Every family has that one recipe that makes Christmas morning feel complete. For me, it’s Traditional Christmas Cranberry Bread — a golden, buttery loaf dotted with tart cranberries and a hint of orange zest. It’s sweet, a little tangy, and pairs perfectly with hot coffee or cocoa. One bite, and it feels like the holidays have officially begun.
I first made this cranberry bread years ago, trying to recreate a version my grandmother used to bake every December. The smell of orange and vanilla filling the kitchen brought back every cozy memory of her small-town kitchen — cinnamon candles, laughter, and holiday music. Now, this bread has become part of my own family’s Christmas morning tradition, right alongside my Christmas Bread Recipe and Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
Traditional Christmas Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk orange juice, melted butter, orange zest, and egg until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in cranberries and nuts, if using.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Optional: Mix powdered sugar and orange juice to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Why You’ll Love Traditional Christmas Cranberry Bread
This bread is festive, bright, and beautifully simple. The sweet and tart combination of orange and cranberry makes every slice feel fresh and cheerful — like Christmas in baked form. It’s also a no-fuss recipe: no mixer, no yeast, just stir, bake, and enjoy.
If you love nostalgic holiday recipes like my Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole or Green Enchiladas Chicken Soup, this one will fit right into your winter menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- ¼ cup melted butter (or oil)
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
- 1 large egg
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
If you love citrus-forward baked goods, you’ll also adore my Lemon Blueberry Bread — it’s bright, moist, and perfect for brunches or holidays.
How to Make Traditional Christmas Cranberry Bread
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk orange juice, melted butter, orange zest, and egg until smooth.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined — don’t overmix. Fold in the cranberries and nuts if using.
Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Add Optional Glaze
If you’d like a little extra sweetness, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice, then drizzle over the cooled loaf.
If you love baked holiday staples that fill your home with joy, this one’s as timeless as my No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Bread
- Use fresh cranberries: They add a bright pop of flavor and color.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Keeps the bread soft and fluffy.
- Balance the sweetness: If your cranberries are extra tart, sprinkle a bit of sugar over them before folding in.
- Freeze for later: Wrap in plastic and foil — it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months.
These same tips for baking success make my Pistachio Chocolate Bar Cookies a guaranteed hit too.
How to Store and Serve
Storage: Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container or refrigerate up to 1 week.
Freezing: Slice and freeze individually for quick holiday breakfasts.
Serving Ideas:
- Toast slices lightly and spread with butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with hot tea, coffee, or Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix.
- Serve as a sweet side with Christmas brunch.
Flavor Variations
- Cranberry Orange Chocolate Bread: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.
- Coconut Twist: Add ¼ cup shredded coconut and use coconut oil.
- Apple Cranberry Bread: Add ½ cup diced apples for extra moisture.
- Glazed Cranberry Bread: Finish with a warm orange glaze for shine and sweetness.
If you love festive flavor spins, this one’s as fun to tweak as my Creamy Broccoli Potato Cheese Soup.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just soak them in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to soften before using.
2. Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I use lemon instead of orange?
You can, but orange gives it that classic Christmas flavor.
4. How do I keep the cranberries from sinking?
Toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding into the batter.
The Final Bite
This Traditional Christmas Cranberry Bread is sweet, tangy, and beautifully festive — a perfect blend of classic holiday flavors that never goes out of style. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make year after year, to share, gift, or simply enjoy warm from the oven.
Serve it on Christmas morning with butter and a cup of coffee, or wrap it in parchment and ribbon for the prettiest edible gift. Either way, this bread brings holiday cheer in every bite.