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–+ servings

Bread Machine Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread

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A bread machine cranberry orange quick bread made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and walnuts or pecans. Designed for the Cake or Quick Bread cycle, not a yeast bread cycle.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Resting Time 1 hour
Servings 10

Ingredients

Liquid Base

  • Juice and grated zest of 1 medium orange
  • Water as needed to bring total liquid to 3/4 cup
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
  • 1 large egg beaten

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Mix-Ins

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries whole or halved
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions

  • Combine the orange juice and zest with enough water to measure 3/4 cup total liquid. Stir in the melted butter or oil, then whisk in the beaten egg.
  • Add the orange liquid mixture to the bottom of the bread pan. Add the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt on top. Do not stir.
  • Select the Cake or Quick Bread cycle and begin.
  • At the mix beep, add the cranberries and walnuts or pecans. If your machine does not signal, add them once the initial mixing has begun.
  • Allow the cycle to finish fully. Cool the loaf in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Do not use yeast or a standard bread cycle for this recipe.
  • Whole cranberries give the bread a more pronounced tartness and fuller texture.
  • Pecans create a slightly softer finish; walnuts give more structure and contrast.
  • Additional orange zest may be added for a brighter citrus profile.
  • The bread keeps well for several days and improves slightly after resting overnight.
  • Optional: add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for a rounder flavor.