Name: Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp orange zest; ¾ cup orange juice; ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1½ cups fresh cranberries; Powdered sugar for dusting

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Introduction

This Cranberry Orange Bread from Barefoot Contessa is a bright, flavorful treat perfect for breakfast or a snack. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange makes each slice refreshing and delightful.

The image shows a loaf of cherry bread on a white rectangular tray with two slices cut from it. The bread is golden brown on top with a rough texture that looks crunchy, while the inside is light with bright red pieces of cherry evenly mixed throughout. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface with a beige cloth in the background, giving a warm, cozy feel. A woman's hand is holding one of the slices gently, showing the soft texture of the bread inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and orange zest until evenly combined.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the cranberries carefully to distribute them throughout the batter without crushing them.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Step 7: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 9: Optional: Dust the cooled bread with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For a nuttier texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter along with the cranberries.
Fresh cranberries provide a nice tartness, but frozen cranberries work well; just do not thaw them before adding.
Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best citrus flavor.
To make this bread gluten-free, substitute the flour with a gluten-free baking blend in the same quantity.

Storage

Store the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or toaster oven if desired.

How to Serve

Two slices of golden brown bread with visible dark red dried cranberries inside are stacked on a white plate. The top slice has a melting square of pale yellow butter in the center with a drizzle of honey around it. The bread is dusted lightly with powdered sugar. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a pale beige cloth napkin next to it. In the background, there is a blurred clear bowl of red berries and yellow peach slices, a beige mug filled with a dark coffee, and some other breakfast items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but dried cranberries will be sweeter and less tart. You may want to reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer less sweetness.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached when the bread is done.