Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread

Imagine walking into a warm kitchen, the aromatic blend of citrus and tart cranberries enveloping you in a cozy embrace. That’s the magic of Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread. With its crispy, golden crust and soft, flavorful interior, it’s an irresistible treat that elevates any family gathering. I remember the first time I baked this delightful bread; it was a rainy winter evening, and my home felt like a haven. Each slice was met with a chorus of “More, please!” from my family.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity—perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers alike. While it’s easy to gravitate toward complicated recipes, sometimes the best meals come from the heart and kitchen. If you enjoyed my previous post on Lemon Blueberry Muffins, you’ll love this equally flavorful option. Grab your apron and let’s bake something scrumptious!

What is Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread?

What’s in a name, you ask? Well, with the Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread, it’s all about bright, zesty flavors wrapped in delightful sweetness. You might be wondering why “Barefoot” evokes such warmth—it’s because the creator, Ina Garten, believes in a down-to-earth approach to cooking. This bread evokes nostalgia and warmth, proving that the way to a man’s heart is indeed through his stomach! As I take each bite, I often think, “Why isn’t everyone baking this?” Just wait until you try it yourself. You’ll be knocking on neighbors’ doors with a warm loaf!

Why You’ll Love This Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread

First of all, this isn’t your average bread recipe; the Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread stands out with its heartwarming mix of cranberries and citrus. It’s the ideal companion for your morning coffee or a comforting dessert after a hearty family dinner. Plus, think about the savings! Baking at home not only allows you to enjoy fresh tastes but also keeps your wallet happy.

Now let’s talk about flavor—each slice boasts a delightful combination of zingy orange zest and sweet-tart cranberries; it’s like tasting joy in every bite! If you’ve ever enjoyed a muffin adorned with berries, you’ll feel the same enchantment here. Trust me; this bread is an invitation for people to gather around the table. So roll up your sleeves and let’s get started!

How to Make Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread

Quick Overview

Making the Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is both easy and satisfying. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a baking time of about 65 minutes, you’ll soon experience that delightful golden loaf fresh from the oven. The blend of bright orange and sour cranberries creates a beautifully balanced flavor that makes your home smell irresistible!

Key Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well so every ingredient is evenly distributed.
3. Add the Cranberries: Carefully fold in the 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 1 tablespoon of grated orange zest. This allows the cranberries’ tartness to be evenly spread throughout the loaf.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the ½ cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay.
6. Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the optional chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch. Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Top Tips for Perfecting Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread

• Substitutions: If you’re looking for a nut-free option, feel free to omit the walnuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch.
• Timing: To ensure this bread bakes evenly, let your ingredients sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before mixing. This step enhances flavor.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: A common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which can lead to a dense loaf. Remember, gentle folding is key!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Your Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore its delightful texture.

With its irresistible flavors and warming aroma, the Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread is sure to become a cherished recipe in your home. Gather your loved ones, slice the bread, and watch the smiles appear—it’s a simple delight that brings everyone together! Happy baking!

Cranberry Orange Bread

A delightful bread combining the tartness of cranberries with the brightness of orange zest, perfect for breakfast or dessert.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed
• 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
• ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Ingredients

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch (optional)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
• In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well so every ingredient is evenly distributed.
• Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries and grated orange zest.

Mixing

• In a separate bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Baking

• Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Sprinkle the optional chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an extra crunch.
• Bake for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Your Barefoot Contessa Cranberry Orange Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or heat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Keyword Baking, Barefoot Contessa, Cranberry Orange Bread, homemade bread, Ina Garten