Cranberry Thanksgiving Cranberry Bread Recipe To Try

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to gather around the table and share delicious, comforting treats with family and friends. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is with a homemade cranberry bread that’s bursting with tart, juicy cranberries and warm spices.

This cranberry Thanksgiving cranberry bread recipe is the ultimate festive treat — moist, flavorful, and perfectly sweetened to complement your holiday feast. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a snack, or alongside your Thanksgiving dinner, this bread is sure to become a beloved tradition.

With a tender crumb, a hint of orange zest, and the vibrant pop of fresh cranberries, this bread delivers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will fill your kitchen with the aroma of fall and leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry bread is a standout for many reasons. First, it uses fresh cranberries, which lend a fresh, tart bite that canned or dried berries just can’t match.

The bread achieves a moist, tender texture thanks to the combination of buttermilk and oil. Plus, the subtle orange zest adds a lovely citrus brightness that pairs beautifully with the berries.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility — it’s perfect for breakfast with a smear of butter, a midday snack with tea, or even a sweet side to your Thanksgiving dinner. It’s not overly sweet, making it suitable for all palates, and it freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead of time.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 medium orange)
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Equipment

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Cooling rack
• Zester or fine grater
• Sifter (optional, for dry ingredients)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Combine dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until creamy and pale in color. Slowly add the vegetable oil, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until fully combined.
4. Incorporate dry ingredients into wet. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined — do not overmix.
5. Fold in cranberries and nuts. Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries and optional chopped nuts, distributing evenly without crushing the berries.
6. Pour batter into the loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
8. Cool and remove from pan. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve. Once cooled, slice and enjoy with butter, cream cheese, or your favorite spread.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter twist, drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice over the cooled bread.

Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available, but do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent bleeding.

Swap out walnuts or pecans for sliced almonds for a different nutty crunch.

If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice and use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry bread pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy morning treat. It also makes a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving brunch spread.

For an indulgent twist, serve with a smear of honey butter or cream cheese frosting.

Try serving it alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham — the tartness of cranberries complements rich, savory flavors perfectly. Leftovers can be toasted for a delicious snack any time of day.

Looking for more holiday baking inspiration? Check out our Pumpkin Spice Muffins, Apple Cinnamon Scones, and Gingerbread Cookies recipes to complete your festive dessert table.

Conclusion

This cranberry Thanksgiving cranberry bread recipe is a wonderful way to bring festive flavor and warmth to your holiday celebrations. Its moist texture, balanced sweetness, and fresh cranberry bursts make it stand out as a crowd-pleaser.

Whether you enjoy it fresh from the oven or toasted the next day, it’s sure to become a cherished seasonal favorite.

Not only is it simple to make, but it also offers plenty of room for personalization through add-ins and toppings. Embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving by baking this delightful bread and sharing it with loved ones — a perfect way to create lasting memories and delicious moments.

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