The Best Homemade Cranberry Bread Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This cranberry bread is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. You’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a cozy, sweet aroma while baking.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to juicy cranberries and a hint of orange zest.
- Soft, moist texture that stays fresh for days, making it great for breakfast or snacks.
- Simple ingredients you likely already have, so you can whip it up anytime!
Recipe

This delicious homemade cranberry bread is moist, slightly tart, and perfect for breakfast or a snack. Packed with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest, it’s a festive treat that’s easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ¾ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- 1½ cups fresh cranberries, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix orange juice, oil, egg, and orange zest.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chopped cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes:
- For extra sweetness, toss cranberries in 1 tbsp sugar before adding to the batter.
- Substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries if needed (reduce to 1 cup).
Equipment:
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Wire rack
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 55-60 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 10 slices
Nutrition
This cranberry bread recipe provides a delicious combination of sweetness and tartness. It’s a wholesome treat packed with nutrients.
Calories: 220
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade cranberry bread with a slab of sweet cream butter; it melts just right into the warm slices. A mug of hot spiced cider adds the perfect cozy touch, balancing the bread’s tartness with its aromatic sweetness. This combo always feels like a hug on a chilly morning.
Sweet Cream Butter
When you’ve got a fresh loaf of homemade cranberry bread, spreading a generous layer of sweet cream butter on top can take it to the next level. I love how the smooth, creamy butter melts slightly into the warm bread, complementing its tangy sweetness. It’s simple but makes such a difference. I always use unsalted butter because it lets the natural flavors shine without overpowering them. For me, it’s about balance—enough butter to add richness but not so much that it’s greasy. Try it once, and I bet you’ll agree—sometimes the simplest pairings are the most satisfying.
Hot Spiced Cider
Nothing beats cozying up with a warm mug of hot spiced cider on a chilly day, especially when it’s paired with something just as comforting. The rich, spiced aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest fills the air, making every sip feel like a hug. I love serving it alongside a slice of homemade cranberry bread—the tartness of the berries balances the cider’s sweetness perfectly. It’s simple to make, too: just simmer apple cider with spices, strain, and enjoy. The warmth of the drink and the soft crumb of the bread create a match made in cozy heaven. Pure comfort in every bite and sip.