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Crispy Cranberry Orange Bread: Best Easy Walnut Streusel

crispy cranberry orange bread - featured image
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A texture-driven quick bread featuring a tangy, moist cranberry-orange interior topped with a crunchy, buttery walnut streusel crust. It is easy to make, requires no yeast, and offers a satisfying snap with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour (for streusel)
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed (for streusel)
  • ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed (for streusel)
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (for streusel)
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for streusel)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mix gently, then add buttermilk and orange juice. Mix until just combined.
  6. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in dried cranberries and orange zest.
  8. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and walnuts. Rub in cold cubed butter until coarse crumbs form.
  9. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top, and sprinkle streusel evenly over the top, pressing gently.
  10. Bake for 50-60 minutes until top is deep golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature for best texture. Keep butter cold for the streusel to ensure a crunchy topping. Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense loaf. The bread tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange bread, walnut streusel, quick bread, holiday baking, brunch recipe, crispy crust, easy bread recipe

Find it online: https://gleefulfork.com/crispy-cranberry-orange-bread-best-easy-walnut-streusel/