Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe
The Ina Garten Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe is a soft, fruity, and flavorful loaf perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday treats. It features fresh cranberries and bright orange zest for a festive taste.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – ½ teaspoon
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Large eggs – 2
- Unsalted butter – ½ cup, softened
- Fresh orange juice – ¼ cup
- Orange zest – 1 tablespoon
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Fresh cranberries – 1 cup, washed and dried
- Powdered sugar – optional, for glaze
Instructions
Prepare Oven and Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined and light.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and pale.
Add Eggs and Flavor
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
Fold in Cranberries
- Gently fold fresh cranberries into the batter, tossing them with a little flour first to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
Pour into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
Bake the Bread
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
Cool and Slice
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack until completely cool before slicing.
Optional Glaze
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar with a little orange juice and drizzle over the cooled loaf for a sweet glaze.
Notes
- Toss cranberries in flour to prevent sinking
- Do not overmix the batter to keep it tender
- Optional glaze adds sweetness and visual appeal
- Serve warm for best flavor