Easy Quick Bread Recipe: Simple & Fast Baking

Ready for a Quick Bread that will Blow Your Mind?

Imagine a loaf of bread, bursting with sweet and tangy flavors, so easy to make that you’ll be baking it every week. This isn’t your average quick bread; it’s a taste of sunshine in every slice, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love It

• The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, thanks to the combination of juicy cranberries and bright orange zest.
• Incredibly moist and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
• So easy to make – no yeast or complicated steps involved, perfect for beginner bakers.
• Versatile enough to be enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert.
• The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel cozy and welcoming.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread apart is the perfect blend of fresh cranberry tartness and the citrusy zing of orange zest and juice. It’s not just a plain, sweet bread; the cranberries provide a delightful burst of flavor and a subtle chewy texture, which compliments the soft and moist crumb perfectly. It’s a harmonious flavor combination that you won’t find in just any quick bread recipe. Plus, the inclusion of sour cream in the batter makes this bread incredibly moist and gives it a wonderful tangy edge.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup sour cream (Sour cream adds moisture and gives the loaf a nice tang.)
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, egg, sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick 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.

Optional Toppings/Variations

While this bread is delicious on its own, feel free to add a simple glaze for extra sweetness. For a glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice, and drizzle over the cooled bread. If you love nuts, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the cranberries. For a warmer flavor profile, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Expert Tips

• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Do not overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough loaf.
• Make sure your baking soda and baking powder are fresh for the best rise.
• Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
• For an extra burst of orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract to the wet ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter. They may release a bit more moisture, so adjust baking time if needed.
• Can I substitute the sour cream? If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt.
• How do I store the bread? Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This bread is great for making a day ahead. The flavors deepen over time, and it stays moist.
• Can I freeze this bread? Yes, you can freeze the cooled loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to get creative? Try adding ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for a touch of extra sweetness. You can also swap out the cranberries for other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries. If you’re not a fan of orange, lemon zest and lemon juice will provide a great alternative.

• Lemon Cranberry Bread: Substitute lemon zest and juice for the orange.
• Blueberry Orange Bread: Replace cranberries with fresh or frozen blueberries.
• Nutty Cranberry Orange Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is perfect served with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. It’s fantastic with a cup of hot tea or coffee. For a special touch, lightly toast the slices and serve alongside a breakfast platter or as part of a holiday brunch spread.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. The combination of tart cranberries, citrusy orange, and the moist, tender crumb will have you coming back for more. Try this recipe today and bring a little sunshine to your day. Be sure to share your creations and don’t forget to subscribe for more delightful recipes!