Cranberry Orange Apple Bread
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This moist and fluffy Cranberry Orange Apple Bread is a delightful seasonal treat that combines the tartness of cranberries, the citrusy zest of oranges, and the natural sweetness of apples. This moist and flavorful bread is a perfect balance of tangy and sweet, creating a burst of fruity goodness with every bite!
If you want to take advantage of cranberry season, try some of my other favorite recipes that use fresh cranberries like my Spiced Cranberry Snack Cake, Maple Cranberry Scones, or my Lemon Cranberry Crumb Bars.
Table of Contents
I found one last bag of cranberries in my fridge, which was such an awesome surprise! So, I was thinking of what else to make with this last bag of fresh cranberries for the season. And, I figured you all are wanting healthy recipes right now. So, while I was debating between muffins and loaf cake, I ended up making this Cranberry Orange Apple Bread!
This bread, or quick bread, as some might call it is filled with grated apple, and it has less than half the sugar of my normal loaf cakes! If you cut this bread into 8 slices, which are pretty generous slices if you ask me, then each slice only has 14 grams of sugar (not counting the natural sugars from the fruit). But, let me tell you, that is not much! This easy bread is filled with orange zest and fresh cranberries, that makes this bread lightly sweetened and loaded with fruit inside. I like to serve it with just a little bit of butter on top.
This Orange Cranberry Apple Bread would be an amazing breakfast, mid morning snack, or even a healthy dessert! The sweetness of the orange pairs so well with the tart cranberries, and the apple makes this bread extra moist.
Why You'll Love This Recpie
Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet apples creates a delightful flavor combination that balances tangy and sweet, offering a refreshing and vibrant taste with every bite.
Festive and Seasonal: Cranberry Orange Apple Bread is perfect for the holiday season, capturing the essence of festive flavors. Add this bread to holiday breakfast spreads, brunches, or give as a gift.
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of fresh fruit and a moist, tender crumb makes this bread irresistibly soft and satisfying, providing a comforting and wholesome baked good that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
Organic Fuji Apples
Frontier Co-Op Organic Orange Flavor
Cairnspring Mills Organic All Purpose Flour (use code MIMIORGANIC15 for 15% off your order!)
Organic Orange
Fresh Fresh Cranberries
Tools Needed
Parchment Paper (get my favorite nontoxic parchment paper and get 10% off with MIMIBAKES)
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Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 1-pound loaf pan with parchment paper letting it hang over the sides for easier removal.
Step 2
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and cane sugar and mix on low until combined and there are no butter chunks. Add the grated apple, eggs, milk, sour cream, and orange flavor and mix on low until combined.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sea salt and orange zest and mix together. Add the cranberries and toss to coat completely. Add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and mix until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
Step 4
Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan. (If you're baking at high altitude, be sure to check the Notes at the bottom of the recipe for high altitude baking instructions).
Baker's Tips
- I always use my USA Pan 1-pound loaf pan, as their pans are absolutely the best. The little ridges in them really helps baked goods rise evenly and bake better. If you haven't upgraded your loaf pan in a while, I highly recommend that you get one of these and your loaf baking game will seriously improve.
- Make sure your butter is soft. I like to leave butter out on the counter overnight so it softens at room temperature. If you do have to microwave it, don't do more than 10 seconds per 1/2 cup as otherwise you can melt portions of the butter.
- I used a Fuji apple in this bread, but you could also use a Pink Lady or Gala as those have a similar flavor profile.
- My favorite organic orange flavor is by Frontier Co-Op. This gives such an amazing perfectly orange flavor to baked goods. Flavors and extracts can make or break your dessert. So, don't dismiss a recipe just because you don't like the flavor, as if you don't like one flavor there is probably another brand that makes a different kind. Flavors and extracts are so subjective, so they all will taste slightly different. And my personal favorite is Frontier Co-Op for organic orange.
- Always use whole milk, never use skim. Milk provides fat and flavor to baked goods, which is crucial for texture and taste. So, don't skimp on the milk even if you are trying to be healthy. Remember, whole milk is healthier for you than skim!
- If you want to make this bread and it's not cranberry season, then you could substitute blueberries in its place. Orange and blueberry go incredibly well together, and this would be a delicious option for this bread too.
FAQ's
Yes, just add ¼ teaspoon of salt to the recipe.
Yes, dried cranberries will also work!
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Craving More?
Cranberry Orange Apple Bread
Ingredients
- 113 grams salted butter (softened)
- 113 grams cane sugar
- 1 large Fuji apple (finely grated, about 4 ounces grated)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup milk (room temperature)
- 57 grams sour cream (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons orange flavor
- 191 grams all purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 orange (zested)
- 170 grams cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 1-pound loaf pan with parchment paper letting it hang over the sides for easier removal.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the butter and cane sugar and mix on low until combined and there are no butter chunks.
- Add the grated apple, eggs, milk, sour cream, and orange flavor and mix on low until combined.
- In a separate bowl, add the flour, baking powder, sea salt and orange zest and mix together. Add the cranberries and toss to coat completely. Add the flour mixture into the butter mixture and mix until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
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