Cranberry Bread: 55 Minutes to Insanely Good Recipe

Oh, fall! Is there any smell more amazing than pumpkin spice wafting through the kitchen? I think not! And when you add the bright zing of orange and the tartness of cranberries? Pure magic, I tell ya. This Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe is gonna be your new go-to for cozy autumn mornings (or, let’s be real, any time you need a little comfort).

Hi, I’m Max! Maxine Holloway, actually, but everyone calls me Max. I’m a born-and-raised Asheville, North Carolina gal, and I’ve been cookin’ up a storm in these mountains for, well, let’s just say a good long while. I run a little supper club outta my house and teach folks how to make good ol’ Southern comfort food with a twist. And trust me, this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe? It’s Southern comfort with a seriously delicious twist!

This bread is seriously the bomb, y’all. The pumpkin keeps it so moist, the cranberries add a little pop of tartness, and that orange zest? Wowza! It just brightens everything up. It’s like a little slice of fall heaven, right from your oven.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Okay, so why *will* you love this bread? Let me tell ya:

• Oh-so-moist! No dry, crumbly bread here, friend.
• That flavor combo? Pumpkin, cranberry, orange…it’s a party in your mouth!
• Seriously easy. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a fancy baker to nail this one.
• It’s pure fall vibes. Makes your house smell amazing, too!

A Taste of Autumn: The Magic of Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

This Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe? It’s like autumn in a loaf! The warm spices, the earthy pumpkin, the bright citrus…it all just *screams* fall, doesn’t it? My favorite part is how the cranberries add that little burst of tartness – it just balances everything out *perfectly*. It’s the kinda bread you wanna bake on a chilly day, then curl up with a slice and a cup of hot tea. Pure bliss, I tell ya!

What You’ll Need: Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe Ingredients

Alright, gather ’round, y’all! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have! Just make sure you’ve got:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, now!)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
• 1/2 cup orange zest (from about 2 large oranges)

Ingredient Spotlight: Elevating Your Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Okay, let’s talk ingredients, because a *good* recipe is all about using the right stuff, right? First off, that orange zest? Don’t skimp! It’s what gives this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe that bright, citrusy zing that cuts through the sweetness. Make sure you’re just zesting the *orange* part, though, not the white pith underneath – that stuff’s bitter! And the pumpkin puree? Not the pie filling! We want pure pumpkin goodness here. Trust me, these little details make all the difference!

Step-by-Step: Baking Your Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Alright, let’s get baking, y’all! Don’t be scared, this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe is easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf in no time!

1. First things first: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is *super* important, so don’t skip it! And grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I like to use a little butter and then dust it with flour – works like a charm!
2. In a big ol’ bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Just give it a good whisk to make sure everything’s evenly distributed.
3. Now, in a *separate* bowl, mix together your sugar, pumpkin puree, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Get it nice and combined!
4. Here’s where we combine the wet and dry. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Seriously, that’s the key to a tender loaf. A few streaks of flour are okay.
5. Gently fold in your chopped cranberries and orange zest. Mmm, smells good already, doesn’t it?
6. Pour that beautiful batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out evenly.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes. Now, every oven’s a little different, so start checking it around 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool *completely*. I know, it’s hard to resist, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
9. Slice and enjoy! Maybe with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee? Yum!

Max’s Top Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Okay, darlin’s, I’ve baked *a lot* of this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe in my day, so I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make sure yours turns out perfect every time. First off, don’t skip the orange zest! I know I already said it, but it’s *that* important. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops the gluten and makes for a tough bread, and nobody wants that! Finally, let it cool completely before slicing, I know it’s tempting, but you’ll get cleaner slices, trust me on this one!

Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe Variations to Try

Alright, so you’ve got the basic Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe down? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some fun variations! How about adding some chopped walnuts or pecans for a little crunch? Or maybe a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds on top before baking? Ooh, and if you’re feeling *really* adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of bourbon to the batter – trust me, it’s delicious! For a gluten-free version, just swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. And if you’re vegan, you can use flax eggs and dairy-free milk. The possibilities are endless, y’all!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this amazing Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe?

You betcha! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight at room temperature. Easy peasy!

How do I keep my Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe moist?

The pumpkin puree helps keep it moist, but you can also add a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the batter. And don’t overbake it! That’s the biggest culprit for dry bread.

Can I use dried cranberries in this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe?

Sure thing! Just rehydrate them first by soaking them in warm water for about 15 minutes. Drain them well before adding them to the batter. Fresh cranberries give a little more “pop,” but dried cranberries work just fine in a pinch!

Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this beautiful Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe baked and ready to go…what do you serve with it? Well, a good ol’ cup of coffee or hot tea is always a winner. But if you wanna get fancy, try a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of maple syrup. Or, for a real treat, slather on some cream cheese frosting! Yum!

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe

Alright, y’all, let’s talk nutrition for a sec. Now, I’m not a nutritionist or anything, so this is just a rough estimate, okay? Keep in mind that the exact nutritional info for this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use (different brands, etc.). So, take this with a grain of salt, but just wanted to give you a general idea!

Share Your Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe Creations!

Alright, y’all, I wanna see your beautiful loaves! If you whip up this Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread Recipe (and I *know* you’re gonna!), please, oh please, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Did your family love it? I wanna hear all about it!

And if you’re feeling extra fancy, snap a pic and share it on social media! Tag me – I’m @MaxineHollowayCooks on Instagram and Facebook. I just *love* seeing your creations! Plus, it makes my day to know I’ve helped bring a little bit of joy (and deliciousness!) to your kitchen. Happy baking, friends!

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