Christmas Cranberry Bread with Fresh Orange – Easy Holiday Gift Bread

There’s something magical about baking during the holidays—the blend of sweet aromas, the sound of laughter in the kitchen, and the joy of sharing homemade treats with loved ones. This Christmas Cranberry Bread combines tangy fresh cranberries and zesty orange in a festive loaf that’s both moist and fragrant. If you’re searching for an irresistible Cranberry Bread Recipe With Orange Juice that’s simple yet impressive, this one’s it. Perfect for brunches, dessert tables, and thoughtful Holiday Breads For Gifts, this cheerful loaf embodies the season’s warmth and is destined to become a holiday tradition in your home.

A Family Recipe Filled with Holiday Memories

Every December, my kitchen transforms into a cozy hub of cinnamon-scented air and joyful baking. Among the trays of cookies and pies, one treat always takes center stage—Christmas Cranberry Bread. I remember standing beside my grandmother as she measured flour with care, the bowl of ruby-red cranberries glistening like tiny ornaments waiting to be folded into the batter. As the loaf baked, the scent of citrusy orange filled the house, wrapping every corner in comfort.

That first slice was always the taste of Christmas itself—soft, sweet, and just a bit tart. Over the years, it’s become my go-to recipe for Easy Christmas Breads for Gifts. There’s something so genuine about gifting a homemade loaf tied with twine and a sprig of rosemary. It’s a small way of sharing love and tradition. Baking this bread isn’t just about mixing ingredients—it’s about creating moments that connect generations and celebrating the spirit of giving through delicious Holiday Breads for Gifts.

Cranberries and oranges might seem like simple fruits, but together they’re a classic duo that brings effortless balance to holiday baking. The tangy pop of fresh cranberries cuts through sweetness, while the bright, sunny flavor of orange rounds everything out with warmth. In every slice of this Cranberry Bread Recipe with Orange Juice, you get that harmony—sweet, tart, and fragrant all at once.

Christmas Cranberry Bread with Fresh Orange

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x

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Description

This festive quick bread combines tart fresh cranberries with bright orange zest and juice for a moist, aromatic loaf. It makes a perfect homemade gift or holiday treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup fresh orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh cranberries

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×4 inch loaf pan.

2. In a bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

3. In another bowl whisk eggs, melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.

5. Toss cranberries with a pinch of flour and fold into the batter.

6. Transfer batter to prepared pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, then cool on a wire rack.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: bread
• Method: baking
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 12
• Sodium: 200
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 4
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 35
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 4
• Cholesterol: 45

Keywords: christmas cranberry bread, cranberry bread, orange cranberry bread, holiday gift bread, easy christmas bread, holiday breads for gifts, christmas quick bread

Why Cranberry and Orange Are the Perfect Pair

What makes this Christmas Quick Bread truly special is the use of fresh orange juice and zest. They keep the loaf moist and infuse every crumb with natural citrus aroma, turning an everyday quick bread into something worthy of a holiday centerpiece. The orange also enhances the color of the cranberries, making each slice as beautiful as it is delicious. This balance of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a wonderful Easy Holiday Bread Gift—one that tastes like Christmas morning and looks straight out of a festive bakery window.

Fresh Ingredients That Make All the Difference

When it comes to baking Christmas Cranberry Bread, the secret to a show-stopping loaf lies in the freshness of your ingredients. While this is an Easy Christmas Bread, choosing quality components ensures that every slice bursts with flavor, color, and moisture. This Cranberry Bread Recipe with Orange Juice thrives on balance—sweet meets tart, fluffy meets moist, and simplicity meets holiday elegance.

Start with plump, fresh cranberries. They not only give your bread its signature ruby-speckled appearance but also add delightful pops of tart flavor. Avoid canned cranberries—they tend to make the batter soggy. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen ones straight from the freezer without thawing.

