Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread : best recipe

Posted on February 11, 2026

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This Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread is wonderfully moist and bursting with bright, festive flavor. It’s surprisingly simple to make, proving that gluten-free baking can be both easy and delicious.

Enjoy the perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange, with customizable options for nuts and dairy. For more holiday delights, check out our

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Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread Ingredients

For Pure Baking Bliss

Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of our masterpiece, ensuring a tender crumb. Look for one with xanthan gum already included for the best structure.
Granulated Sugar – To perfectly balance the tartness of the cranberries and sweeten your slice of heaven.
Baking Powder – Our leavening magic for a beautifully risen loaf.
Baking Soda – Works with the orange juice to give our quick bread a lovely lift.
Salt – A pinch to enhance all the delicious flavors and bring them together.
Butter or Dairy-Free Butter – For that essential moisture and rich tenderness. Use your favorite dairy-free option to keep it vegan-friendly!
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – The bright, zesty heart of this bread, infusing every bite with citrus sunshine.
Orange Zest – The aromatic secret weapon that makes this Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread sing with fresh flavor.
Large Egg – To bind everything together and add to that wonderful, tender texture.
Chopped Walnuts – For a delightful crunch and nutty depth. Feel free to omit for a nut-free treat!
Fresh Cranberries – The star of the show, providing those beautiful bursts of holiday tartness.

How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread

Preheat & Prepare: Heat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a loaf pan, or line it with parchment for easy removal, ready for our delicious batter.
Mix Dry: In a large bowl, whisk together your gluten-free flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until they’re well combined and airy.
Cut Butter: Add the softened butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine Wet: In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, and beaten egg until smoothly blended.
Moisten Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry all at once. Stir gently until just combined – overmixing is our enemy here!
Fold Ins: Tenderly fold in your chopped walnuts (if using!) and fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the thick batter.
Fill Pan: Spoon the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, gently spreading it to the edges for an even rise.
Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil if needed after 45 minutes.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

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Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread : Make Ahead Options

This beautiful Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is your secret weapon for stress-free entertaining and busy mornings! You can absolutely prepare this lovely bread ahead of time to save precious minutes. The fully baked and cooled loaf can be stored tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or, for longer-term deliciousness, it freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months.

To enjoy, simply let the bread thaw completely at room temperature for a few hours before slicing. For an even fresher taste, you can gently warm individual slices in a low oven for a few minutes. This means you can have a slice of homemade comfort ready whenever the craving strikes, making Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread the ultimate make-ahead delight!

Proper Storage for Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread

Room Temperature: Store cooled Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for daily enjoyment.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate your Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread (wrapped well!) for up to 5 days. It’s delightful slightly warmed or toasted.
Freezer: This festive bread freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil; thaw at room temperature before slicing and serving.

Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread Variations

Dive into delicious customization and make this festive bread uniquely yours with these simple twists!

Nutty Swap: Pecans or almonds offer a delightful crunch and different flavor profile.
Berry Boost: Swap fresh cranberries for frozen, just be sure to thaw, rinse, and dry them well.
Dairy-Free: Use your favorite plant-based butter for a wonderfully vegan-friendly loaf.
Citrus Zing: For an even more intense orange punch, add a teaspoon of pure orange extract.
Warm Spice: Infuse cozy autumn vibes with a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
Muffin Magic: Bake in muffin tins for cute, individual treats; adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.
Lemon Twist: Substitute lemon juice and zest for orange for a brighter, tangier flavor profile.

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What to Serve with Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread?

Build a perfect morning or festive treat around this vibrant, easy-to-bake quick bread!

Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layer a cool, creamy yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola. It adds a lovely contrast to the bread’s texture and flavor.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A bright mix of seasonal fruits like oranges, pears, and kiwi provides a refreshing, light accompaniment.
Warm Spiced Cider: Imagine sipping on this aromatic, comforting drink alongside a slice of your tangy quick bread. The spices beautifully complement the citrus notes.
This pairing is like a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly mornings or holiday gatherings. The warm cider softens the bread’s crumb slightly, releasing even more of its delightful aroma.
Whipped Cream Cheese: A simple dollop of rich cream cheese adds a luscious, tangy creaminess that balances the bread’s tart cranberries.
Scrambled Eggs: Lightly seasoned scrambled eggs offer a savory contrast, making the bread a wonderful part of a fuller breakfast spread.
Hot Coffee or Tea: The classic pairing, a warm beverage is always welcome. Enjoy the aroma mingling with your freshly baked bread.
Freshly Brewed Orange Pekoe Tea: The subtle floral notes and bright character of this tea echo the orange in the bread beautifully.
Candied Pecans: For an extra crunch and touch of sweetness, a few candied pecans on the side are pure indulgence.

Helpful Tricks for Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread

Flour Choice: Using a quality gluten-free blend (like GF Jules) with xanthan gum is key for the best texture in our Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread.
Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing wet and dry ingredients; this ensures your quick bread stays tender and doesn’t become dense.
Berry Prep: If using frozen cranberries, thaw, rinse, and pat them thoroughly dry to prevent excess moisture and color bleeding.
Crumb Check: A toothpick or small knife inserted into the center of the loaf should come out clean when the bread is perfectly baked.
Even Browning: Tent the loaf with foil after about 45 minutes if the top is browning too quickly, ensuring the inside cooks through.

Gluten-Free Cranberry-Orange Bread Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure my cranberries are ready for the batter?
For the best vibrant color and texture, I always recommend using fresh cranberries. If you need to use frozen ones, make sure they are fully thawed, rinsed under cool water, and then very well-patted dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to prevent extra moisture from making your bread too dense and to stop the color from bleeding too much into the batter.

What’s the best way to store leftover Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread?
The beauty of this quick bread is that it stays wonderfully moist! Once completely cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Stored this way at room temperature, it should stay fresh and delicious for 3-4 days. For even longer storage, I often freeze it!

Can I freeze this gluten-free quick bread? If so, how?
Absolutely! This Cranberry-Orange Quick Bread freezes like a dream, making it perfect for holiday make-ahead plans. Once your loaf is completely cooled, wrap it first in a layer of plastic wrap, ensuring it’s sealed well, and then in a layer of heavy-duty aluminum foil. You can freeze it whole or pre-slice it for easy toasting later. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature or gently warm slices in the oven or toaster.

My quick bread didn’t rise very much. What could have gone wrong?
Oh, that can be a bit disheartening! For gluten-free baking, precise measurements and the right flour are key. Ensure you’re using a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum, like GF Jules, as indicated in the recipe. Also, be sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh – I recommend checking the expiration dates. And remember, when you mix the wet and dry ingredients, stir just until combined; overmixing can definitely lead to a denser loaf.

Can I make this bread completely nut-free?
Very easily! You can simply omit the chopped walnuts from the recipe. The bread will still be incredibly moist and flavorful with the bright bursts of cranberry and orange. Many of my family members prefer it this way, and you’d never miss the nuts! Just make sure your gluten-free flour blend is also processed in a nut-free facility if dealing with severe allergies.