There is something about the smell of orange and cranberries baking that just feels so fresh and cozy at the same time! Cranberry orange bread is one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with the best smell before you even get to taste it. It’s tender, bursting with tart cranberries, and finished with a simple orange glaze that takes this orange loaf cake to the next level.

I started making this loaf during the holiday season when fresh cranberries hit the stores. I love that it works just as well as a weekend breakfast as it does as a treat to bring to a gathering. It feels special without being complicated, and that is exactly my kind of recipe.

If you love fruity baked loaves, my lemon blueberry swirl loaf cake is another one worth bookmarking.

A slice of cranberry orange bread on a wood plate next to the loaf.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to make: No stand mixer needed for this recipe, just a couple of bowls, whisk and hand electric mixer. It comes together quickly and the oven does the rest.

Big, fresh citrus flavor: Rubbing the orange zest into the sugar before mixing releases the natural oils and gives this loaf a bright, bold orange flavor throughout every bite.

Moist and tender crumb: Greek yogurt and oil work together to keep this loaf soft for days.

What I Love:

That orange glaze. It is simple, just powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest. But it adds a sweet, citrusy finish that really brings the whole loaf together. It is my favorite part of the bread.

The ingredients needed to make the cranberry orange loaf cake.

The sugar and orange zest in a bowl after rubbing together to release the orange oils.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. Any percent plain Greek yogurt works well. You can swap for sour cream or a plain dairy-free yogurt in a pinch.

Neutral Oil: A neutral oil keeps this loaf moist without adding any extra flavor. Avocado, canola, or vegetable oil all work.

Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh is best here for the most vibrant flavor. You will need orange zest for both the batter and the glaze, so zest your orange before juicing it. You will need about 3 oranges to get enough zest and juice for the bread and the glaze.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries both work in this recipe. If using frozen, do not thaw them first. Add them straight from the freezer to help prevent the batter from turning pink.

All-Purpose Flour: A simple all-purpose flour works best. If you need a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

The cranberry orange batter in a loaf pan before being baked.

Orange Cranberry loaf right out of the oven still in the loaf pan.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Grease or line a 9×5 bread pan with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk together and set aside.
In a separate large bowl, add the sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub them together for about 1 minute until the sugar looks slightly damp and smells fragrant. This step releases the oils in the zest and makes a big difference in flavor.
Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high for 1 minute. Add the Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla extract, oil, and orange juice. Mix until fully combined.
Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the cranberries gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Once the loaf has cooled, make the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Pour over the loaf and enjoy!

Sara’s Tip

Do not skip the step of rubbing the orange zest into the sugar. It only takes about one minute but it makes a real difference. The friction releases the essential oils from the zest and infuses the sugar with concentrated orange flavor. The batter will smell amazing from that moment on.

Orange cranberry bread on a cutting board with orange glaze.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. Add them straight from the freezer without thawing. This helps keep the batter from turning pink and prevents them from getting too soft during mixing.

Do I need to chop the cranberries?

You can leave them whole or give them a rough chop. Whole cranberries give you bigger pops of tart flavor throughout the loaf. Chopped cranberries distribute more evenly. Both work well, it just comes down to personal taste. I leave my cranberries whole.

Why did my loaf sink in the middle?

The most common reason is underbaking. Always check with a toothpick before pulling it from the oven. If it comes out with wet batter, give it a few more minutes. Overmixing the batter can also cause sinking, so stir until just combined.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes! Fill a lined muffin tin and bake at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then reduce to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 13-17 minutes or until fully set.

How do I store this loaf?

Store the loaf tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze cranberry orange bread?

Yes! Wrap the unglazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add the glaze fresh before serving.

Cranberry orange bread on a cutting board sliced open, showing the cranberries inside the bread.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Bread

This loaf is great on its own, but here are a few ways to make it a little more special:

With coffee or tea: The bright citrus flavor pairs so well with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It is a great slow morning kind of breakfast.

With butter or cream cheese: A simple spread of salted butter or cream cheese on a warm slice is hard to beat. My brown butter banana bread is delicious the same way. Simple and satisfying.

With yogurt: Serve a slice alongside a bowl of plain Greek yogurt for a little extra protein to round out the meal.

As part of a brunch spread: This loaf fits right in on a brunch table. It slices beautifully and looks great next to eggs, fruit, or other baked goods. My potato, chive and cheddar breakfast casserole makes a great savory pairing if you are feeding a crowd.

If you are looking for more quick bread recipes to add to your rotation, there are so many good ones to explore.

If you give this cranberry orange bread a try, let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

And be sure to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creations.

From my kitchen to yours, happy baking! I hope you love this cranberry orange bread as much as we do!