There’s something truly special about rediscovering classic kitchen treasures, especially when it comes to holiday baking. The first time I stumbled upon the Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread recipe, it was tucked inside one of those well-loved Pampered Chef booklets from the early 2000s—splattered with flour and sticky fingerprints from seasons long past. As the holiday season rolled in and the kitchen came alive with activity, I decided to give that recipe a try.
Within minutes, the scent of freshly grated orange zest mixed with tart bursts of cranberry began dancing through the air. It instantly brought back cozy memories—family bustling around the kitchen, the hum of the oven, and that comforting warmth only a Holiday Sweet Bread Recipe can bring. When the Cran Orange Bread finally came out golden and fragrant, we couldn’t resist slicing into it while it was still warm, the glaze just barely set. From that moment, this Old Pampered Chef Recipe became tradition—an easy, foolproof addition to every Thanksgiving brunch and Christmas morning breakfast ever since.
What makes the Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread so nostalgic isn’t just its simplicity, but how perfectly it captures the flavors of the season. The citrus notes of orange zest pair beautifully with the tangy cranberries, creating a balance of brightness and sweetness that feels unmistakably festive. Every bite tastes like holiday cheer baked into a loaf—something that brings people together year after year, proving why classic Old Pampered Chef Recipes never go out of style.
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Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread – Easy Holiday Sweet Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Description
This festive sweet bread combines bright orange zest with tart cranberries for a moist loaf that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. The simple batter can be baked as a classic loaf or quick bread muffins for easy gifting and entertaining.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease or line a 9×5-inch loaf pan
2. In a large bowl whisk together flour sugar baking powder baking soda and salt
3. In a separate bowl whisk orange juice melted butter egg vanilla extract and orange zest until smooth
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined without overmixing
5. Fold in chopped cranberries and nuts if using
6. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean
7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes then transfer to a wire rack
8. To make muffins spoon batter into a lined 12-cup muffin pan and bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes
9. For the glaze whisk 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon zest then drizzle over the cooled bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: holiday sweet bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Keywords: old pampered chef, cran orange bread, holiday sweet bread, quick bread muffins, easy holiday bread, seasonal baking, orange cranberry bread
Why This Old Pampered Chef Recipe Still Shines Today
Even decades later, this Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread still earns a special place on so many holiday tables—and for good reason. Unlike complicated dessert recipes that take hours to prepare, this one captures all the flavor and heart of homemade baking with a fraction of the effort. It strikes a perfect balance between convenience and homemade charm, making it one of those Holiday Sweet Bread Recipes that feels timeless and approachable.
It also fits effortlessly into modern seasonal baking. Whether you’re whipping up a cozy loaf to enjoy with your morning coffee or transforming it into Quick Bread Muffins for grab-and-go holiday treats, this recipe adapts beautifully. The batter is simple to mix, and the end result is moist, fragrant, and perfectly balanced in texture.
Today’s busy home bakers love recipes that can multitask—and this Cran Orange Bread does just that. You can bake it as a loaf for gifting, pour it into mini pans for party favors or office treats, or spoon the batter into a muffin tin for a portable take on this Old Pampered Chef Recipe. Its light sweetness and festive flavor make it equally at home on a brunch buffet or wrapped up with ribbon as a thoughtful homemade present.
Beyond nostalgia, what keeps this Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread shining is its versatility and enduring appeal. It continues to remind us that sometimes the simplest creations—the ones pulled from vintage booklets and dog-eared recipe cards—are the ones that truly define the magic of holiday baking.
Ingredients & Tools for the Perfect Holiday Sweet Bread
Gathering Classic Ingredients for Cran Orange Bread
One thing that makes the Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread so approachable is its pantry-friendly ingredient list. You don’t need anything fancy—just a few simple staples that come together for a fragrant, festive Holiday Sweet Bread Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2–3 oranges)
- ¼ cup melted butter or vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped fresh cranberries (or sub with dried)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Substitution Tips:
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, use dried cranberries—soak them in orange juice or warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up.
