Are you tired of plain, uninspiring breakfast breads that leave your taste buds wanting more? Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread is about to change your morning routine forever! This vibrant, zesty loaf delivers the perfect balance of tangy cranberries, bright citrus, and crunchy walnuts in every bite.
Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who’s been perfecting quick breads for years, I can confidently say this Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread recipe has become my family’s most requested treat during fall and winter gatherings. The beautiful marriage of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a flavor profile that’s absolutely irresistible.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, share my secret mixing technique for the moistest texture, and offer variations to make this recipe your own. From breakfast to dessert, this versatile quick bread will become your new go-to for impressing guests or simply treating yourself!
Why This Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread Recipe Works
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand
- Requires just 15 minutes of prep before baking
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors in every slice
- Makes an impressive homemade gift during holiday season
- Freezes beautifully for make-ahead convenience
- Versatile enough for breakfast, snacking, or dessert
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Fresh vs. Dried Cranberries
While both options work in this Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread, fresh cranberries provide bursts of tartness that perfectly complement the sweet orange flavor. If using dried cranberries, look for ones without added sugar, or soak them in orange juice for 15 minutes before folding into your batter.
Orange Selection Tips
For the most vibrant Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread, choose oranges with bright, firm skin that feels heavy for their size this indicates they’re juicy. Navel oranges work wonderfully, but blood oranges can add a gorgeous color variation when in season.
Walnut Quality Matters
For the best texture in your Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread, select walnuts that appear plump and uniform in color. Avoid any with shriveled appearance or rancid smell. Toasting them lightly before adding to your batter enhances their nutty flavor significantly.
Ingredients & Prep for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Batter Base Essentials
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1-2 oranges)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Flavor Add-Ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (or 1 cup dried)
- 3/4 cup chopped walnuts, lightly toasted
- 1 tablespoon orange zest for topping (optional)
Optional Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread Instructions
Pre-Baking Prep for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- If using fresh cranberries, rinse and pat dry. Cut any larger berries in half.
- Toast walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Zest and juice your oranges, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.
Mixing Method for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, eggs, melted butter, vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined overmixing will result in a tough texture!
- Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts, reserving a few for topping if desired.
Baking Your Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Sprinkle with reserved walnuts and a pinch of orange zest if desired.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Finishing Touch for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- For the optional glaze, whisk powdered sugar with orange juice and zest until smooth.
- Drizzle over completely cooled bread for a beautiful finishing touch.
- Allow glaze to set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Avoiding Dry Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- Measure flour by spooning it into measuring cups rather than scooping directly from the bag
- Don’t overmix the batter stir just until ingredients are combined
- Check for doneness early, as overbaking is the main cause of dry quick breads
- Store in an airtight container with a slice of bread to maintain moisture
Equipment Recommendations
- Use a light-colored metal loaf pan for even baking
- A microplane grater creates the finest orange zest
- Parchment paper lining makes removal from the pan foolproof
Storage & Freezing
- Keep at room temperature, tightly wrapped, for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for up to a week in an airtight container
- Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 3 months
Looking for more seasonal baking inspiration? Check out my collection of fall and winter treats on Pinterest where I share exclusive recipe ideas and gorgeous food photography!
Flavor Variations for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Citrus Twists for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- Substitute lemon or lime zest for a different citrus profile
- Add 1 tablespoon of grated ginger for a warming spice note
- Include 1 teaspoon of cardamom or cinnamon for aromatic complexity
Dietary Adaptations
- For gluten-free: Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
- For vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with coconut oil
- For reduced sugar: Use coconut sugar or reduce by 1/4 cup
Nut Alternatives
- Pecans or almonds work beautifully instead of walnuts
- Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness
- Fold in 1/4 cup of unsweetened coconut flakes for tropical notes
| Variation | Ingredients to Add | Ingredients to Replace | Baking Time Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Cranberry | 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1/4 cup lemon juice | Replace orange zest and reduce orange juice | None |
| Spiced Version | 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg | None (just add) | None |
| Chocolate Orange | 1/2 cup chocolate chips | Reduce cranberries to 1 cup | Add 3-5 minutes |
| Gluten-Free | None | Replace flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend | May need 5 extra minutes |
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
- Slice warm and spread with a thin layer of salted butter or cream cheese
- Serve alongside vanilla yogurt drizzled with honey for a delightful breakfast
- Toast slices and top with mascarpone for an elegant dessert
- Pair with hot chai tea or coffee for the perfect afternoon treat
- Use as a base for a stunning bread pudding when slightly stale
FAQs About Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Can I make Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! This bread actually improves in flavor after resting for a day. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and store at room temperature, or freeze for longer storage.
Why did my cranberries sink to the bottom of the bread?
Tossing your cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent sinking. Also, make sure your batter isn’t too thin.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread into muffins instead?
Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and reduce the baking time to 18-22 minutes. This recipe will make about 12 standard muffins.
How can I tell when my Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. The top should spring back when lightly pressed.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread brings together the perfect balance of tangy cranberries, bright citrus, and crunchy walnuts in a moist, tender loaf that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a sweet finish to a special meal, this versatile quick bread delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
I’d love to see your Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread creations! Share your baking success by tagging #FoodyDish on social media or commenting below with your experience.
Happy baking, and remember homemade treats like this are more than just food; they’re moments of joy shared with those you love.
Print
Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread: A Sweet Citrus Sensation!
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful quick bread packed with tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and bright orange zest perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk orange juice, oil, egg, and vanilla until combined.
4. Pour wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — do not overmix.
5. Fold in cranberries and walnuts evenly.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and enjoy plain or with a smear of butter!
Notes
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding — this helps prevent the batter from turning pink.
You can substitute pecans for walnuts or add a handful of white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, walnut bread, holiday quick bread, breakfast loaf, orange cranberry walnut