Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a delightful twist on a classic favorite? This Whole Wheat Orange Cranberry Bread is not just a treat for your taste buds; it's a wholesome, nutritious option that will have your kitchen smelling heavenly! With the perfect balance of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, this bread is a delicious way to start your day or enjoy as a snack. Plus, it's easy to make and packed with goodness. Dive into this recipe and discover how to create a loaf that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
- If using fresh cranberries, rinse them thoroughly and remove any stems or blemished berries. If using dried cranberries, ensure they are not clumped together. Add the cranberries to the dry mixture and gently stir to coat them with flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the orange juice, honey, and vegetable oil. Whisk until the honey is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the bread is completely cooled, slice and serve. Enjoy your homemade Whole Wheat Orange Cranberry Bread as a delicious breakfast or snack!
Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh cranberries for a burst of flavor or opt for dried cranberries for a sweeter touch. If using dried, consider soaking them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the mix.
- Mixing Technique: Be cautious not to overmix the batter. A few lumps are perfectly fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and fluffy texture.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 350°F (175°C) before placing the loaf inside. This ensures even baking and a nice rise.
- Cooling Time: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Storage: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for a quick snack later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
