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–+ servings
cranberry orange apple bread on a white marble board with plates fresh oranges and apples in the background.

Cranberry Orange Apple Bread

Mimi Council
Cranberry Orange Apple Bread is a delightful fusion of tart cranberries, zesty oranges, and sweet apples, creating a vibrant and flavorful treat perfect for any occasion. This bread captures the essence of the holiday season, making it perfect for festive breakfast spreads or a thoughtful homemade gift.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Bread
Cuisine American
Makes 8 servings
Calories 321 kcal

Equipment

  • Digital Food Scale
  • Stand Mixer
  • 1-pound Loaf Pan
  • Parchment Paper Sheets

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.
  • Mix on low until combined and there are no butter chunks.
  • Grate the apples and zest the orange.
  • Add the grated apples, orange zest, eggs, milk, sour cream, and orange flavor to the bowl with the butter and sugar.
  • Add the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to the mixing bowl.
  • Mix on low until combined and there are no bits of flour.
  • Fold in the cranberries with a spatula.
  • Transfer to the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  • Bake for 60 to 75 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely in the pan.

Video

Notes

Tips
  • Always weigh ingredients for the best results.
  • If you are using a ceramic loaf pan like I did here, you may not need parchment paper. But, if using aluminum I would add it. Check out the Best Nontoxic Loaf Pans for Baking for more info on the best loaf pans for baking.
  • 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. You could also use an orange extract as well, just use half the amount.
  • Always use whole milk, never use skim. Milk provides fat and flavor to baked goods, which is crucial for texture and taste.
  • 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.
  • Gluten Free — Replace the all purpose flour with 191 grams (scant 1 ¼ cups) gluten free flour blend.
  • High Altitude — Follow the recipe as noted.

Nutrition

Calories: 321kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 83mgSodium: 309mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 554IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 1mg
Want more recipes?Follow along on @mimisorganiceats for more inspiration!