Cranberry Orange Bread

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

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1. Heat the oven to 175°C / 350°F (155°C / 310°F fan). Grease a 900 g loaf tin, about 23 x 13 cm, and line it with baking paper.

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2. Whisk the 250 g of flour, the baking powder, bicarbonate of soda and salt together in a large bowl.

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3. In a second bowl, whisk the sugar, orange zest, orange juice, oil, egg, vanilla and buttermilk until smooth.

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4. Toss the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if using, with the tablespoon of flour, which stops them sinking.

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5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry and fold together gently, just until no dry flour is visible. Fold in the cranberries. Do not overmix.

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6. Scrape into the tin, level the top and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, covering loosely with foil after 40 minutes if the top is browning too fast, until a skewer comes out clean.

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7. Cool in the tin for 15 minutes, then lift out onto a wire rack and cool completely.

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8. Stir the icing sugar and the tablespoon of orange juice into a thick glaze, drizzle it over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.

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Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Bread

• Mix only until the flour disappears. A lumpy batter makes a tender loaf, and overmixing gives a tough, chewy one.
• Chop the cranberries roughly. Whole berries leave big wet pockets, while chopped ones distribute evenly through the crumb.
• Cover the loaf with foil if it browns too fast. The long bake gives a dark crust before the middle is cooked.

Common Substitutions & Variations

• Out of buttermilk? Stir a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into the same amount of ordinary milk and let it sit five minutes before using.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread

• Butter or cream cheese
• A cup of tea
• Hot coffee

Storing & Reheating Cranberry Orange Bread

Keeps wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 1 week. It freezes well, whole or sliced, for up to 3 months.

Cranberry Orange Bread FAQ: Common Questions

Cranberry Orange Bread Nutrition

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.