Looking for a quick bread that’s bright, moist, and packed with the bold tang of cranberries? This Cranberry Loaf is the perfect mix of sweet and tart, wrapped up in a fluffy, golden loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting. A hint of orange zest adds a fresh citrus punch, and every slice is dotted with juicy berries for maximum flavor.

Why This Cranberry Loaf Stands Out
- Simple ingredients and no fancy tools—just stir and bake.
- No yeast, no rise time—just mix and go.
- Stays moist for days and freezes beautifully.
- Perfect for any occasion, from holidays to lazy Sundays.
Behind the Bake: How to Get It Right
Making this cranberry loaf is easy, but understanding a few key baking tips can help you get bakery-quality results at home:
- Mix gently – Stirring the batter too much activates the gluten and makes the bread tough.
- Use acidic ingredients – Buttermilk and orange juice help activate baking soda and create a soft, airy crumb.
- Fresh cranberries = best texture – Frozen work too, but don’t thaw them or they’ll bleed into the batter.
- Let it rest – Giving your batter 10 minutes before baking hydrates the flour for a more even texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (or use a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar (or coconut sugar for a natural option)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional but recommended)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg (room temperature)
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp orange zest
Add-Ins:
- 1½ cups (150g) fresh cranberries, halved (or frozen—keep them unthawed)
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for crunch)
Substitution Tips:
- Vegan? Use a flax egg + almond milk + vegan butter.
- Lower sugar? Reduce sugar to ½ cup and add ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Dry Mix
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon together until well blended.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the egg, buttermilk, oil (or melted butter), vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Fold
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined—the batter should remain slightly lumpy. Carefully fold in the cranberries and nuts, avoiding overmixing.
Step 4: Rest and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Let it sit for 10 minutes before baking to help hydrate the flour and improve the texture. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Troubleshooting & Tips
Problem | Solution |
---|---|
Dry loaf | Bake 5 minutes less; add 2 tbsp more buttermilk next time. |
Soggy center | Ensure the loaf reaches 190–200°F internally. |
Burst cranberries | Use fresh (not overripe) berries; fold gently. |
Dense loaf | Don’t overmix and check your baking powder is fresh. |
Flavor Variations to Try
- Orange Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tbsp orange juice and drizzle over cooled loaf.
- Cranberry-White Chocolate: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Warm Spice Blend: Add ¼ tsp nutmeg and ½ tsp ground ginger to the dry ingredients.
- Lemon Berry Combo: Swap orange zest for lemon zest and mix in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with: A smear of butter or cream cheese.
- At brunch: Alongside Greek yogurt, honey, and fresh fruit.
- As dessert: Toast a slice and top it with vanilla ice cream and cranberry compote.
- For gifting: Wrap in parchment and tie with twine—it keeps well for days.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Loaf is more than just a quick bread—it’s a celebration of bold, bright flavor wrapped in a soft, moist crumb. Whether you’re serving it during the holidays or just craving a bakery-style treat at home, this loaf hits all the right notes.
Sweet, tart, tender, and easy to make? You’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a bowl, those cranberries, and let’s bake something special.