Description
A festive quick bread filled with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy walnuts. This cranberry orange walnut loaf is perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or gifting during the season, offering a delightful balance of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 large egg
Add-ins
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the loaf.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and the large egg until fully incorporated.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients just until blended. Be careful not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
- Add cranberries and walnuts: Carefully fold in the fresh or frozen cranberries and chopped walnuts, distributing them evenly through the batter.
- Transfer batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool the loaf: Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; no need to thaw if using frozen.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a citrus glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with orange juice.
- This loaf is freezer-friendly—wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
