ocean spray cranberry bread recipe
The Best ocean spray cranberry bread recipe
My family loves this bread, especially during the fall and winter months. My youngest always requests a slice with a little butter melted on top, and my husband likes it toasted with his morning coffee. It’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for company but easy enough to throw together on a lazy weekend. Plus, cranberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, so I don’t feel guilty about serving it as often as I do. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re baking it for a potluck or just to have something homemade in the house, this bread is always a hit.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread
A moist and flavorful quick bread studded with tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack, this classic recipe brings a burst of holiday cheer any time of year.
🥘Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tbsp orange juice or milk
👨🍳Directions
-
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. -
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. -
3
Add the softened butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined (do not overmix). -
4
Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter. -
5
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. -
6
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent the pan with aluminum foil. -
7
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. -
8
For the glaze (optional), whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice or milk until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
🔧Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×5-inch loaf pan
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Toothpick or skewer
- Cooling rack
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried in Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread?
Yes, you can substitute fresh cranberries for dried, but you’ll need to adjust the recipe slightly. Use about 1 ½ cups of chopped fresh cranberries (instead of 1 cup dried) and increase the sugar by 2–3 tablespoons to balance the tartness. Fresh cranberries are juicier, so the batter may be slightly wetter—add a tablespoon or two of extra flour if needed.
2. Why did my cranberry bread turn out dense or dry?
Dense or dry bread can result from overmixing the batter, overbaking, or using too much flour. To avoid this, mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined (a few lumps are fine), measure flour accurately (spoon it into the cup rather than scooping), and check for doneness 5–10 minutes before the recipe’s suggested bake time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
3. Can I make Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill or King Arthur). For better texture, add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it. The bread may be slightly denser, so let it cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
4. How do I store cranberry bread, and how long does it last?
For short-term storage, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice the bread first, wrap individual slices in plastic, and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature or reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
5. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cranberry bread?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans (½ to ¾ cup) pair beautifully with cranberries—fold them into the batter with the dried fruit. You can also add 1 teaspoon of orange zest for extra brightness or swap the orange juice for apple cider. If using nuts, lightly toast them first for enhanced flavor. Avoid overloading the batter, as too many mix-ins can affect the bread’s rise.