One-Bowl Cranberry Orange Quick Bread 🍂 – Moist, Tangy, and Ready in 30 Minutes – Perfect for Thanksgiving Brunch!
A festive one-bowl quick bread loaded with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and honey – ideal for Thanksgiving tables or cozy fall mornings.
This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is your shortcut to a holiday showstopper. No mixing bowls to clean, no complicated steps – just a single bowl, a few fresh ingredients, and a zesty, moisture-packed loaf that will disappear in minutes. Whether you’re serving Thanksgiving brunch, dessert, or guests, this bread’s tangy cranberry and bright orange flavor will impress everyone. The added honey gives a perfect balance of sweetness without overdoing it, making it a crowd-pleaser for all seasons.
Why settle for store-bought bread when you can create a vibrant, homemade loaf in less than an hour? This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, with no special equipment needed. It’s a recipe that embodies simplicity and flavor in every bite.
The combination of tart cranberries and fresh orange zest creates a refreshing twist on classic quick bread. Plus, with just one bowl to clean up, you’ll have more time to enjoy the process – or tackle other holiday tasks.
Whether you’re gifting it wrapped in twine, serving it with tea, or simply keeping it for family, this bread is both a treat and a conversation starter. Let’s dive into how to make this holiday essential!
Why This Recipe Works
Time-Saving
Ready in 30 minutes with only one bowl to clean! Perfect for last-minute holiday hosting.
Fresh Flavor
Fresh orange zest and real cranberries add bursts of tangy, juicy flavor every bite.
Family-Friendly
Perfect for Thanksgiving, fall brunch, or holiday snacks – even kids will love it!
Minimal Tools
No stand mixer or special gadgets – just a bowl, loaf pan, and your hands.
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe
A zesty, festive treat for holidays and fall!
Ingredients
- • 2 cups all-purpose flour
- • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- • 1 tsp baking powder
- • 1/2 tsp baking soda
- • 1/2 tsp salt
- • 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter
- • 1/4 cup honey
- • Zest of 2 large oranges
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1/3 cup milk
- • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- • 1/2 tsp orange extract
Instructions
Prep Loaf Pan: Line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease edges for easy removal.
💡 Tip: For easy release, spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray instead of parchment.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, soda, salt, and butter until smooth.
💡 Tip: Use a silicone spatula to mix for smooth, lump-free batter.
Blend Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, milk, honey, orange zest, and extract to the bowl. Stir until fully combined.
💡 Tip: Fresh oranges yield the most vibrant flavor.
Add Cranberries: Fold in cranberries gently. Avoid overmixing to keep the fruit intact.
💡 Tip: For extra crunch, lightly toast cranberries in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes first.
Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
💡 Tip: Check for doneness 5 minutes early — oven temperatures vary!
Rest and Serve: Let the loaf cool completely in the pan before slicing. Serve at room temperature or with a drizzle of orange glaze.
💡 Tip: Wrap in foil for storage to maintain moisture.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries
The tart bursts of cranberry add festive flavor and color. Use frozen cranberries thawed and drained if fresh are unavailable.
Substitutions: Dried cranberries (soaked in water for 30 minutes) can work but will release less juice. Use half the quantity for dried.
Orange Zest
Zest contributes bright citrus flavor without the bitterness of the pith. Use a box grater or microplane for best results.
Substitutions: Lemon zest works in a pinch, though the flavor will be more tart than sweet.
Honey
Adds natural moisture and sweetness while reducing the need for refined sugars. Can’t be omitted without affecting texture.
Substitutions: Maple syrup is a good alternative, though it will shift the flavor toward earthy sweetness. Use 1:1 ratio.
Milk
Helps bind the dough and creates a tender crumb. Whole or 2% milk work best, though non-dairy milks (e.g., almond or oat) are suitable in a pinch.
Substitutions: Buttermilk adds a slightly tangy flavor and tender texture. Use 1:1 ratio.
Pro Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Quick Bread
Mixing Tip
Use a spatula to fold cranberries into the batter. Overmixing breaks them into smaller pieces and releases excess juice, which can make the bread soggy.
Flavor Boost
Add 1/2 tsp orange blossom water or a splash of Grand Marnier for an elegant, holiday twist.
Texture Hack
For a moister loaf, add an extra 1/4 cup melted butter. This works especially well if using frozen cranberries, which can dry out the bread.
Glazing Trick
Make an orange glaze by mixing 1/4 cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp milk and 1 tsp orange zest. Drizzle over cooled bread for a showy finish.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend (1:1 ratio) and add 1/2 tsp xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for better binding.
Vegan Twist
Use coconut oil instead of butter, applesauce as a binder for eggs, and non-dairy milk (e.g., oat or soy). Replace honey with maple syrup for vegan sweetness.
Citrus Burst
Add zest and juice from one lemon to the batter for a dual citrus flavor profile. This works especially well in winter when lemons are in season.
Nutty Crunch
Stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for added texture and richness. Nuts pair beautifully with cranberries and orange.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Warm Turkey Hash: The tangy cranberry pairs well with savory, fall-inspired dishes.
- Marmalade-Spiced Coffee: Enhances the citrus notes while providing a cozy afternoon snack.
- Sweet Potato Muffins: A festive combo that brings together the best of fall flavors.
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread partners beautifully with a glass of sparkling cider, hot earl grey tea, or a chamomile latte for a brunch or afternoon tea setting.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the batter up to 5 hours ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. Add cranberries before baking for optimal texture.
Refrigerator Storage
Store wrapped in plastic or in an airtight loaf tin for 5-7 days. Bread may lose some moisture but stays tasty.
Freezer Storage
Freeze the bread in tightly sealed plastic bags for up to 2 months. Rewarm at 300°F for 10 minutes after thawing for best results.
Reheating Instructions
Toast slices in a toaster or oven at 325°F for 3-5 minutes, or wrap in foil and heat the entire loaf for 15 minutes.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My bread came out too dry. Why?
A: Overbaking is often the culprit. If your oven runs hot, cover the loaf with foil after 15 minutes to prevent excessive browning while keeping it moist.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but bake in two 9x5-inch loaf pans or a 9x13-inch baking dish. Adjust baking time to 25-30 minutes, testing for doneness after 20 minutes.
Q: Can I use fresh cranberries from the fall harvest?
A: Absolutely! Using cranberries in season gives the best texture and flavor. Just ensure they’re rinsed and dried well to avoid creating a soggy batter.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a perfect blend of simplicity and flavor that brings fall and holiday cheer to your table. With just one bowl of ingredients, it’s an accessible yet impressive recipe for any occasion. Whether you're preparing a festive Thanksgiving breakfast, a cozy family afternoon tea, or gifting to friends, this bread is sure to leave a lasting impression. The vibrant cranberries and zesty orange create a sensory experience that will keep people coming back for more. So, don’t wait — bake this moist, tangy loaf today, and savor every bite of its fall-inspired magic!
