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Spiced Cranberry-Orange Holiday Loaf

A bright, fragrant, warmly spiced quick bread that tastes like Fall in every bite.

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional but festive!)
Wet Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 1/3 cup melted butter or neutral oil
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 1 tbsp fresh orange juice
Mix-ins
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Glaze
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp orange juice

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 loaf pan or line with parchment.
  2. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. Whisk the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: buttermilk, melted butter, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
  4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring just until blended—don’t overmix.
  5. Fold in cranberries and nuts. The batter will be thick.
  6. Pour into the pan and smooth the top.
  7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Let cool completely.
  9. Optional glaze: whisk powdered sugar + orange juice and drizzle over the loaf.
    10. Serving Suggestion: toast a slice and top with honey butter.
    Make Ahead note: stays fresh 3 days; freezes beautifully for 2 months.
    Easy swaps: dried cranberries instead of fresh; almond extract instead of nuts.