This Old-Fashioned Cranberry Bread recipe was shared with me by a knd reader who told me it had been in his family for over 70 years, and now, more than 90 years later, it continues to bring holiday warmth to kitchens everywhere. This classic quick bread is filled with tart cranberries and bright orange flavor. The kind of recipe that instantly feels like home.
It reminds me of the kind of simple, heartwarming recipes passed down through generations. The ones that fill the house with swet citrus aroma and make the holidays feel extra special.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Timeless tradition: a treasured family recipe with nearly a century of history.
Holiday aroma: the scent of cranberry and orange baking together feels like Christmas morning.
Perfect balance: tart cranberries and sweet citrus create the ideal quick bread flavor.
Key Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and instructions.
- Fresh cranberries: give the bread its classic tart flavor and festive color.
- Orange juice: adds a natural citrus sweetness and keeps the loaf moist.
- Orange zest: enhances that bright holiday flavor.
- Egg: helps the bread rise and hold its tender structure.
- Butter: melted, it creates a soft crumb that feels like a true old-fashioned loaf.
- Sugar: sweetens just enough to balance the tart berries.
- Flour, baking powder, and baking soda: the base for this classic quick bread texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Shortening: use melted shortening in place of butter.
- Lemon juice: swap in for orange juice if you want a tangier citrus flavor.
- Dried cranberries: use if fresh are unavailable; soak them briefly in warm water or orange juice first.
Variations on Old-Fashioned Cranberry Bread
- Cranberry Liqueur Twist: add a splash of Boggs cranberry liqueur to the batter for a subtle holiday warmth.
- Pear-Hazelnut Bread: replace the cranberries with diced pear and stir in chopped hazelnuts for a cozy variation.
- Cranberry Walnut Bread: stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts for a bit of crunch and nutty depth.
Tips for the Best Orange Cranberry Bread
- Don't overmix: stir just until the flour disappears to keep the texture soft.
- Use fresh zest: it adds vibrant flavor that bottled juice can't match.
- Cool completely: let it rest before slicing - the flavors deepen as it cools.
Serve With...
Serve this Old-Fashioned Cranberry Bread with a mug of coffee or a holiday brunch spread. It pairs beautifully with Cranberry Bliss Bars, Low Fat Pumpkin Muffins, or Homemade Eggnog.
More Holiday Baking Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy baking for the holidays, you might also love my Gingersnap Cookies, Winter Wonderland Cake with White Chocolate Snowflakes, Italian Christmas Cookies, and Santa's Whiskers Cookies.
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Cranberry Bread
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Ingredients
- 2 cup flour
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 2 teaspoons grated orange rind
- ½ cup orange juice
- 1 cup chopped cranberries
- 1 tablespoon Cranberry or Orange Liquor , optional
Instructions
- 1 large Pyrex loaf pan 325 1 hour or 2 small 45 min.
- I mixed the dry ingredients (flour through baking powder). When I measured the flour I used the spoon & sweep method.
- I then blended the wet ingredients (egg through orange juice) together well and then carefully mixed the dry (including the cranberries and walnuts)into the wet ingredients until just moist. Baked as instructed.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
I've been making this cranberry bread for many years now and it always turns out delicious. I have used the cranberry liquor, but I have also used grand mariner (orange flavored) and it's absolutely yummy and perfect for holidays!
Linda says
Tell Grumpy I would butter mine too. 😉
What a delicious looking bread!
Katy ~ says
YUM YUM YUM. I love cranberry bread. Now I see this and I HAVE to have it!
Thank you Ed and Shelby for sharing this heritage recipe!
Sweet and Savory says
Ed is a doll to share this recipe with you. It looks delicious and the cranberries make it looks so pretty. I have cranberries left from another baked good and I would love to try this recipe.
Cinnamon-Girl Reeni♥ says
How sweet. For him to share and you to share it with us. It looks really delicious!
Kathleen says
This bread looks delish! How very sweet that ED sent you this treasured recipe!!!
The Duo Dishes says
That cranberry liqueur is most intriguing!
Jamie says
What a nice fan to share that recipe with you. The bread looks perfect for this time of year. Did you use fresh cranberries or dried?
teresa says
what a fun exchange, the bread looks amazing!
Mags says
How sweet of you to post Ed's recipe. Looks like some yummy cranberry bread.
Ingrid says
It looks and sounds amazing! (love the pop of color from the cranberries) Grumpy's no dummy! He knows what's what! 🙂
Thanks HoneyB (& Ed) for sharing!
~ingrid
Bellini Valli says
These are the best recipes that are passed down from generation to generation...what's not to love.
Christy says
How heartwarming to know that Ed shared a family treasure with you! The bread looks delicious, I love that Grumpy couldn't wait till the bread cooled to have a piece! Too sweet! 🙂
Barbara Bakes says
How great that he sent you a treasured family recipe. It looks wonderful!
Leslie says
That is so very sweet of your reader to send you such a delicious recipe!!!
Amanda says
Looks wonderful and how nice of Ed to share the recipe! I have a bag of cranberries in the freezer and plan on buying some more this week before they disappear from the store till next year.
The Cooking Ninja says
U have such nice readers 🙂 I would love to bake or cook a recipe from one of my readers one day.
His grandma's cake looks delicious - i can see it instantly from the photo.
Madame Sucre says
this is delicious! 70 years old recipe? wow you are lucky with those readers you got