There are few things more comforting than the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen, especially when it carries the bright citrus scent of fresh oranges combined with the tart burst of cranberries. The Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a classic that captures the heart of holiday baking and brings a warm, homemade touch to any breakfast, snack, or dessert table. Known for her elegant yet simple recipes, Ina Garten has created a loaf that is wonderfully moist, beautifully tender, and full of sweet and tangy flavor in every bite.
Cranberry orange bread is one of those timeless recipes that never goes out of style. It is cozy, festive, and perfect for all seasons. During winter it brings warmth and brightness. During spring and summer it feels fresh and uplifting. This loaf is soft, fragrant, and vibrant, making it a delightful treat for holidays, brunch gatherings, weekend breakfasts, or gifting homemade loaves to family and friends.
The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest creates a perfect harmony of flavors. The cranberries offer freshness and a juicy pop of color while the orange zest and juice infuse the loaf with natural sweetness and citrus aroma. When baked together in a tender quick bread batter, they create a comforting loaf that is moist from the first slice to the last.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
This bread is incredibly moist and stays soft for several days. The orange zest enhances every bite with natural citrus fragrance while the fresh or frozen cranberries keep the loaf deliciously tangy. It is simple to make and requires only basic ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. You do not need any special equipment or advanced baking techniques. Most of the flavor comes naturally from fresh citrus and juicy cranberries.
The recipe is versatile and can be served warm, room temperature, or even chilled. It pairs beautifully with butter, honey, cream cheese, or even orange glaze. You can make it ahead, freeze it easily, and enjoy it throughout the week. It is a lovely addition to breakfast boards, coffee breaks, holiday brunches, or tea time moments.
Most importantly, it tastes like something from a cozy café or a bakery, but it is simple enough for anyone to bake at home.
Ingredients You Will Need
This recipe highlights fresh, real ingredients that give the bread its signature flavor.
Dry Ingredients
Two cups of all purpose flour
One and one half teaspoons of baking powder
Half a teaspoon of salt
Wet Ingredients
One cup of granulated sugar
One tablespoon of orange zest
One large egg
Three quarters cup of milk
One quarter cup of melted unsalted butter
One quarter cup of fresh orange juice
One teaspoon of vanilla extract
Fruit Add Ins
One and a half cups of fresh or frozen cranberries halved if large
Optional
One quarter cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts
A sprinkle of coarse sugar for a crunchy top
How to Make Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 175°C. Grease a loaf pan with butter or oil and line it with parchment paper for easier removal later. Rinse the cranberries and dry them well. If your cranberries are large, cut them in half for even distribution.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly incorporated and prevents lumps in the batter.
Step 3: Combine Sugar and Orange Zest
Place the sugar in a large mixing bowl and add the orange zest. Use your fingers to gently rub them together. This releases the natural citrus oils in the zest and infuses the sugar with bright orange flavor. This step elevates the bread and makes it more fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the egg, milk, melted butter, orange juice, and vanilla extract to the sugar mixture. Whisk until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look thick and creamy with tiny flecks of orange zest.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients to Wet
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do not overmix. Overmixing can make the bread tough instead of tender. Mix until the batter is just combined and no dry flour remains.
Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries
Add the cranberries and gently fold them into the batter. The cranberries add moisture and flavor, so distribute them evenly. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage as well.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. If desired, sprinkle a little coarse sugar on top for a sweet and lightly crunchy finish.
Bake for fifty to sixty minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Every oven is slightly different, so start checking around the fifty minute mark. The top should be golden, and the loaf should spring back slightly when gently pressed.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for ten minutes before lifting it out and placing it on a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling. Serve plain or warm with a spread of fresh butter.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread
Rub the orange zest into the sugar. This boosts citrus flavor throughout the loaf.
Use fresh orange juice rather than bottled for the best taste.
Do not overmix the batter. Overmixing creates dense bread.
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them. Fold them in frozen to prevent the batter from turning pink.
Add a simple orange glaze for sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Let the bread cool before slicing. Warm bread may crumble.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe works beautifully because it balances sweetness, tanginess, and moisture. The cranberries offer tart bursts of flavor while the orange zest adds brightness. The sugar and butter create a soft, tender crumb. The simple mixing method ensures the bread stays fluffy rather than dense.
The bread stays moist thanks to the combination of milk, butter, and orange juice. Cranberries add moisture as they bake, creating soft pockets of fruit inside the loaf. Everything blends into a beautifully textured bread that feels fresh, light, and comforting.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bread warm or room temperature with butter, honey butter, or orange marmalade. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a mid afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
For holiday mornings, serve it alongside scrambled eggs, fruit salads, and warm drinks. Cut the loaf into thick slices and toast lightly for a warm and fragrant treat. You can also turn leftover slices into French toast by dipping them in egg mixture and lightly pan frying.
Another delicious serving idea is to drizzle a quick icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice. This adds sweetness and makes the bread look even more beautiful for gatherings or gifting.
Storage and Freezing
Store the cooled bread tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
For longer storage, wrap the loaf well and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slices in the microwave for a quick morning treat.
You can also freeze slices individually so you can enjoy this bread anytime without thawing the whole loaf.
Variations
Cranberry Orange Nut Bread
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra richness.
Cranberry Orange White Chocolate Bread
Fold in white chocolate chips for a bakery style twist.
Glazed Cranberry Orange Bread
Add a simple orange icing drizzle after cooling for extra sweetness.
Cranberry Orange Cream Cheese Bread
Add a cream cheese swirl for a decadent breakfast loaf.
Cranberry Lemon Bread
Replace the orange with lemon zest and juice for a tangier version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh
Yes. Use one cup of dried cranberries and soak them in warm water or orange juice for ten minutes before using to make them plump and soft.
Can I make this recipe into muffins
Yes. Fill muffin liners three quarters full and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes.
Why is my bread too dense
You may have overmixed the batter. Mix gently and only until combined.
Can I reduce the sugar
Yes. Reduce up to one quarter cup without affecting texture.
Can I add more orange flavor
Increase the zest or add a teaspoon of orange extract.
Why Everyone Loves This Recipe
People love this recipe because it is simple, fresh, and full of natural flavor. It tastes like something special even though it is easy to make. The citrus brightens the entire loaf and balances the tartness of the cranberries. It is moist without being heavy and sweet without being overly sugary.
The aroma alone makes your home feel warm and inviting. This bread brings joy whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or as a thoughtful gift for someone you love.
Conclusion
The Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a timeless classic that delivers everything you crave in a homemade quick bread. It is moist, fresh, fragrant, and perfectly balanced with sweet and tangy flavors in each slice. Whether you are preparing for the holidays, baking for brunch, or simply treating yourself to something cozy and delicious, this bread is sure to become one of your favorites.
With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it is a recipe you will return to again and again. One bite of its soft crumb, juicy cranberries, and bright citrus notes will remind you why homemade baking is truly special.
