Cranberry Orange Banana Bread

Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is a delightful twist on classic banana bread, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries and zesty orange. Moist, tender, and bursting with flavor, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

The combination of sweet and tart makes each bite incredibly satisfying. The orange adds a refreshing citrus aroma, while the cranberries bring a pleasant pop of flavor and color. This bread is not only delicious but also visually beautiful, making it a perfect gift or centerpiece for seasonal gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms the simple comfort of banana bread into a flavorful, fruity delight. The cranberries and orange complement the banana perfectly, creating a balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy notes that feel festive yet approachable. Plus, it’s moist and tender, with a golden crust that’s irresistible.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Combines classic banana bread with bright, tangy flavors
• Moist, tender, and naturally sweet
• Perfect for seasonal gatherings or holiday breakfasts
• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Delicious for breakfast, snack, or dessert

Once you try this Cranberry Orange Banana Bread, it will likely become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Recipe Overview

• Course: Breakfast / Snack / Dessert
• Cuisine: American / Home Baking
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 55–65 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: Approximately 230 calories per slice

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
6. Fold in cranberries, orange zest, and nuts (if using).
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prep Ingredients: Mash bananas, zest the orange, and gather all other ingredients.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Combine bananas, butter, sugars, eggs, and vanilla.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Combine Batter: Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients gently.
5. Add Fruit and Nuts: Stir in cranberries, orange zest, and nuts.
6. Bake: Pour into loaf pan and bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Save it

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Banana Bread

1. Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese
2. Pair with coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
3. Slice thick for breakfast or thin for a snack
4. Dust with powdered sugar for a festive touch

Recipe Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture
• Toss cranberries in a little flour before folding to prevent sinking
• Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender
• Allow the bread to cool completely for clean slicing

Variations (Detailed)

Chocolate Chip Version

Add ½ cup dark or white chocolate chips for sweetness.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Vegan Version

Replace butter with coconut oil and eggs with flax eggs.

Spiced Version

Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth.

Nut-Free Version

Simply omit nuts or replace with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower.

Freezing and Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in an airtight container
• Keeps fresh for 3–4 days

Freezer

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or place in a freezer bag
• Freezes well for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature before serving

Reheating

• Reheat slices in the oven or microwave until warm

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Large mixing bowls
• Fork or potato masher
• Whisk and spatula
• Wire cooling rack

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is a flavorful, moist, and aromatic loaf that combines the best of sweet bananas, tangy cranberries, and bright orange zest. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert and is easy enough for everyday baking while feeling special enough for gifts or gatherings.

This bread is versatile, customizable, and keeps well—once you try it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.