This vibrant Orange Cranberry Bread combines the bright citrus notes of fresh orange with tart cranberries, creating a perfectly balanced breakfast or teatime treat. This oil-free vegan recipe maintains a moist, tender crumb through the clever use of applesauce, making it a healthier alternative to traditional quick breads while sacrificing nothing in taste or texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- All-purpose flour or whole wheat pastry flour: 2 cups (240g)
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons (10g)
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g)
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon (0.6g)
- Ground nutmeg: 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g)
- Ground cardamom: 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g)
- Ground cloves: 1/8 teaspoon (0.3g)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.5g)
Wet Ingredients
- Unsweetened applesauce: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Orange juice: 1 cup (240ml)
- Organic cane sugar: 1/3 cup (67g)
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml)
- Fresh cranberries: 1 cup (100g), plus extra for topping
- Orange zest: 1 tablespoon (6g)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, and salt until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix applesauce, orange juice, cane sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Create Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake: Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Arrange additional cranberries on top if desired. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow bread to cool completely in pan before removing and slicing.
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 slices)
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 slices)
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Measure flour accurately by spooning into measuring cups and leveling off with a knife.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation.
- Pulse cranberries briefly in a food processor for more even distribution throughout the bread.
- Test doneness with a wooden skewer; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace cranberries with blueberries or raspberries
- Substitute whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor
- Use coconut sugar instead of cane sugar
- Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for texture
- Include 1/4 cup dried cranberries for extra sweetness
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
While fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness, dried cranberries can be used. Reduce the amount to 3/4 cup and soak in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
Why is my bread dense?
Overmixing the batter can lead to a dense texture. Mix just until ingredients are combined to maintain lightness.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?
Toss fresh cranberries in 1 tablespoon of the measured flour before adding to the batter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Refrigerate for extended freshness up to 1 week
- Freeze whole loaf or individual slices for up to 3 months
- Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or toast from frozen
- Refresh slightly stale bread by toasting lightly
This vegan orange cranberry bread offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors while maintaining a wholesome profile through its oil-free preparation. Its versatility makes it suitable for breakfast, snacking, or as a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. The combination of warm spices with bright citrus creates an inviting aroma that makes this bread as pleasurable to bake as it is to eat.
