Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat combining the bright flavors of fresh orange and tart cranberries. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a festive dessert, it’s moist, fragrant, and bursting with seasonal goodness.

Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups cranberries
• Powdered sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prepare for baking.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until well combined.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract thoroughly.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the cranberries carefully, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, toss cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
• Substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries soaked in orange juice for a chewier texture.
• Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist.
• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor.

Storage

Store the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap well and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before folding them into the batter to avoid adding too much moisture.

Can I substitute orange juice with another citrus juice?

Absolutely! Lemon or grapefruit juice can be used, but keep in mind the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the zest to match the juice for balanced citrus flavor.

Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfectly moist and flavorful quick bread combining tangy cranberries with bright orange zest and juice. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a festive snack, it’s easy to prepare and bakes into a tender loaf dusted with powdered sugar for a lovely finish.

• Author: Caleb
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1½ cups cranberries
• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread doesn’t stick.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until well combined for even distribution of flavors and leavening.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth to create the wet batter base.
4. Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the bread tough.
5. Fold in cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter to evenly distribute the fruit without breaking them up too much.
6. Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving if desired.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh or thawed cranberries to maintain texture.
• You can substitute orange juice with fresh squeezed for more vibrant flavor.
• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to get clean slices.
• This bread stores well at room temperature for 2-3 days, or refrigerate up to a week.

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, Barefoot Contessa, quick bread recipe, holiday bread, citrus bread, fresh cranberries, easy baked goods