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- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped - ½ cup granulated sugar - ½ teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest - 2 large eggs - ½ cup unsweetened applesauce - ¼ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice - Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans To make this cranberry orange loaf, gather all the ingredients first. This step makes cooking easier. The main flavors come from fresh cranberries and orange zest. You can find fresh cranberries in stores during the fall. The zest adds a bright note to the loaf. All-purpose flour acts as the base for the loaf. Sugar gives it sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Salt brings out all the flavors. Eggs add moisture and help bind the loaf together. Unsweetened applesauce is a great choice. It keeps your loaf moist while cutting back on oil. Vegetable oil adds richness. The vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. Fresh orange juice adds extra tang and flavor. If you like nuts, walnuts or pecans add crunch. They are optional but delicious. This list of ingredients makes the best cranberry orange loaf. It’s simple, tasty, and perfect for any time of year. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease or line a 9x5-inch loaf pan. Start by setting your oven. This step is key for even baking. Prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This will help your loaf come out easily later. - Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Use a whisk to blend them well. This mix gives the loaf its great flavor. - Beat eggs, add applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange juice. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are fluffy. Then add the unsweetened applesauce, vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix everything well until it is smooth. This wet mixture is what makes the loaf moist. - Fold the mixtures together and add chopped cranberries and nuts if using. Now, pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Use a spatula to gently fold them together. Be careful not to overmix; some lumps are okay. If you like nuts, add the chopped cranberries and nuts now. This adds great texture and flavor. - Transfer batter to loaf pan and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Next, transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly with your spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready. - Allow to cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once baked, take the loaf out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully move it to a wire rack. This will help it cool completely. Enjoy the delightful aroma while it cools! To get the best texture in your cranberry orange loaf, do not overmix the batter. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing makes the loaf dense and tough. You want it light and fluffy. You can boost flavors with some fun additions. Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. A pinch of ginger brings a nice zing too. If you love chocolate, try adding mini chocolate chips. You can also switch up the nuts. Walnuts and pecans both taste great. Feel free to get creative! Presentation matters! Slice the loaf neatly and arrange the pieces on a pretty platter. For a pop of color, sprinkle more orange zest on top. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and charm. You could also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a lovely finish. Your loaf will look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture for this loaf. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent excess moisture. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better emulsification with the oil and applesauce, resulting in a lighter loaf. Don't Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf instead of a tender crumb. Cool Completely: Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_4}} You can make this cranberry orange loaf gluten-free by using gluten-free flour. Choose a blend that works well for baking. Measure the same amount as the all-purpose flour in the recipe. This swap keeps the loaf moist and tasty. To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. For flaxseed, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use 1/4 cup of applesauce instead of eggs for moisture. Spices can add a lovely warmth to your loaf. Try adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices pair well with cranberries and orange. You can also add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. To keep your cranberry orange loaf fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil if you prefer. Place the wrapped loaf in an airtight container. This method keeps the loaf moist and tasty. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you need it to last longer, refrigeration is a good choice. Freezing is a great way to save your cranberry orange loaf. First, let the loaf cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This double wrap prevents freezer burn. Label the package with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. You can also leave it out at room temperature for a few hours. When stored properly, your cranberry orange loaf lasts about three days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. If frozen, it remains fresh for up to three months. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your loaf at its best! To make a savory loaf, you can swap some ingredients. Use cheese instead of sugar. Try adding herbs like rosemary or thyme for flavor. You might even add cooked bacon or sun-dried tomatoes. These changes give the loaf a unique twist while keeping it moist. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. They add sweetness and chewiness to the loaf. Just chop them finely before adding. You might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe since dried cranberries are sweeter. So, keep the balance in mind for the best taste. Cranberry orange loaf pairs well with many things. For breakfast, serve it with butter or cream cheese. You can also enjoy it as a snack with tea or coffee. For dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This way, you can enjoy its sweet and tangy flavor in different ways. Cranberry orange loaf can be a part of a healthy diet. It includes cranberries, which are high in vitamins. Applesauce replaces some oil, making it lower in fat. To make it healthier, use whole wheat flour and reduce sugar. Enjoying it in moderation keeps it a delicious treat without guilt. In this article, we explored the delicious cranberry orange loaf. We discussed ingredients, steps, and helpful tips for baking. We also offered variations for gluten-free and vegan options. Remember, the key to a perfect loaf is careful mixing and creative additions. Store it well, and enjoy it fresh or frozen. Baking this loaf is not just easy; it can bring joy to any meal or occasion. I hope you find joy in making and sharing this tasty treat. Happy baking!

Cranberry Citrus Bliss Loaf

A delightful loaf infused with fresh cranberries and citrus flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 0.25 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 0.5 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper for effortless removal after baking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and freshly grated orange zest. Whisk together until the mixture is uniform.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Then, add the applesauce, vegetable oil, pure vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Mix well until all ingredients are harmoniously blended and smooth in consistency.
  • Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the two together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. If you're using nuts, fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts at this stage.
  • Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  • Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the loaf is fully baked.
  • After baking, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For an elegant touch, slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a decorative platter. To enhance its appearance, sprinkle with additional orange zest and a light dusting of powdered sugar. Alternatively, you can drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar mixed with a splash of orange juice for a delicious finish.
Keyword baking, citrus, cranberry, loaf