If you’re looking for a loaf bursting with zesty citrus, gooey banana sweetness, and tart berry pops in every slice, this Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is about to become your new obsession. It’s a joyful dance of classic flavors, a little bit nostalgic and a little bit fancy, that’s just as perfect for a holiday morning as it is for everyday snacking. One bowl, simple ingredients, and a ridiculously moist crumb make this recipe a must-bake—plus, the colors are gorgeous and the aroma will cozy up your entire kitchen. Whether you serve it up as dessert, enjoy it for breakfast, or gift it to friends over coffee, there’s something about Cranberry Orange Banana Bread that just makes people smile.

Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is wonderfully straightforward, but each ingredient plays a special part. From the bananas that create the classic moist texture to the cranberries that spark every bite, here’s what you’ll need to make your loaf shine:

Bananas: Ripe and mashed, they bring natural sweetness, moisture, and a soft crumb to the bread.
Eggs: Help bind everything together and give the bread stability for easy slicing.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds gentle sweetness that lets the fruit flavors stand out.
Greek Yogurt: Keeps the crumb extra tender with a light tang that plays well with citrus.
Melted Coconut Oil or Vegetable Oil: Makes the loaf unbelievably moist—coconut adds a hint of flavor while vegetable oil keeps it neutral.
Vanilla Extract: Balances the citrus and pulls together all the flavors.
Orange Zest: Packs a fragrant, punchy citrus note that makes the bread come alive.
Fresh Orange Juice: Lends brightness, moisture, and another layer of orange flavor.
All-Purpose or Whole Wheat Flour: Choose your flour for classic lightness or a nuttier, wholesome twist.
Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Work together for just the right lift and a beautifully risen loaf.
Salt: Just a pinch makes the sweet, tart, and citrusy notes pop!
Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth, making every bite feel festive.
Fresh or Dried Cranberries: Provide juicy, tart bursts of color and flavor throughout.
Chopped Walnuts or Pecans (optional): For lovely crunch and nutty depth if you’re feeling extra.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Banana Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Kicking things off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a good greasing (or line with parchment) so your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread pops out easily and looks picture-perfect once baked.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a big, welcoming bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), Greek yogurt, melted oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and that fresh orange juice. Mix until it’s smooth and well-combined—the bananas and yogurt will make the batter look luxuriously creamy, and the orange zest will add a little confetti of color.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Set up a second, smaller bowl and add your flour (whichever kind you choose), baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gently whisk to blend, ensuring even distribution of the leavening agents so your loaf bakes up tall and fluffy.

Step 4: Bring Everything Together

Pour those dry ingredients into the wet mixture and stir gently—no need to overmix! As soon as you see most of the flour disappear, fold in the cranberries and any nuts if you’re using them. This is where the fun starts: each stir unveils flecks of color that promise something special in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your beautiful batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top lovingly. Slide it into the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The top will turn a gorgeous golden and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. Let your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to finish cooling completely—the aroma will make this part the hardest step of all.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Banana Bread

Garnishes

Give your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread the spotlight it deserves with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of simple orange glaze, or a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for a little sparkle. Fresh orange zest on top can also add a burst of aroma and color when you serve.

Side Dishes

This bread is delightfully versatile. Pair it with a generous swipe of cream cheese, a pat of salted butter, or a dollop of honeyed Greek yogurt for breakfast. For a cozy snack, a mug of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee makes a dreamy companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your banana bread game by slicing and toasting individual pieces, turning them into decadent French toast, or cubing the bread for a fruity bread pudding. Cranberry Orange Banana Bread also makes a show-stopping edible gift—just wrap a cooled loaf in parchment, tie with ribbon, and add a handwritten note.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your loaf at peak freshness by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a night’s rest, making that next-day slice even more irresistible!

Freezing

Cranberry Orange Banana Bread freezes like a charm. Wrap the whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and stash in the freezer for up to 3 months. For easier access, you can slice the bread and freeze the individual pieces with parchment between each slice.

Reheating

To gently bring those flavors back to life, warm a slice in the toaster or microwave for about 10–15 seconds. If you like a crisp edge, toasting is the way to go. For an extra treat, add a little butter while it’s warm so it melts right in.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in Cranberry Orange Banana Bread?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh—simply fold them into the batter straight from the freezer. There’s no need to thaw, but keep in mind they may add a couple of minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when my banana bread is done?

The best way to check is to insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is good to go. If it’s still a bit gooey, pop it back in the oven and check again after 5 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the wheat flour for a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your other ingredients (like baking powder) are also certified gluten-free to keep it safe for everyone.

What’s the best way to get extra orange flavor?

If you’re wild about citrus, add a touch more zest, use freshly squeezed orange juice, or even stir a drop of pure orange extract into the batter. An orange glaze on top is another delicious way to pump up the flavor.

Is there a way to make Cranberry Orange Banana Bread vegan?

You can! Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg), use a dairy-free yogurt, and choose maple syrup for the sweetener. Use plant-based oil and your favorite non-dairy milk or juice to keep everything moist.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re baking up a loaf for loved ones or simply treating yourself to something fragrant and bright, Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is a true celebration in every bite. Give this recipe a try, share a slice with a friend, and let the zesty, fruity magic fill your kitchen!

Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, featuring the bright flavors of orange zest and cranberries. Moist and flavorful, it’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients:

3 ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
2 large eggs
1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
zest of 1 orange
1/4 cup fresh orange juice

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Additional Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed bananas, eggs, honey, Greek yogurt, oil, vanilla extract, orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
Add Cranberries and Nuts: Fold in the cranberries and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

For an extra festive touch, drizzle with a simple orange glaze or sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking.
This bread freezes well for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American