this homemade cranberry orange loaf cake always brings a smile to my face, and I know you’ll love it too. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons! It’s the perfect blend of sweet and tart, with a delightful warmth from the spices. You’ll love how quickly this quick bread comes together, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute guests.

Incredible Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warm spices is absolutely divine.
Quick & Easy Prep: Spend less than 20 minutes preparing the batter, and let the oven do the rest!
Budget-Friendly Baking: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable treat.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will adore this tender, flavorful loaf.
Perfectly Moist: You’ll achieve a wonderfully moist cranberry orange spice loaf every single time.
Versatile Treat: Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Aromatic Delight: The scent of this moist cranberry orange spice loaf baking will fill your home with warmth.

Ingredients for Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious spiced cranberry orange bread. This recipe is designed to give you a perfectly tender crumb and a burst of citrusy flavor, making it a standout orange zest cranberry loaf cake.

2 cups all-purpose flour – the base of our loaf
1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
2 teaspoons baking powder – helps the loaf rise beautifully
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – adds warmth
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg – complements the citrus
1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the flavors
2 large eggs – at room temperature for better incorporation
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest – this is key for that bright citrus punch!
1/2 cup fresh orange juice – adds moisture and more orange flavor
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – provides richness and tenderness
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall aroma and taste
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries – for that classic tartness
1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional glaze) – for a sweet finish

Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf: Incredible 20-Min Bake - Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf - additional detail

How to Make Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

Creating this delightful spiced cranberry orange bread is a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma. Follow these simple steps to bake a perfect loaf every time. This recipe is designed to be an easy spiced cranberry orange bread that even beginners can master, resulting in a moist and flavorful treat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang to easily lift the loaf out later.

Combine Dry Ingredients

Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Ensure everything is well combined for an even rise.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry

Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are perfectly fine for this easy spiced cranberry orange bread.

Fold in Cranberries

Step 5: Carefully fold in the 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overworking it, which helps prevent them from sinking.

Bake the Loaf

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is beautifully golden brown.

Cool the Loaf

Step 7: Let the loaf cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the parchment paper overhang and let it cool completely on the rack.

Prepare Optional Glaze

Step 8: If you like, whisk together the 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a tablespoon or two of orange juice until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the completely cooled loaf for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

Want to elevate your baking game? These tips will ensure your spiced cranberry orange loaf is absolutely perfect every single time. From ingredient prep to final touches, these little tricks make a big difference in achieving that wonderful texture and flavor.

Always use freshly grated orange zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor – bottled zest just doesn’t compare!
Don’t overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; this is crucial for a tender crumb.
Ensure your cranberries are evenly distributed. If using frozen, toss them with a tablespoon of flour before folding them in to prevent sinking.
Let the loaf cool completely before glazing or slicing to prevent it from crumbling.

What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf?

The key to a truly perfect loaf is the balance of ingredients and gentle handling. Using fresh orange zest and juice provides the best citrus punch, while not overmixing the batter ensures a tender crumb, making it the best cranberry orange spice bread.

Can I make Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. For longer meal prep, bake the loaf a day ahead, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf?

A common pitfall is overmixing, which leads to a tough loaf. Also, be sure to check for doneness around the 50-minute mark, as oven temperatures can vary, preventing overbaking and ensuring a moist interior.

Best Ways to Serve Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

This delightful loaf is incredibly versatile, perfect for a variety of occasions. It shines as a simple breakfast treat, a comforting afternoon snack, or even an elegant addition to a brunch spread. For a sophisticated pairing, consider serving slices of this cranberry orange tea bread alongside your favorite afternoon brew or coffee.

Morning Delight: Enjoy a warm slice with a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a satisfying start to your day.
Afternoon Treat: Pair a slice with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting break.
Brunch Star: Serve alongside scrambled eggs, bacon, or a fresh fruit salad for a festive brunch.

Nutrition Facts for Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

This delightful spiced cranberry orange loaf offers a wonderful balance of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per slice, based on the recipe yield.

Calories: 200 kcal
Fat: 8 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 15 g
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 150 mg
Cholesterol: 50 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and exact serving size.

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How to Store and Reheat Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

Properly storing your delicious spiced cranberry orange loaf cake ensures it stays fresh and flavorful for days. Once your loaf has completely cooled on a wire rack – this is super important to prevent sogginess – it’s time to think about storage. For short-term enjoyment, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This will keep your homemade cranberry orange loaf cake fresh at room temperature for about 3 to 4 days.

If you’ve baked a beautiful loaf and know you won’t finish it within a few days, freezing is an excellent option for long-term cranberry orange loaf cake storage. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in a layer of aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, your spiced cranberry and orange loaf can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or gently warm slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 5-10 minutes until just warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf

How do I make sure my Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf is moist?

The key to a moist loaf is not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, leading to a dry texture. Also, using melted butter and fresh orange juice contributes significantly to the moisture. Always bake until a toothpick comes out clean, but avoid overbaking, which is a common mistake when learning how to make spiced cranberry orange loaf.

Can I substitute the cranberries with other fruits?

Absolutely! While cranberries provide a lovely tartness, you can certainly swap them out for other fruits. Fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples would work wonderfully. If using tart fruits like raspberries, you might want to slightly increase the sugar in the batter to balance the flavors.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh oranges for the zest and juice?

If fresh oranges aren’t available, you can use bottled orange juice for the liquid component. For the zest, you can substitute with about 1 tablespoon of orange extract, but be mindful that it can be quite potent. Alternatively, you could use lemon zest and juice for a different, equally delicious citrus profile.

Why did my Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf sink in the middle?

A sunken loaf usually happens for a few reasons. It could be that the oven temperature was too low, or the baking time was insufficient, meaning the inside wasn’t fully set when you took it out. Overmixing the batter can also contribute to this, as can opening the oven door too early in the baking process. Following the instructions on how to make spiced cranberry orange loaf carefully will help prevent this.

Variations of Spiced Cranberry Orange Loaf You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic spiced cranberry orange loaf, it’s fun to get creative! There are so many ways to adapt this delicious recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Experimenting is part of the joy of baking!

Spiced Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake: Pour the batter into a well-greased bundt pan and bake until a wooden skewer inserted near the center comes out clean. This makes for a stunning presentation, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Cranberry Orange Loaf with Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries. This variation adds a delightful crunch to every bite of your cranberry orange loaf cake.
Gluten-Free Version: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
Spiced Citrus Cranberry Bread: Swap out half the orange juice and zest for lemon or grapefruit for a different citrusy twist on this classic flavor combination.