How to Make the Best Cranberry Orange Pumpkin Bread

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Looking for a cozy treat that tastes like fall in every bite? This Zesty Cranberry-Orange Pumpkin Bread is bound to become your new autumn favorite. Packed with citrusy tang, sweet-tart cranberries, and warm, spiced pumpkin flavor, it’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to disappear fast from the kitchen counter.

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Ingredients

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  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen, if preferred)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and ground ginger. Set this dry mixture aside.

In a separate large bowl, stir together the pumpkin purée, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until everything is well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the orange zest and orange juice for that citrus zing.

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Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix—this helps keep the bread light and tender. Finally, gently fold in the cranberries. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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This Cranberry-Orange Pumpkin Bread is perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon snack, or a sweet addition to a festive holiday spread. It’s a go-to for anyone craving a flavor-packed treat that’s easily adaptable: swap out or add in nuts, use gluten-free flour, or lighten the sweetness as you like. The warm spices, bright citrus notes, and juicy bursts of cranberry make it ideal for cozying up on chilly days while still feeling fresh and vibrant. Enjoy!

Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.