Few flavor combinations are as bright and refreshing as cranberry and orange. The tart pop of cranberries paired with the sweet citrus aroma of oranges creates a perfectly balanced baked treat. This Cranberry Orange Loaf is soft, moist, and bursting with fresh flavor, making it the ideal quick bread for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

This loaf cake is incredibly simple to make, yet it tastes like something straight from a bakery. Each slice is tender and buttery, filled with juicy cranberries and fragrant orange zest. A simple orange glaze drizzled over the top adds a sweet citrus finish that ties everything together beautifully.

Quick breads like this one are especially popular during fall and winter when cranberries are in season, but the recipe works just as well with frozen berries, meaning you can enjoy this delicious loaf any time of year.

Whether you’re baking for guests, meal-prepping breakfast for the week, or just craving something cozy with your coffee, this Cranberry Orange Loaf is guaranteed to impress.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Moist Texture

Thanks to butter, eggs, and milk, this loaf stays soft and tender.

Bright Citrus Flavor

Fresh orange zest and juice give the bread a vibrant aroma.

Beautiful Color

The red cranberries create gorgeous pops of color throughout the loaf.

Easy One-Bowl Batter

No complicated steps—just mix, pour, and bake.

Great for Any Occasion

Perfect for brunch tables, holiday baking, or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Cranberry Orange Loaf

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries

Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk orange juice, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Make the Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

5. Fold in Cranberries

Add the cranberries and fold them into the batter carefully.

6. Fill the Loaf Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

7. Bake

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool the Loaf

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

9. Prepare the Orange Glaze

Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

10. Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set before slicing.

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Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Loaf

Toss Cranberries in Flour

Lightly coating cranberries in flour helps prevent them from sinking.

Use Fresh Orange Zest

Fresh zest gives the bread a more vibrant citrus aroma.

Don’t Overmix

Mixing too much can make the loaf dense.

Check for Doneness

Insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.

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Delicious Variations

Walnut Cranberry Loaf

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for extra crunch.

Cream Cheese Swirl

Add a sweet cream cheese swirl for a richer dessert version.

Chocolate Cranberry Version

Fold in white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.

Lemon Cranberry Loaf

Replace orange juice and zest with lemon for a tangier flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

This loaf is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:

• Butter or cream cheese
• Honey or orange marmalade
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit

It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

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Storage Tips

Room Temperature

Store the loaf in an airtight container for 3 days.

Refrigeration

Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.

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Nutritional Benefits

While this loaf is definitely a treat, it still offers some nutritional perks:

• Cranberries: Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
• Oranges: Provide immune-boosting nutrients
• Eggs: Add protein and structure to the loaf

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Fun Baking Fact

Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America and have been used in cooking for hundreds of years. Their tart flavor makes them ideal for balancing sweet baked goods like this loaf.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a cozy, bakery-style treat that’s simple to make and packed with bright flavor, this Cranberry Orange Loaf (Moist & Easy Citrus Cake) is a perfect choice.

The combination of sweet citrus glaze, soft cake texture, and tart cranberries makes every bite incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a household favorite—especially during the holiday season.

Bake a loaf, slice it thick, and enjoy it with your favorite warm drink for the ultimate comforting treat.