Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread

Picture this: It’s a crisp autumn morning, and the kitchen is filled with the most incredible aroma of freshly baked cranberry bread. The tangy burst of cranberries, the subtle warmth of orange zest, and the rich crunch of nuts come together in a slice of pure holiday magic. This Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of seasonal baking that’s been warming hearts and delighting taste buds for generations.

The Secret to Perfect Cranberry Bread

Let me share a little baking wisdom I’ve picked up over the years. Cranberry bread is one of those magical recipes that sounds complicated but is actually incredibly simple to master. The key? It’s all about understanding your ingredients and treating them with a bit of love.

Cranberry Buying and Storing Tips

Fall is the absolute best time to stock up on cranberries. These ruby-red jewels are at their peak, abundant, and surprisingly affordable. Pro tip: Buy extra and freeze them! Unlike many fruits, cranberries freeze beautifully with zero prep work. Just toss them straight into a freezer bag, and you’ll have the perfect baking companion throughout the year. The best part? You can use frozen cranberries directly in most recipes without even thawing them.

The Art of Quick Bread Perfection

Quick breads are a baker’s best friend. They’re forgiving, fast, and fantastically delicious. But there are two cardinal rules you must never break:

1. Never overmix the batter (this creates tough bread)
2. Watch your baking time like a hawk to prevent drying out

When it comes to cranberries, I recommend cutting most of them in half. This ensures you get beautiful berry bursts in every single bite, rather than whole berries that might make slicing challenging.

Flexible Ingredients, Consistent Deliciousness

One of the beauties of this recipe is its flexibility. Nuts are totally optional, but they add an incredible texture. Walnuts are my go-to, but almonds work wonderfully too. Don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for? No worries! Baking should be fun, not stressful.

A Little Kitchen Confession

Between you and me, I’m slightly obsessed with my bamboo bread board. It’s not just functional—it makes every bread look like a professional bakery creation. (A little pro styling tip for you food photographers out there!)

The Flavor Profile: A Symphony of Tastes

What makes this Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors. The cranberries bring a tangy tartness that’s beautifully mellowed by the sweet bread base. The orange zest adds a bright, citrusy note that dances across your palate. And those nuts? They provide a satisfying crunch that takes everything to the next level.

Serve it warm with a pat of butter, or get fancy and brown a slice in a skillet for a crispy exterior. It’s equally delightful as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.

The Recipe: Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Rating: 5/7 votes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, oil, orange juice, and zest.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. Gently fold in cranberries and nuts.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Final Thoughts

This Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a slice of holiday tradition. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie, this bread promises to become a cherished favorite.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen always smell of warm, delicious memories!

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