- Want a subtler citrus flavor? Use half the zest and add an extra tablespoon of orange juice.
- To make it lower in fat, swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce.
Ingredient Storage Tips:
- Store leftover cranberries in the freezer for up to three months.
- Keep oranges in the crisper drawer to retain freshness longer.
- Store flour and sugar in airtight containers to prevent humidity from clumping.
Recommended Tools from Pampered Chef and Home Kitchen Favorites
The right tools make baking the Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread even easier—and ensure consistent results every time. Pampered Chef’s original stoneware bakes evenly for that perfect crust and tender crumb.
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand whisk or electric mixer
- Fine grater or zester
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 9×5-inch loaf pan or mini loaf pans
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire cooling rack
| Tool Type | Example | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pampered Chef Stoneware Loaf Pan | Classic stone pan | Even baking, soft crumb, golden crust |
| Metal Loaf Pan | Aluminum | Darker crust, shorter bake time |
| Silicone Loaf Mold | Flexible bakeware | Softer crust, easy removal |
| Muffin Tin | 12-cup pan | Ideal for Quick Bread Muffins |
Step-by-Step Method for Making Cran Orange Bread
Mixing, Blending & Baking with Ease
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan. For stoneware, reduce temperature to 340°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk orange juice, melted butter or oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in orange zest.
- Gently combine wet and dry mixtures until just blended—avoid overmixing.
- Fold in cranberries (and nuts if using).
- Pour batter into the loaf pan. Bake 50–60 minutes (or 30 for mini loaves) until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Texture Tip: The batter should be thick but pourable with a few lumps for the perfect tender crumb.
To Make Quick Bread Muffins: Spoon batter into a 12-cup muffin tin, filling each two-thirds full. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Glazing & Serving Ideas for a Festive Touch
Simple Orange Glaze: Combine ½ cup powdered sugar, 1½ tablespoons orange juice, and ½ teaspoon zest. Drizzle over cooled loaf. Add sparkly sugar or cranberries for décor.
Cranberry Drizzle: Purée a few tablespoons of cooked cranberries with orange juice, then strain and drizzle for a vibrant finish.
- Garnish with orange curls or sugared cranberries.
- Wrap slices for homemade gifts.
- Serve warm with coffee or tea.
Freezing Tip: Cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or reheat slices in a 300°F oven.
Tips, Variations, FAQs & Conclusion
Holiday Baking Variations & Recipe Tips
- Cranberry-Pecan Bread: Add ½ cup chopped pecans.
- Orange-Poppy Seed Bread: Use poppy seeds instead of cranberries and add extra zest.
- Mini Loaves: Divide batter into four mini pans for gifts.
- Cran Orange Muffin Bites: Bake in a mini muffin tin for brunch treats.
Adjustment Tips:
- Add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt for added moisture.
- Use less sugar for a tangier bite.
- Boost citrus flavor with orange extract.
Dietary Swaps: Use coconut oil for dairy-free; substitute 1:1 gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly loaf.
FAQs & Final Thoughts on This Old Pampered Chef Favorite
1. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes. Fold them in frozen to prevent color bleed.
2. How long does it stay fresh? Up to 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.
3. Can I freeze it? Absolutely. Wrap well, freeze for 3 months, and reheat at 300°F for 10 minutes.
4. Can I make muffins? Yes. Bake 22 minutes at 350°F in a lined pan.
5. How do I make it less sweet? Reduce sugar to ½ cup or skip the glaze for more citrus-forward flavor.
In the end, this Old Pampered Chef Cran Orange Bread represents more than just an Easy Holiday Sweet Bread Recipe—it’s a piece of culinary nostalgia that continues to fill homes with warmth and joy. Whether you bake it as a loaf, turn it into Quick Bread Muffins, or share it as a gift, this recipe captures the spirit of holiday baking: simple ingredients, festive flavor, and a slice of homemade happiness to share.
