Indulge in a harmonious blend of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet bananas with this delightful cranberry orange banana bread. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack, this bread is moist, flavorful, and sure to please every palate.
While most of the ingredients are pantry staples, you might need to pick up fresh cranberries and orange zest if they’re not commonly found at home. Maple syrup can be substituted with honey if needed, but make sure to get pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Also, using avocado oil brings a unique, light texture to the bread compared to other oils.
Ingredients For Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
Avocado oil: Provides a light, neutral flavor and a moist texture to the bread.
Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and a hint of rich flavor.
Orange juice: Adds a fresh, tangy taste that complements the cranberries.
Eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, floral note.
Ripe bananas: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and a banana flavor.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the bread, providing structure and texture.
Baking soda: Leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note to the bread.
Cranberries: Fresh, tart berries that add bursts of flavor throughout the bread.
Orange zest: Provides a concentrated orange flavor and aroma.
Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth texture.
Orange juice: Used in the glaze to add a fresh, tangy taste.
One reader, Fraser Ernst says:
This cranberry orange banana bread is a delightful treat! The flavors blend perfectly, and the citrusy glaze adds a wonderful touch. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it's a new favorite in our household. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Perfect Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
How to grease a pan: Use cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. How to whisk: Combine ingredients until smooth and well-mixed using a whisk. How to fold in: Gently incorporate ingredients without over-mixing to maintain batter texture. How to test for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the bread; it should come out clean if the bread is done. How to cool on a wire rack: Place the bread on a wire rack to cool evenly and prevent sogginess. How to make a glaze: Mix powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, adjusting consistency as needed.
How To Make Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
Banana bread, on its own, is nice. But in this banana bread recipe, we are going to make it superb by adding cranberries and oranges.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ⅓cupavocado oil
- ½ cupmaple syrup
- ¼cupFlorida’s Natural ® Brand Orange Juice
- 2eggs
- 1 ½ tspvanilla extract
- 1 ½ cupsripe bananasmashed
- 1 ¾cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1tspsalt
- ½ tspground cinnamon
- 1 ½ cupscranberriesdried
- 1orange zestoptional
- 1cuppowdered sugar
- 2tbspFlorida’s Natural Orange Juice
- ½ orange zestoptional
Instructions
For The Bread:
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
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Grease a 9 x 5-inch bread pan with cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper, and set aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together oil, maple syrup, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined and smooth.
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Whisk in the mashed bananas, and whisk until mostly smooth.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until combined.
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Pour the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, and stir until evenly combined, being careful not to over-mix the batter.
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Gently fold in the cranberries until they are evenly mixed into the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, and spread the top with a spoon so that it is flat and smooth.
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Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the bread comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven, and let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
For The Glaze:
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Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl until completely combined.
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Add orange juice for a thinner glaze and an additional amount of powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Nutrition
- Calories: 3632.56kcal
- Fat: 221.52g
- Saturated Fat: 25.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 154.40g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 30.43g
- Carbohydrates: 410.13g
- Fiber: 16.18g
- Sugar: 254.19g
- Protein: 18.68g
- Cholesterol: 26.66mg
- Sodium: 356.95mg
- Calcium: 418.68mg
- Potassium: 2229.62mg
- Iron: 7.86mg
- Vitamin A: 47.00µg
- Vitamin C: 159.82mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Success
When folding in the cranberries, make sure to do so gently to avoid breaking them and releasing too much juice into the batter. This will help maintain the integrity of the bread and ensure that you get bursts of cranberry flavor in every bite.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Banana Bread Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and set out all ingredients before starting. This streamlines the process and ensures you have everything you need.
Use a food processor: Quickly mash bananas and mix wet ingredients using a food processor to save time.
Preheat the oven early: Turn on the oven before you start mixing the batter so it's ready when you are.
Opt for parchment paper: Line your bread pan with parchment paper for easy removal and less cleanup.
Make the glaze while baking: Prepare the glaze while the bread is in the oven to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe
avocado oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and moisture level, making it a good alternative for baking.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a suitable replacement in baked goods.
florida’s natural ® brand orange juice - Substitute with freshly squeezed orange juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice offers a similar flavor and acidity, maintaining the citrus profile of the bread.
eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water per egg) can mimic the binding properties of eggs in baking.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor, adding a nutty undertone to the bread.
ripe bananas - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can provide similar moisture and sweetness, though the banana flavor will be absent.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds more fiber and nutrients, though it may result in a denser texture.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder to replace baking soda, as baking powder is less potent.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar flavor profile.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with pumpkin pie spice: Pumpkin pie spice includes cinnamon along with other spices, adding a more complex flavor.
cranberries - Substitute with dried cherries: Dried cherries offer a similar tartness and texture, though they are slightly sweeter.
orange zest - Substitute with lemon zest: Lemon zest provides a similar citrusy aroma and flavor, though it will be slightly more tart.
powdered sugar - Substitute with granulated sugar: Blend granulated sugar to make powdered sugar, maintaining the same sweetness and texture.
florida’s natural orange juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice offers a similar acidity and can complement the citrus flavor in the glaze.
orange zest - Substitute with lime zest: Lime zest provides a similar aromatic quality and citrus flavor, though it will be slightly more tangy.
Presenting Your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the cranberry orange banana bread into elegant, thin slices to highlight its texture and flavors. Arrange the slices in a fan shape on a pristine white plate to create visual appeal.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a few fresh cranberries and a sprig of mint. This not only adds a pop of color but also hints at the ingredients within the bread.
