Homemade Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread: A Delightfully Sweet and Tangy Quick Bread Recipe
There’s a special kind of joy that comes from baking bread, filling your home with an aroma that speaks of warmth, comfort, and delicious anticipation. While I truly admire the intricate art of yeast bread baking, with its precise measurements and patient rising times, I admit I haven’t fully dived into it *yet*. My adventure with yeast breads, like those sensational Cherry Limeade Sweet Rolls I made a while back, proved to be a delightful success despite my initial fears. They were so incredibly good, and I’m eager to try another yeast-based recipe *someday* when the time feels right.
But until that day arrives, I happily embrace the world of quick breads – my true baking sanctuary. There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a sweet loaf with minimal fuss, and my blog is testament to this love, boasting a generous collection of banana bread recipes. It seems bananas and bread are a match made in heaven for my family. I adore it, the kids can’t get enough, and my husband? Well, he’s absolutely crazy for anything banana. Keeping the hubby happy is always a good thing, wouldn’t you agree?
This particular Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread, a true gem among quick bread recipes, has a lovely story behind it. I actually baked this loaf a couple of months ago, and I’m so excited to finally share it with you all. It all started when my wonderful Aunt Carol had back surgery. Once she was home and recovering, I wanted to bring her and my Uncle Clyde a comforting dinner. Knowing it was just the two of them, a massive dessert wasn’t quite right, but I still wanted to provide something sweet and special to brighten their day.
Crafting the Perfect Quick Bread
Flipping through an old church cookbook, I stumbled upon a recipe for cranberry nut bread. It immediately sparked an idea: why not elevate it with a bright citrusy twist? That’s where the oranges came in. And let me tell you, these weren’t just any oranges! I used Cara-Cara Oranges, and seriously, aren’t their pinkish-orange hues absolutely gorgeous? Their vibrant color instantly made the bread feel special. And the taste? Holy Moly, they are incredibly juicy and impart such a wonderful, sweet-tart flavor to the loaf!
This Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread became the perfect subtly sweet treat for my aunt and uncle, and it’s quickly become a family favorite. It’s the kind of bread that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to bake on a whim. The combination of zesty orange, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Adore This Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread
If you’re searching for a quick bread that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, this Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread is an absolute must-try. It’s truly wonderful for breakfast, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea, but it also makes a fantastic afternoon snack or a simple, elegant dessert. Here are a few reasons why this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire:
- Effortless Elegance: This quick bread comes together quickly, requiring no yeast or proofing time. It’s perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
- Bursting with Flavor: The fresh orange zest and juice infuse the bread with a bright, citrusy aroma and taste that perfectly complements the tart cranberries and earthy pecans.
- Delightful Texture: Enjoy a moist, tender crumb studded with chewy cranberries and crunchy pecans, creating a satisfying experience with every bite.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Aromatic Experience: The scent of this bread baking will fill your home with an irresistible fragrance that’s truly heartwarming.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Quick Bread
Even though quick breads are generally forgiving, a few tips can ensure your Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Overmix: This is crucial for quick breads! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough, dense loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined – a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Proper Pan Preparation: Always grease and flour (or spray with non-stick spray) your loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Ingredient Temperature: While not strictly necessary for all quick breads, having your egg at room temperature can help it incorporate more smoothly into the batter.
- Fresh Zest and Juice: Use fresh oranges for the zest and juice. The flavor difference is undeniable and makes a huge impact on the final taste of the bread. Cara-Cara oranges are a wonderful choice, but any navel orange will also work beautifully.
- Check for Doneness: The toothpick test is your best friend. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If it has wet batter clinging to it, continue baking for a few more minutes.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents it from becoming soggy and makes it easier to slice.
This recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for your own family or sharing it with loved ones, this Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread is sure to bring smiles and warm feelings.
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Print Recipe
Orange, Cranberry, Pecan Bread
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup Crisco shortening I used the butter-flavored kind for extra richness
- 1 cup Craisins (dried cranberries)
- 1/2 cup pecan pieces
- 2 Tablespoons fresh orange zest
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Prepare a standard loaf pan by thoroughly spraying it with a non-stick cooking spray, or greasing and flouring it. This ensures your beautiful bread won’t stick!
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Whisk them together until they are well combined. Next, using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients. Continue until the mixture resembles coarse cornmeal. This step helps create a tender crumb.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and the lightly beaten egg. Pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula just until the dry ingredients are moistened. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly normal.
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Gently fold in the pecan pieces and Craisins (dried cranberries) until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
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Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the bread to set and makes it easier to remove without breaking. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition
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More Sweet Bread Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’ve enjoyed this delightful Orange Cranberry Pecan Bread and find yourself craving more delicious, easy-to-bake loaves, you’re in luck! My collection of sweet quick breads is growing, and I have plenty more recipes that are perfect for any time of day, whether for breakfast, a snack, or a simple dessert. These breads are guaranteed to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and satisfy any sweet tooth. Here are a couple more of my favorite sweet breadsto peek at – they might just become your next go-to treats!
The Very Last Banana Bread Recipe You Will Ever Need:
Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer! It’s consistently moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s earned its bold title. Perfect for using up those ripe bananas and creating a comforting classic.
Pumpkin Bread with Spice Glaze:
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of autumn with this moist pumpkin bread, enhanced by a delicate and aromatic spice glaze. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or a cozy breakfast.
{Put the} Lime in the Coconut Bread:
Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with every bite of this vibrant and refreshing lime and coconut bread. It’s a sweet escape, bursting with bright citrus and a hint of exotic coconut, making it a perfect treat for warmer days or when you need a little sunshine.