When the winter chill sets in, there’s nothing better than a cozy, homemade dessert to brighten your day. This Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect solution.
Not only is this bread vegan, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, making it the perfect treat for holiday gatherings, brunches, or simply as a snack to enjoy with a hot cup of tea. Let’s get started!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors: The combination of cranberries and oranges brings out the best winter and holiday vibes.
- Healthy ingredients: This bread is made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that are kinder to your body and the planet.
- Simple to make: It doesn’t take long to whip up, and the steps are straightforward.
- Perfect for sharing: Bake a loaf for family, friends, or as a thoughtful holiday gift.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this flavorful bread, gather the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a gluten-free flour blend if needed)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup organic cane sugar (or coconut sugar for a less processed option)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- ⅓ cup coconut oil, melted (or any neutral-flavored oil)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from one large orange)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fruits:
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (you can also use frozen cranberries)
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- Extra orange zest for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the process to create this mouthwatering Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
First, you need to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a bit of coconut oil or line it with parchment paper. Doing this ensures that your bread will release easily from the pan later.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine all of your dry ingredients. This includes the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. Stir the ingredients well to distribute the baking agents evenly. In this way, you ensure the bread rises properly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Start by whisking together the almond milk and freshly squeezed orange juice. Then, add the melted coconut oil, orange zest, and vanilla extract. The fresh orange juice provides a vibrant, natural flavor that really makes this bread stand out.
Once mixed, pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and gently fold them together. Make sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense, tough loaf instead of the soft, fluffy texture you want.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries
Now, it’s time to bring in the cranberries. Fold in the chopped cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Their tartness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the orange, creating a flavor contrast that is incredibly satisfying.
If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first — simply fold them into the batter as they are. This prevents them from becoming mushy and overly juicy.
Step 4: Bake the Bread
With your batter ready, pour it into the greased loaf pan. Use a spatula to evenly spread the batter and smooth the top.
Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven, and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick or skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready to come out of the oven. If the toothpick has batter on it, give it a few more minutes in the oven, checking regularly.
Step 5: Cool and Prepare the Glaze
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy in the pan.
While the bread cools, prepare your orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. If the glaze seems too thick, add a little more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time.
Step 6: Glaze the Bread
When the bread has fully cooled, it’s time to drizzle on the glaze. You can either pour the glaze over the top or use a spoon to carefully drizzle it in a zigzag pattern. For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle additional orange zest on top of the glazed loaf.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Slice your Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread and serve it to your eager guests! The sweet and tangy flavor profile makes it perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread
- Use fresh cranberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cranberries. Frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, but fresh ones offer a better texture and taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Stirring too much can lead to a dense loaf, so mix the ingredients just until combined.
- Add nuts for extra crunch: If you love a bit of texture, consider adding ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Storage and Freezing
Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread stores well at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresher for longer, wrap the bread in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
If you want to freeze it, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. This keeps it fresh in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the bread at room temperature before serving.
Conclusion
This Vegan Cranberry Orange Bread combines tart cranberries with sweet orange zest to create a flavor-packed loaf that is perfect for winter. Its moist texture and vibrant taste will have you reaching for a second slice every time.
Plus, it’s dairy-free, making it a guilt-free indulgence that fits seamlessly into a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or gifting it during the holiday season, this bread will not disappoint.
