Cranberry Orange Oat Bread
A moist, flavorful oat bread packed with cranberries and orange zest, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, sugar, grated orange rind, orange juice, and oil until well combined.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just enough to moisten the flour.
- Stir in the cereal, chopped cranberries, and chopped nuts until evenly distributed.
- Pour the batter into a well-greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. If you don’t have fresh cranberries, dried cranberries can be substituted, but reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness. To enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg. Ensure the orange juice is freshly squeezed for the best taste. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or as a snack, alongside dishes like Aunt Margaret'S Corn Dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese to enhance the flavors. This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast option or a delightful snack. For a festive touch, serve it with a side of homemade fruit preserves or even alongside Peanut Butter Chocolate Muffins for a sweet brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry orange oat bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in the toaster or a microwave for a few seconds until heated through. This will help retain its moist texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Orange Oat Bread contains roughly 379 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is a good source of iron (11% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 556mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bread vegan?
Yes, you can easily make this bread vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and using almond milk or any other plant-based milk instead of regular milk. The oil can remain the same, or you can use a vegan butter substitute.
What if I don't have orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can use any citrus juice like lemon or grapefruit for a different flavor profile. You can also use unsweetened applesauce or a bit of water with extra grated orange rind to maintain moisture in the bread while keeping the flavor bright.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically to avoid overbaking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).