The Best Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

Baking a delightful pumpkin cranberry orange bread can turn an ordinary afternoon into a cozy celebration of autumn flavors.

Crisp fall winds whisper promises of warm, fragrant kitchens and delectable treats.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of sweet and tangy notes that make your taste buds sing.

Bright orange zest adds a citrusy spark to the rich, moist pumpkin base.

Tart cranberries burst with vibrant color and unexpected depth throughout each slice.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into a memorable experience.

You’ll want to slice this bread while it’s still warm, letting the aroma fill your kitchen with pure comfort.

Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread Q&A

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing. Toss them in a bit of flour before adding to prevent sinking and maintain their shape during baking.

• How do I know if my batter is overmixed?

Stop mixing as soon as the dry and wet ingredients are just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense bread with a rubbery texture.

• What if I don't have orange zest?

If you can’t find fresh orange zest, you can substitute with lemon zest or skip it entirely. The bread will still have delicious flavor, though the citrus notes will be less pronounced.

Why Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread Tastes So Good

• Savor Seasonal Splendor: Dive into a delightful pumpkin cranberry bread that captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and bright citrus notes.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires minimal techniques and basic ingredients, guaranteeing a successful baking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Treat: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or casual weekend breakfasts, this bread offers a versatile and universally appealing flavor profile that satisfies all ages.
• Create Memorable Moments: Baking this bread transforms an ordinary day into a cozy celebration, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and creating lasting memories with loved ones.

Ingredients For Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the pumpkin bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a soft, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: A warm blend of spices that gives the bread its quintessential autumn flavor.

• Pumpkin Puree: Adds moisture, rich color, and a classic seasonal taste to the bread.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures a moist and tender crumb throughout the bread.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the overall flavor.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Contribute sweetness and help create a soft, tender texture.
• Orange Zest, Orange Juice: Bring a bright, citrusy note that complements the pumpkin and spices.
• Fresh Cranberries: Add bursts of tart flavor and create interesting texture throughout the bread.

Steps To Make Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F and give your loaf pan a generous massage with butter or cooking spray, making sure every nook and cranny is covered.

Step 2: Create the Dry Magic

Grab a large mixing bowl and sift together your dry ingredients, transforming them into a fluffy, well-blended powder that promises a perfect bread texture.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Wonders

• Pumpkin puree
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk until the mixture looks silky smooth and everything dances together harmoniously.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a light touch, just until they become friends – no aggressive mixing allowed!

Step 5: Boost the Flavor

Sprinkle in orange zest and squeeze fresh orange juice into the batter, awakening a bright citrusy personality.

Step 6: Add Cranberry Bursts

Tenderly fold fresh cranberries throughout the batter, ensuring each slice will have delightful tart surprises.

Step 7: Pan Preparation

Pour the batter into your waiting loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for that perfect, even look.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key!

Step 10: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into the bread and savor the incredible blend of seasonal flavors that you’ve created.

Easy Tips For Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir the batter gently and minimally to keep the bread tender and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Control Cranberry Distribution: Toss fresh cranberries in a little flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Check Doneness Precisely: Use the toothpick test near the center of the loaf, looking for a few moist crumbs to ensure perfect moisture.
• Enhance Citrus Flavor: Zest the orange before juicing to maximize the bright, aromatic citrus notes throughout the bread.
• Store for Maximum Freshness: Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3 days.

Fun Twists On Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cranberry Bread: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the same tender crumb and rich flavor profile.
• Vegan Citrus Cranberry Loaf: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil, and swap white sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar.
• Low-Sugar Orange Cranberry Bread: Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia, maintaining the bread's moisture with additional pumpkin puree.
• Nut-Infused Pumpkin Cranberry Variation: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty depth, complementing the existing citrus and cranberry notes.

Perfect Matches For Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread

• Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: Warm, aromatic chai tea complements the bread's pumpkin and cranberry notes, creating a cozy autumn flavor experience.
• Complement with Whipped Cream Cheese Spread: Mix cream cheese with honey and cinnamon, offering a smooth, rich topping that enhances the bread's citrusy undertones.
• Match with Mulled White Wine: Lightly spiced white wine with hints of orange and cinnamon beautifully echoes the bread's complex flavor profile, elevating the tasting experience.
• Serve alongside Maple Pecan Butter: Blend softened butter with maple syrup and chopped pecans, providing a nutty, sweet spread that adds depth to each slice.

How To Store Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread Properly

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Seal completely to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Slice bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between slices. Package in freezer-safe bag or wrap securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen bread maintains quality for 2-3 months.
• Store at cool room temperature in sealed container for 2 days maximum. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent rapid staleness.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds, or toast in preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly crisp and heated through.

Pumpkin Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15-20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Seasonal warmth embraces home kitchens with pumpkin cranberry orange bread, a delightful autumn treat. Fragrant spices and tangy cranberries dance through moist quick bread, promising comfort in each delectable slice you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Add-ins:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Sift together all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform mixture that will ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents.
3. Whisk pumpkin puree, eggs, vegetable oil, both sugars, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth and completely integrated.
4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender bread texture.
5. Carefully incorporate orange zest and fresh orange juice into the batter, creating a vibrant citrus undertone.
6. Gently fold in fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture to ensure each slice contains bursts of tart fruit.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, slice and serve, enjoying the harmonious blend of seasonal flavors and textures.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by substituting some oil with applesauce for a lighter, healthier version of the bread.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and nutty depth to complement the soft bread texture.
• Adjust cranberry quantity based on personal preference, using dried or frozen cranberries as alternative options when fresh aren’t available.
• Create a gluten-free variation by replacing all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg