Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a moist and flavorful quick bread, which uses fresh cranberries and orange juice. It’s a classic holiday recipe perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting, ready in just an hour.

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Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups fresh or dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• Powdered sugar (optional, for garnish)

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

1. Preheat the oven: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest together.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry: Stir wet ingredients into dry mixture gently until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Fold in cranberries: Gently fold chopped cranberries into batter.
6. Bake the bread: Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top, and bake 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Cool and garnish: Let cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, but reduce sugar slightly since dried cranberries are sweeter.
• How to prevent cranberries from sinking? Toss chopped cranberries in a little flour before folding them into batter.
• Can I make this gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for best results.
• How to enhance the orange flavor? Add a teaspoon of orange extract or extra zest for a stronger citrus note.
• Storage tip: Wrap tightly and store at room temperature for 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

What To Serve With Cranberry Orange Bread

This citrusy quick bread pairs perfectly with:

• Coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch
• Softened butter or cream cheese spread
• Fresh fruit or yogurt for a light meal
• A drizzle of orange glaze for dessert presentation

How To Store Cranberry Orange Bread

Refrigerate: Wrap cooled bread tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Cranberry Orange Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: ~220 per slice
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 160mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I add nuts to this bread?
Yes, walnuts or pecans add great texture—fold in ½ cup chopped nuts with the cranberries.

Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes, bake in a muffin tin for 20–22 minutes at 350°F.

Why is my bread dry?
Overmixing or overbaking can cause dryness; mix gently and check doneness early.

Can I add a glaze instead of powdered sugar?
Yes, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice to drizzle over cooled bread.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Lemon Blueberry Bread Recipe
• Barefoot Contessa Asparagus Quiche Recipe
• Ina Garten Spinach Quiche Recipe