Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Bread – Moist, Fluffy & Stays Fresh for Days!

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to bring true bakery magic into your own kitchen? 🧡🍞

There’s something undeniably special about bakery-style quick breads. They’re taller, softer, richer, and somehow feel a little more indulgent than everyday homemade loaves. This Bakery-Style Cranberry Orange Bread captures that exact experience—right down to the tender crumb, vibrant citrus aroma, and glossy orange glaze that melts into every slice.

Inspired by traditional European-style fruit breads and classic American bakery loaves, this recipe focuses on balance and technique rather than complexity. The fresh orange juice and zest provide natural brightness and fragrance, while the cranberries add gentle bursts of tartness that keep each bite interesting. A touch of oil ensures the bread stays moist for days, just like the loaves you’d find behind a bakery counter.

This is the kind of recipe that feels celebratory yet comforting. It’s perfect for slow weekend mornings, elegant brunch tables, holiday gifting, or simply slicing thick and enjoying with coffee ☕. Wrapped well, it stays tender and flavorful for several days, making it ideal for make-ahead baking or sharing with friends and family.

Most importantly, this bread honors the traditional spirit of baking—simple ingredients, thoughtful steps, and patience rewarded with something truly delicious. No shortcuts, no artificial flavors, just honest baking that fills your home with warmth and citrusy joy. 🍊💛

Let’s step into the kitchen together and bake a loaf that looks bakery-perfect but feels lovingly homemade. 👩‍🍳✨

🧺 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2–3 oranges)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• ½ cup neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (bakery secret 🤫)

Add-Ins

• 1½ cups fresh cranberries, halved
• 1 tablespoon flour (for coating cranberries)

Optional Bakery-Style Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

🥣 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. In another bowl, whisk the orange juice, orange zest, oil, eggs, vanilla, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
4. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread fluffy.
5. Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour, then fold them evenly into the batter.
6. Transfer batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 55–65 minutes, covering loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes if the top browns too quickly.
8. Test doneness with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out and cool completely on a wire rack.
10. Drizzle with orange glaze once fully cooled for a true bakery-style finish.

🧮 Nutritional Information (Per Slice – Approximate)

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 60 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~275
🍽️ Servings: 10 slices

• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 21g

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️