Cranberry Bread Recipe: 5 Easy Steps to Perfect Loaf

Name: Cranberry Bread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (melted or softened); 3/4 cup sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; (Optional) Zest of 1 orange; (Optional) 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; (Optional) 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

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Wait — You Can Make Fresh Bread in Just 30 Minutes?

Think baking bread takes hours? Think again! What if you could enjoy warm, soft, sweet-tart bread without spending all day in the kitchen? Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, this Cranberry Bread Recipe proves it’s not only possible — it’s easy!

Perfect for busy mornings, last-minute gifts, or cozy afternoons with tea, this quick bread bakes up golden, moist, and full of bright cranberry flavor. No fancy tools, no kneading, and best of all — ready in just 30 minutes. Let’s get baking!

Freshly baked cranberry bread sliced on a tray, showing golden crumb with juicy cranberries inside

Table of Contents

Why This Cranberry Bread Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t your grandma’s slow-rise loaf. This Cranberry Bread Recipe is made in one bowl, uses simple pantry staples, and skips the fuss. Whether you’re new to baking or just short on time, this recipe is:

✅ Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Easy (perfect for beginners)
✅ No mixer needed — just a spoon and a bowl
✅ Deliciously moist with a burst of cranberry tang

It’s the perfect balance of sweet and zesty — and it fills your kitchen with the warm smell of fresh bread in no time!

Essential Ingredients (And Why They Matter)

ingredients including eggs, flour, butter, sugar, orange juice, and fresh cranberrie

Here’s what you’ll need — all easy to find and simple to use:

🧈 Wet Ingredients:

Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness and soft texture. Can use melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Sugar (¾ cup) – Sweetens the bread and helps it brown. Try brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
Egg (1 large) – Binds everything together and gives the bread structure.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp) – Boosts flavor and warmth.

🌾 Dry Ingredients:

Flour (1 ½ cups) – The base of the bread. All-purpose works best, but you can use half whole wheat.
Baking powder (1 ½ tsp) – Helps the bread rise quickly.
Salt (¼ tsp) – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

🍒 Star Ingredient:

Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup) – The star of the show! Tart, juicy, and packed with antioxidants. No fresh ones? Frozen work great — no need to thaw!

👉 Optional add-ins:

Zest of 1 orange (adds a citrusy pop!)
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch)
½ cup white chocolate chips (for a sweet surprise)

Step-by-Step Instructions (So Easy, You’ll Want to Make It Weekly!)

Follow these simple steps for perfect cranberry bread every time:

Prep your pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix the wet ingredients
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients
Gently stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Don’t overmix — just combine until no dry streaks remain.
Fold in the cranberries
Add the cranberries (and any extras like nuts or chocolate). Gently fold them in so they’re evenly spread.
Pour into the pan
Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake!
Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
Cool and enjoy
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Slice and serve warm!

💡 Pro Tip: For a golden, shiny top, brush the batter with a little milk or egg wash before baking.

Assembly & Presentation Tips

Even simple bread can look bakery-fresh with a few easy tricks:

Add a glaze: Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1 tbsp orange juice or milk. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Sprinkle sugar: Before baking, sprinkle the top with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy crust.
Slice neatly: Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices — warm bread cuts best when slightly cooled.

Serve with butter, cream cheese, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It’s also great toasted!

Freshly baked cranberry bread sliced on a tray

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Want to enjoy this Cranberry Bread Recipe later? No problem!

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly in plastic or foil.
Freeze It! Wrap cooled bread in plastic, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven.

👉 Make ahead: Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before. Combine and bake in the morning for fresh bread in minutes!

Other Recipes to Try

Recipe Variations (Try These Fun Twists!)

This recipe is super flexible. Here are some tasty ideas:

Orange Cranberry Bread: Add 1 tbsp orange zest and 2 tbsp juice to the batter.
Gluten-Free Cranberry Bread: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter, flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water), and non-dairy milk.
Mini Loaves: Divide batter into 3–4 small loaf pans. Bake 20–25 minutes.
Muffins: Fill muffin tins and bake 18–22 minutes for portable cranberry muffins.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Quick Bread

This Cranberry Bread Recipe proves that delicious, homemade bread doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. With just a few simple ingredients and 30 minutes, you can enjoy a moist, flavorful loaf that’s perfect for any occasion.

So go ahead — try it, tweak it, share it! Whether you’re baking for yourself or surprising someone with a warm gift, this bread brings joy with every bite.

Happy baking — and remember, the best kitchen moments are the ones shared with love (and a little butter)!

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! But they’re sweeter and less juicy. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to plump them up.

Why is my bread dense?

Overmixing the batter can make bread tough. Stir just until combined. Also, check your baking powder — it should be fresh!

Can I make this without sugar?

Sugar helps with texture and browning. Try reducing it to ½ cup, but don’t skip it completely.

Is cranberry bread healthy?

Cranberries are full of antioxidants and vitamin C! This recipe uses real ingredients and can be made healthier with whole wheat flour or less sugar.

Can I bake two loaves at once?

Yes! Just double the recipe and use two pans. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and rotate pans halfway through.

Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries?

Nope! Toss them in straight from the freezer. They’ll bake evenly and won’t bleed too much.

How do I know when the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean (or with a few dry crumbs), it’s ready!

This Cranberry Bread Recipe is more than just a treat — it’s a fast, fun, and satisfying way to bring homemade goodness to your table. Try it today, and discover how easy — and delicious — baking can be! 🍞✨

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Cranberry Bread Recipe: How to Make It in 30 Minutes

Wait — You Can Make Fresh Bread in Just 30 Minutes?

Why This Cranberry Bread Recipe Stands Out