A Symphony of Citrus and Tart: Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
There's a reason why cranberry and orange are considered a classic flavor pairing. Their vibrant combination explodes with sweet and tangy notes, creating a taste sensation that lingers on the palate. This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe takes this beloved partnership to new heights, resulting in a stunning loaf that's not only delicious but also visually captivating.
Imagine fluffy, moist bread bursting with plump cranberries and infused with the invigorating aroma of citrus. Perfect for any occasion, this bread is ideal for a delightful breakfast, a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert. As the citrusy fragrance fills your kitchen, you'll know you're about to embark on a baking adventure that yields a masterpiece worthy of a cherished spot in your recipe collection.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes prep, 55 minutes baking, 15 minutes cooling (total: 1 hour 30 minutes)
Servings: Yields one 9x5 inch loaf, serving 8-10 slices
Baking with the Heavenly Union of Cranberries and Oranges
This recipe is divided into three parts: Ingredients, Instructions, and Tips.
Ingredients:
- Bread Essentials:
- 1 ½ cups + 1 extra tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup whole-milk yogurt (unflavored)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
- A dash of pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or thawed from frozen)
- Orange Elixir:
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- Citrus Glaze:
- 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
- 2 to 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Perfection:
Instructions & How to Prepare
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- To prevent sticking, generously grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Gently shake out any excess flour to ensure an even layer.
- Create the Dry Mix:
- Get a medium bowl and mix the flour with the baking powder and salt. Don't touch this dry mix yet, we'll use it later.
- Activate the Yogurt Fusion:
- In a large bowl, use a whisk to vigorously combine the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until well incorporated.
- Fold in the Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredients from step 2 into the wet mixture from step 3. Use a folding motion to gently incorporate them until just combined. Avoid overmixing, which can result in a tough bread.
- Welcome the Berry Blend:
- In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the extra tablespoon of flour. This light dusting helps prevent the berries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- Gently fold the coated cranberries into the batter, ensuring even distribution without crushing the berries.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan, tilting it slightly to get an even layer. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
- Craft the Orange Syrup:
- While the bread cools slightly, prepare the orange syrup. Mix the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat it on medium. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it dissolve the sugar for about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.
- Soak in the Citrusy Goodness:
- Once the bread has cooled slightly, use a toothpick to poke holes throughout the top and sides. This creates pathways for the orange syrup to soak into the bread, adding extra moisture and flavor.
- Generously brush the orange syrup over the top and sides of the bread, allowing it to soak in. Repeat this step for an extra dose of citrusy goodness.
- Drizzle the Citrus Glaze:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners' sugar and orange juice until you achieve a thick glaze consistency.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation. For a perfectly set glaze, wait 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for an Unforgettable
Elevating the Flavor:
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the most vibrant citrus flavor. Bottled juice can work in a pinch, but it might lack the intensity of fresh.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of warmth, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a quarter teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Almond Joy: Substitute half of the vegetable oil with almond oil for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the orange and cranberries.
- Chocolate Craving: For a decadent twist, fold in ½ cup of chopped dark chocolate chips with the cranberries.
Optimizing Texture and Appearance:
- Room Temperature Bliss: Ensure all your ingredients, especially the yogurt and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes even blending and a smooth final texture.
- Don't Overmix: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Once the dry ingredients are just incorporated, stop folding.
- Flour Power: Don't be afraid to add a bit more flour (about a tablespoon at a time) if the batter seems very wet. This will help the bread maintain its shape during baking.
- Golden Perfection: Keep a close eye on the bread during the last 10 minutes of baking. If you notice the top browning too quickly, use a loose sheet of aluminum foil to shield it and prevent burning.
Presentation and Storage:
- Glaze Goals: For a thicker glaze that sets more firmly, use less orange juice. Conversely, for a thinner, drippier glaze, add more juice a teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Festive Flair: For a special occasion, add a sprinkle of dried cranberries, orange zest, or chopped nuts over the glaze before it sets.
- Freshness First: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Want to keep it for longer? Wrap it up well in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Bonus Tip: This bread is delicious toasted, especially with a smear of butter or cream cheese. Enjoy it warm for an extra flavor and texture boost!
By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to baking an unforgettable Cranberry Orange Bread that's not only delicious but also boasts a beautiful presentation.
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