Add a touch of glaze: Drizzle the orange glaze over the bread slices in a delicate, zigzag pattern. This adds a glossy finish and enhances the citrus notes.
Incorporate zest: Sprinkle a pinch of orange zest over the top of the bread and around the plate. This adds a burst of color and a fresh, aromatic element.
Create a sauce accent: On the side of the plate, add a small pool of orange juice reduction. This can be made by simmering orange juice until it thickens slightly. It provides an additional layer of flavor and a sophisticated touch.
Use a stylish plate: Opt for a modern, minimalist plate with clean lines. This allows the vibrant colors and textures of the cranberry orange banana bread to stand out.
Add a complementary element: Place a small quenelle of whipped cream or mascarpone next to the bread. This adds a creamy contrast to the dense, fruity bread.
Highlight the ingredients: Place a few whole bananas and an orange segment artistically on the plate. This visually ties the presentation back to the key ingredients of the dish.
Finish with a dusting: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar using a fine sieve. This adds a touch of elegance and a hint of sweetness.
Serve with a beverage pairing: Suggest a pairing with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or a light, fruity white wine. This complements the flavors of the bread and enhances the dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Banana Bread
Oven: Used to bake the bread at a consistent temperature of 325 degrees F.
Bread pan: A 9 x 5-inch pan to shape and bake the bread.
Cooking spray: To grease the bread pan and prevent the bread from sticking.
Parchment paper: An alternative to cooking spray for lining the bread pan.
Large mixing bowl: Used to mix the wet ingredients together.
Whisk: To combine and smooth the wet ingredients and mashed bananas.
Separate large mixing bowl: Used to mix the dry ingredients together.
Spoon: To spread the batter evenly in the bread pan.
Wire rack: To cool the bread after baking.
Toothpick: To check if the bread is baked through by inserting it into the middle of the bread.
Small bowl: To mix the powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze.
Measuring cups: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure smaller quantities of ingredients like baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Banana Bread
Once the cranberry orange banana bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Store the wrapped bread in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to keep the bread fresh for a longer period, you can store it in the refrigerator. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Refrigerated banana bread will stay fresh for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cranberry orange banana bread. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then wrap it again in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Label the package with the date and contents. Frozen banana bread will maintain its quality for up to 3 months.
To thaw frozen banana bread, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, you can serve the bread as is or warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven before serving.
If you plan to freeze individual slices of the bread, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. This way, you can easily remove and thaw only the number of slices you need at a time.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the leftover cranberry orange banana bread in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat the bread in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until it's heated through and the exterior is slightly crispy. This method will help restore the bread's texture and bring out its flavors.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the banana bread in a damp paper towel and microwave it on high for 30-45 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help keep the bread soft and prevent it from drying out in the microwave.
For a quick and easy reheating method, simply toast individual slices of the cranberry orange banana bread in a toaster or toaster oven until they reach your desired level of crispiness. This method is perfect for busy mornings or when you only need a single serving.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your leftover banana bread. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the bread slices in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a unique twist, try grilling your leftover cranberry orange banana bread. Preheat your grill to medium heat and lightly brush the bread slices with melted butter or olive oil. Grill the bread for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it's heated through and has nice grill marks. This method adds a subtle smoky flavor to the bread and creates a delightful texture contrast.
Interesting Fact About Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
A random fact about this recipe is that the combination of cranberries and orange zest not only adds a burst of flavor but also provides a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C, making this bread both delicious and nutritious.
Is Making Banana Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
The cranberry orange banana bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With ingredients like bananas, cranberries, and orange juice, which are generally affordable and often found in most kitchens, this recipe won't break the bank. The use of maple syrup and avocado oil might add a bit to the cost, but they are used in small quantities. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12. Considering the delightful flavors and health benefits, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness.
Is This Banana Bread Recipe Healthy or Not?
The cranberry orange banana bread recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like:
- Bananas, which are rich in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber
- Cranberries, which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Orange juice and zest, providing vitamin C and natural flavors
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- All-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole grain flours
- A significant amount of added sugars from maple syrup and powdered sugar
- Avocado oil, while healthier than some oils, is still a concentrated source of calories
To make this recipe healthier, you could try the following modifications:
- Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of maple syrup and omit the powdered sugar glaze to decrease the added sugar content
- Use a smaller amount of oil or replace some of it with unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt to lower the calorie density
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to provide healthy fats and protein
- Experiment with using date paste or mashed ripe bananas as a natural sweetener instead of maple syrup
By incorporating more whole food ingredients and reducing the added sugars and oils, you can enhance the nutritional profile of this banana bread while still maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe
This cranberry orange banana bread recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The avocado oil and maple syrup provide a moist and subtly sweet base, while the orange juice and zest add a refreshing citrus note. The ripe bananas ensure a tender crumb, and the cranberries introduce a tart contrast that balances the sweetness. The glaze, with its orange juice and zest, adds a perfect finishing touch. Overall, this recipe is well-balanced and offers a unique twist on traditional banana bread, making it a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Enhance Your Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Banana Bread
Appetizers and Entrées That Complement Cranberry Orange Banana Bread
Why trust this Cranberry Orange Banana Bread Recipe:
This cranberry orange banana bread recipe combines the natural sweetness of bananas with the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing zest of orange. Using avocado oil and maple syrup ensures a moist and flavorful loaf without refined sugars. The orange glaze adds a delightful finishing touch. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavors, making this recipe a trusted favorite for any occasion.
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