Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe: A Tangy Morning Delight

Bursting with vibrant citrus notes, this delightful orange cranberry bread brings sunshine to your kitchen.

Zesty and tender, the bread carries bold cranberry swirls that dance through each golden slice.

Fresh oranges infuse surprising brightness into every crumb of this simple quick bread.

The delicate balance between sweet and tart creates a memorable breakfast or afternoon treat.

Fragrant orange zest mingles with juicy cranberries, promising a delectable experience.

Soft, moist, and irresistibly tangy, this bread will become your new favorite weekend baking project.

Slice into pure comfort and savor every delicious moment.

Ways To Serve Orange Cranberry Bread For Brunch

• Zesty Breakfast Companion: Pair this orange cranberry bread with a creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey and chopped almonds for a balanced morning meal.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Slice the bread and serve alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a perfect mid-afternoon treat that complements the citrusy notes.
• Festive Holiday Gift: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a decorative ribbon, making it a charming homemade gift for friends and family during seasonal celebrations.
• Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice and serve with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, drizzling extra orange glaze on top for an indulgent dessert experience.

How To Store Orange Cranberry Bread Properly

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the bread in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Freezing Technique: Cut bread into individual slices or keep whole, wrap securely in plastic wrap, then place inside a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Counter Storage Method: Keep bread at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent potential sogginess.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the bread batter one day in advance and refrigerate overnight. This allows flavors to develop and simplifies morning baking. Simply remove from refrigerator, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 11

Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Ingredient Guide

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and hearty foundation for the bread, choose unbleached for richer texture.
• Baking Powder: Creates gentle lift and softness, ensure it's fresh for maximum rising.
• Baking Soda: Helps bread brown beautifully and balances acidic ingredients.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and tenderizes the bread, use pure cane sugar for best results.
• Buttermilk: Adds tangy richness and helps activate baking soda, room temperature works best.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps bread incredibly moist and soft, choose neutral-flavored oil.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients and provide structure, use large eggs at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract: Deepens flavor complexity, pure extract recommended over imitation.

• Orange Zest: Infuses bright citrus aroma, use fresh oranges and avoid white pith.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds vibrant citrus note for glaze, freshly squeezed preferred.
• Chopped Cranberries: Introduces tart bursts of flavor, frozen or fresh both work wonderfully.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze, sift to prevent lumps.

Tools To Mix And Bake Orange Cranberry Bread

• Loaf Pan: 9×5-inch baking pan for shaping and baking the bread.
• Large Mixing Bowl: For combining wet ingredients and sugar with orange zest.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: To whisk together dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Essential for blending and incorporating ingredients smoothly.
• Spatula: Helps fold cranberries and smooth batter in the pan.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements for all ingredients.
• Grater or Microplane: For zesting fresh oranges.
• Wire Cooling Rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.
• Small Bowl: For preparing the orange glaze.
• Toothpick: To check bread doneness by testing the center.

How To Make Easy Orange Cranberry Bread Soft And Tart

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the oven to a cozy 350F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a light coating of grease or line it with parchment paper for easy bread removal.

• Sugar and Zest Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and combine sugar with fresh orange zest. Use your fingertips to massage the zest into the sugar, releasing those delightful citrus oils that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

• Liquid Harmony

Pour in buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and inviting.

• Flour Integration

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle and mix just until everything comes together – no aggressive stirring allowed!

• Cranberry Surprise

Sprinkle chopped cranberries into the batter. Give a soft fold to distribute those tart little jewels throughout the mix.

• Baking Adventure

Transfer the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula and slide it into the waiting oven. Bake for about an hour, keeping an eye out to prevent over-browning.

• Cooling Moment

Let the bread rest in the pan for a short while, then transfer to a cooling rack. Patience is key here!

• Glaze Finale

Mix powdered sugar with fresh orange juice to create a dreamy glaze. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Flavor Swaps For Orange Cranberry Bread

• Zesty Orange Cranberry Bread Pro Tips
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. This preserves its moisture and lets you enjoy a slice anytime you want a quick treat.
• Cranberry Trick: Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking and ensures even distribution.
• Perfect Moisture Secret: Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and buttermilk. They blend more smoothly and create a softer, more tender bread texture that melts in your mouth.
• Dietary Swap Options: For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Those watching sugar can substitute some granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce total sugar by 25%.

Creamy Chicken Parmesan Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Indulgent Creamy Chicken Parmesan Delight brings Italian comfort straight to your kitchen, blending crispy chicken with rich, velvety sauce. Cheese-lovers and home cooks will savor each forkful of this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken fillets
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 can (15 ounces or 425 grams) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken fillets into the slow cooker, creating a flavorful base with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper for a robust seasoning profile.
2. Cascade chicken broth and diced tomatoes over the seasoned chicken, gently mixing to distribute the ingredients evenly and create a harmonious liquid foundation.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to simmer and tenderize, selecting either a low 6-7 hour cycle or a high 3-4 hour duration until the meat becomes perfectly succulent.
4. Extract the cooked chicken and methodically deconstruct it using two forks, transforming the fillets into delicate, bite-sized shreds before returning them to the aromatic cooking liquid.
5. Introduce heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to incorporate and create a luxurious, velvety texture that enhances the soup’s depth and richness.
6. Let the mixture meld on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the cheese to dissolve and the soup to achieve a slightly thickened consistency.
7. Elegantly portion the creamy chicken parmesan soup into serving bowls, adorning with optional embellishments like crisp croutons, vibrant fresh basil, or melting shredded mozzarella.
8. Accompany the soup with crusty bread or golden garlic toast, perfect for capturing every last drop of the decadent broth.

Notes

• Slow cooker magic transforms ordinary chicken into a luxurious, tender meal with minimal effort.
• Layering spices and seasonings before cooking ensures deep, rich flavor development throughout the dish.
• Shredding chicken directly in the pot allows it to absorb more delicious cooking liquid and seasonings.
• Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a velvety, indulgent texture that elevates this comfort food classic.
• Optional garnishes like fresh basil or mozzarella add brightness and extra layers of flavor to the final dish.
• Perfectly paired with crusty bread, this one-pot meal is ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg