Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread: A Festive Holiday Classic
Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread is one of those recipes that instantly feels like the holidays. Soft, moist, and dotted with bright bursts of tart cranberry, this quick bread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. It’s cozy, comforting, and incredibly easy to make—no yeast, no fancy techniques, just classic holiday baking at its best.
This bread has become a seasonal favorite for good reason. It fills the kitchen with a warm, citrusy aroma, looks beautiful sliced on a holiday table, and tastes even better the next day. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or alongside afternoon coffee, it brings a festive touch without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Why Cranberry Bread Is a Christmas Staple
Cranberries are deeply tied to winter and holiday traditions. Their vibrant color and tart flavor cut through the richness of holiday meals, making them perfect for baked goods that might otherwise feel heavy.
In this bread, cranberries provide:
- Bright pops of tartness
- Festive red color
- Moist texture
- A balance to the sweet batter
Paired with a hint of citrus, cranberry bread feels fresh, seasonal, and comforting all at once.
Flavor and Texture You Can Expect
- Soft, moist crumb
- Light sweetness
- Tart cranberry bursts
- Subtle citrus brightness
- Golden, lightly crisp edges
This is not a cake-like bread, nor is it dry. It lands squarely in the sweet-quick-bread category, perfect for slicing and sharing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Orange zest or juice
Each ingredient is simple and accessible, making this an easy recipe to bake even during busy holiday weeks.
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a loaf pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- In a separate bowl, mix eggs, milk, oil, and orange zest.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Gently fold in cranberries.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool slightly before slicing.
Moist Every Time: The Secret to Perfect Cranberry Bread
The key to moist cranberry bread is not overmixing. Stirring just until combined prevents gluten development, keeping the crumb soft and tender. Oil or melted butter also helps retain moisture, ensuring the bread stays fresh for days.
Using cranberries straight from the freezer works just as well as fresh—no thawing needed.
Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix eggs, milk, oil, and orange zest.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into loaf pan.
- Bake 50–55 minutes until set.
- Cool before slicing.
Notes
A Perfect Make-Ahead Holiday Bread
This bread is ideal for busy holiday schedules. It actually improves after resting overnight, as the flavors settle and the crumb becomes even more tender.
Bake it ahead, wrap tightly, and slice just before serving for stress-free entertaining.
Serving Suggestions
Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread is delicious served:
- Warm with butter
- At breakfast or brunch
- With afternoon tea or coffee
- On a holiday breakfast board
- As part of a homemade gift basket
It’s versatile enough to enjoy any time of day.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room temperature: 2–3 days, tightly wrapped
- Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months (wrap slices individually)
- Reheat: Briefly warm slices for best texture
Variations to Try
- Orange Cranberry Bread: Add extra zest and juice
- Nutty: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans
- Glazed: Drizzle with simple orange glaze
- Spiced: Add cinnamon or nutmeg
- Mini Loaves: Perfect for gifting
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter
- Using sweetened dried cranberries instead of fresh
- Overbaking
- Skipping citrus (it brightens the bread)
Keeping these in mind ensures bakery-quality results.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple ingredients
- No mixer required
- Festive appearance
- Moist and tender texture
- Reliable results
Final Thoughts
Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread is a holiday essential—easy, festive, and deeply comforting. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes tradition, baked year after year and shared with friends and family. If you want a no-fail holiday bread that feels special without being complicated, this is it.
