Bring the flavors of the holidays to your table with our delightful Cranberry Orange Bread! This festive bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, shaped beautifully like a wreath. Imagine pulling a warm, soft loaf with hints of citrus and bursts of tart cranberries from the oven—it’s an experience that embodies the essence of the season. The gentle sweetness of the bread, complemented by the vibrant orange zest, creates a delightful counterbalance to the tartness of the cranberries, making each slice an irresistible addition to your holiday celebrations.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an enchanting centerpiece for your gatherings, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an after-dinner delight. It’s an easy bake that offers incredible flavors, making it an excellent choice for both beginner and seasoned bakers. With a preparation time of just under two hours and an impressive presentation, you’ll want to make this Cranberry Orange Bread a staple during the holidays and beyond. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a pat of butter, it promises to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas of the season and put smiles on the faces of your loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
- Stunning Presentation: Shaped like a wreath and adorned with sparkling sugar and decorative cranberries, this bread is sure to catch everyone’s eye.
- Flavorful Combination: The balance of sweet and tart from the cranberries and zesty orange brings a unique taste experience.
- Versatile Use: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or served as a celebratory dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses basic pantry staples, making it an accessible recipe for all.
- Activity for All: Fun to make with family, you can get kids involved in decorating the wreath!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving in, it’s crucial to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools to ensure a successful baking experience. Start by clearing your countertop and gathering the following items: a large mixing bowl, a whisk, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. A dough scraper can also be handy for transferring the bread once shaped. Setting the room temperature to a comfortable warmth is essential, especially for yeast doughs, as they thrive in a cozy environment. You might also want to have a kitchen towel ready to cover the dough while it rises.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or soaked dried)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Sparkling sugar or pearl sugar
- Sugared rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Additional cranberries or white chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by combining the warm milk and granulated sugar in a bowl. Once mixed, sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the yeast to activate—look for it to become foamy, signaling that it’s ready to work its magic in the dough.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and the fragrant orange zest. This is where the magic begins to happen! Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour mixture along with the room temperature eggs and melted butter. Using your hands or a mixing spoon, combine everything until it forms a shaggy dough.
Step 3: Knead to Perfection
Transfer the combined ingredients onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want the dough to be smooth and elastic, which helps create that delightful texture once baked. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a touch more flour as needed but avoid adding too much to keep the bread soft.
Step 4: Let It Rise
Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and allow the dough to rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This rising step is critical for the bread’s final texture!
Step 5: Prepare the Filling
While waiting for the dough to rise, get the cranberry filling ready. In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with brown sugar and sprinkle in the optional cinnamon. If you’re using soaked dried cranberries, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your bread.
Step 6: Roll and Fill
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 10×18 inches. Spread the cranberry filling evenly across the surface, ensuring every bite will be loaded with flavor. Once spread, roll the dough tightly from one end to the other, pinching the seam to seal it securely.
Step 7: Shape the Wreath
Carefully transfer your rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Form it into a circular shape, pinching the ends together. For an elegant touch, use kitchen scissors to make partial cuts around the outer edge of the wreath—this not only decorates the bread but also helps it rise better.
Step 8: Second Rise
Once shaped, cover the wreath lightly with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the dough to puff up once more, creating a light and airy texture.
Step 9: Brush and Decorate
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash, which will give your bread a lovely golden finish. Gently brush the mixture over the surface of the wreath. Feel free to sprinkle decorative sugar, extra cranberries, or even white chocolate chips on top before baking!
Step 10: Bake and Serve
Place the cranberry wreath in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it—if it starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing. You can garnish with powdered sugar or sugared rosemary for an extra festive touch!
Variations
- Protein: Add diced cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist that pairs well with the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or roasted red peppers into the filling for added flavor and nutrition.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor profile that suits your preferences.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to use room temperature eggs and butter for better incorporation into the dough.
- If you want a sweeter version, increase the amount of brown sugar in the filling.
- This bread can be made ahead of time; simply freeze the unbaked wreath after shaping and let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- For an infusion of flavors, try adding some chopped nuts or dried fruits along with the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with butter and a side of your favorite jam.
- Pair with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee for a comforting breakfast or snack.
Tips
- To ensure the yeast works correctly, make sure the milk is warm, not too hot, as this could kill the yeast.
- Feel free to experiment with the decorations to make the bread visually appealing, utilizing edible flowers or herbs.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature—not the fridge—to maintain its softness for longer.
- For an added richness, brush the bottom of the pan with melted butter before placing the dough to add flavor.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the dough.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can substitute a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, but results may vary.
How should I store leftover bread?
Store leftover Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze, then thaw individual slices as needed.
Can I make this as individual rolls instead of a wreath?
Absolutely! You can shape the dough into individual rolls, adjusting the baking time accordingly; they typically bake faster than the whole wreath.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Cranberry Orange Bread is a magical addition to your holiday baking lineup. Its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation will undoubtedly impress your family and guests, making it a beloved tradition future gatherings. So, gather your ingredients and give it a try; we’re sure you won’t be disappointed! Don’t forget to share your experience below in the comments, and let us know how you plan to personalize your wreath. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 1 wreath 1x
Description
Bring the flavors of the holidays to your table with our delightful Cranberry Orange Bread! This festive bread is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1 cup cranberries (fresh or soaked dried)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Sparkling sugar or pearl sugar
- Sugared rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Additional cranberries or white chocolate chips for decoration
Instructions
- Start by combining the warm milk and granulated sugar in a bowl. Once mixed, sprinkle the yeast over the surface and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- In a separate, large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, and the fragrant orange zest. Once your yeast mixture is bubbly, pour it into the flour mixture along with the room temperature eggs and melted butter.
- Transfer the combined ingredients onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Shape the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a greased bowl, turning it once to coat all sides.
- While waiting for the dough to rise, get the cranberry filling ready. In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with brown sugar and sprinkle in the optional cinnamon.
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Roll it out on a floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 10×18 inches.
- Carefully transfer your rolled dough to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Form it into a circular shape, pinching the ends together.
- Once shaped, cover the wreath lightly with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30 to 45 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash.
- Place the cranberry wreath in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
Be sure to use room temperature eggs and butter for better incorporation into the dough. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g