Next, orange zest and fresh orange juice bring your batter to life. The zest adds aromatic oils that perfume the bread, while the juice contributes natural sweetness and extra moisture. Together, they give the crumb a refreshing citrus tone that perfectly complements the tanginess of cranberries.

Here’s a quick look at how each ingredient contributes to the perfect loaf:

When all these come together, you’ll have a loaf that’s golden on the outside, tender inside, and rich in citrus fragrance—ideal for wrapping up and sharing as Holiday Breads for Gifts.

Tools You’ll Need for Holiday Baking Success

One of the best parts about this Christmas Quick Bread is that it doesn’t require any special tools. You can create an impressive loaf with just a few essentials, making it truly hassle-free even during the busiest holiday season.

Gather a large mixing bowl for dry ingredients and a medium bowl for wet ingredients. A whisk or hand mixer helps blend smoothly, while a sturdy rubber spatula makes folding in cranberries effortless. Use a standard loaf pan (8½ x 4½ inches) for shaping and line it with parchment paper for easy release. Disposable paper loaf molds also work great if you’re gifting batches of Christmas Breads for Gifts.

A microplane or fine zester is essential for collecting aromatic orange zest, and a cooling rack prevents condensation after baking. Remember to measure ingredients ahead of time, use room-temperature eggs, and keep cleanup simple by rinsing pans immediately after use. With these tools, your kitchen is ready to produce picture-perfect loaves and fill your home with holiday cheer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your Loaf

Simple Steps for a Moist and Flavorful Bread

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract for a fragrant batter.
4. Bring It Together: Gently fold wet into dry ingredients until just combined for a tender crumb.
5. Add Cranberries: Coat cranberries in a little flour so they don’t sink, then fold lightly into the batter.
6. Bake Until Golden: Pour into the prepared pan and bake 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool Completely: Let the bread rest 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to finish.

In a little over an hour, your Christmas Cranberry Bread will be golden, aromatic, and ready for slicing—a flawless Holiday Bread for Gifts with minimal effort.

Orange Glaze and Gift Presentation

After cooling, drizzle with a simple orange glaze made from one cup powdered sugar, two to three tablespoons of orange juice, and a teaspoon of zest. Mix smooth and drizzle over your loaf, letting it set into a glossy finish.

• Wrap with parchment or decorative loaf liners to preserve freshness.
• Tie with festive twine or ribbon, adding rosemary sprigs or dried oranges.
• Finish with a handwritten tag for a personal touch.

Bake several loaves in decorative pans to gift easily. The finished Easy Christmas Bread looks elegant, delicious, and heartfelt—your kitchen’s signature of love and warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, soak dried ones in warm orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding. They’ll plump and taste freshly juicy.

2. How long does cranberry bread stay fresh?
Keep wrapped at room temperature up to three days or refrigerate for a week. Warm slices revive its fresh-baked texture.

3. Can I freeze this bread?
Yes—wrap tightly in plastic and foil, freeze up to three months, and thaw overnight before glazing or serving.

4. What type of orange juice works best?
Freshly squeezed gives the brightest flavor. Bottled juice without added sugar or pulp also works fine.

5. Can I double the recipe?
Easily. Bake in separate pans for even cook and perfect texture. Ideal for multiple Christmas Breads for Gifts.

Baking and Sharing Made Simple

There’s something timeless about baking Christmas Cranberry Bread with Fresh Orange—a recipe that fills the house with holiday fragrance and hearts with joy. Its citrus-kissed crumb and bursts of cranberry celebrate the season in every bite.

This Easy Christmas Bread captures the spirit of togetherness. Whether shared warmly from the oven or wrapped beautifully as Holiday Breads for Gifts, it carries a message of comfort and love.

So gather your ingredients and preheat the oven. Let orange zest and tangy berries remind you that the best gifts are homemade. This Cranberry Bread Recipe with Orange Juice will make your holiday table shine and your loved ones smile—proof that small, baked gestures create lasting holiday memories.