Here’s a Cranberry Loaf recipe — a moist, slightly sweet, slightly tart quick bread that’s perfect for fall and winter, or whenever you’re craving something fruity and comforting. 🍞🍒
🍞 Cranberry Loaf Recipe (With Fresh or Dried Cranberries)
🔹 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔹 Cook Time: 50–60 minutes
🔹 Yield: 1 loaf (8×4 or 9×5 inch pan)
🧾 Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
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1½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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1 tsp cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
Wet Ingredients:
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1 large egg, room temperature
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¾ cup (180ml) orange juice (or milk if you don’t want citrus flavor)
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⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Zest of 1 orange (optional but enhances flavor)
Add-ins:
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1½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
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(If using dried cranberries, use 1 cup and soak in warm water or juice for 10 minutes, then drain.)
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½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
🍽️ Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
🔹 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl:
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
🔹 Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
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Beat the egg, then mix in the orange juice, oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
🔹 Step 4: Combine Mixtures
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
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Stir just until combined — do not overmix. The batter will be thick.
🔹 Step 5: Fold in Cranberries & Nuts
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Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using).
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Spread batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan.
🔹 Step 6: Bake
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Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil during the last 15 minutes.
🔹 Step 7: Cool
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Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
✅ Tips & Variations
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Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work great. No need to thaw frozen ones.
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Sweetness: You can reduce sugar to ¾ cup for a more tart loaf.
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Glaze (Optional): Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tbsp orange juice and drizzle on top when cool.
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Mini Loaves: Divide into smaller loaf pans and reduce baking time to 25–35 minutes.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
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Serve plain, or with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or orange marmalade.
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Pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.