Cranberry bread with orange

One holiday treat I look forward to eating is cranberry quick bread, especially toasted with my morning coffee, or for a mid-afternoon snack to have with tea.

And the best and easiest way to make this yummy bread is using Pillsbury cranberry quick bread box mix. Yep, I said it. My favorite cranberry orange bread comes straight off the store shelf.

I like this easy mix because it already has dried cranberries and bits of orange peel already in the mixture. If you are new to baking there is nothing wrong with making this out of a box rather than from scratch.

Recipe for cranberry quick bread

I make this bread mix every holiday season for my family to enjoy and to give as gifts for friends, neighbors, and the mail carrier too!

Because quick bread mix is already made, so all you will need is a baking pan and three additional ingredients that you have in the pantry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 eggs

Related recipes: Strawberry Pulp Quick Bread, Easy Banana Bread, Zucchini Carrot Muffins, 3-Ingredient Sugar Dates, Mardi Gras King Cake Cupcakes, Lemon Pound Cake

Helpful tools to make cranberry quick bread

The other great thing about making this quick bread mix is you only need a few tools and a loaf pan!

A large mixing bowl for the ingredients.

A measuring cup and measuring spoon.

Spatula or spoon to stir the mix.

A bread loaf pan.

I have this USA 9×5 Loaf pan and LOVE it! You don't have to grease the pan or anything.

Baking Tip for this recipe: Even though this pan is non-stick, I still coat it with a very thin layer of butter just because it tastes better!

Cranberry bread loaf

In the mood to bake cranberry bread without orange, then making this from scratch would be the best option. Pillsbury cranberry quick bread and other box mix brands already have the orange peel in them.

If you like baking with fresh cranberries, then try this awesome recipe for cranberry scones! They are easy and delicious!

Moist cranberry bread with walnuts

If you are looking for additional ways to enjoy this quick bread mix, try these add-ins and other ways to enjoy.

Favorite add-ins or toppings

• Stir in 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the batter before baking.
• Sprinkle sliced almonds on top right before baking.
• Add lemon zest to batter for more citrus flavor
• Diced apples would make a delicious addition to a flavorful fall cranberry apple bread treat!

Cranberry quick bread mix can also make:

• Mini-cranberry bread loaves- these make wonderful food gifts.
• Cranberry muffins
• Cranberry orange biscotti cookies
• Pancakes or waffles

How to make cranberry bread last

Cranberry quick bread will last on your kitchen counter for at least 3 days as long as it is wrapped completely. I like to wrap my quick bread in plastic wrap first, then in a sheet of aluminum foil. It's an old fashioned trick I grew up with and it works!

Wondering if this type of quick bread freezes really well? Yes, it does! Make a few loaves ahead of time and take out of the freezer when ready to serve.

Simply wrap the baked and cooled cranberry bread completely with plastic wrap. Place in a freezer storage bag and take out as much air as possible before zipping closed. Cranberry bread can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw at room temperature for at least an hour before slicing.

No doubt, cranberries are healthy and delicious! What holiday table would be complete if not for a dish of cranberries like homemade cranberry sauce?

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