Cranberry orange banana bread

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Cranberry Orange Banana Bread: A Holiday Showstopper

As the holidays approach, my kitchen transforms into a hub of warm, inviting aromas. This Cranberry Orange Banana Bread has quickly become one of my seasonal favorites.

It’s a delightful twist on the traditional banana bread, bursting with bright cranberries and fragrant orange zest.

What makes this recipe truly special is the extra touch of caramelized banana slices on top. As the loaf bakes, the brown sugar melts into the bananas, creating a glossy, golden topping that’s absolutely irresistible.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, needing a festive snack, or gifting holiday treats, this bread is an ideal choice.

And if you’re a visual learner, you’re in luck! I’ve created a fun and easy-to-follow reel/video showing you exactly how to make this bread. You can find it on all my social platforms, so be sure to check it out and bake along with me.

This Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the refreshing brightness of fresh orange zest and juicy cranberries paired with the comforting sweetness of ripe bananas.

Topped with caramelized banana slices and a sprinkle of brown sugar, this loaf is as stunning as it is delicious. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or as a festive treat, this bread will be a hit at any table.

I even made a reel/video showcasing this recipe, now live on all my social media channels, to guide you through the process step by step!

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 6 tablespoons butter, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed bananas (from 2 bananas)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla (plus an extra tablespoon for the topping)
  • 1/8 cup milk
• Flavor Additions:
  • ¾ cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• Toppings:
  • 1 banana, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (to sprinkle on top)

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan to ensure easy release.

2. Make the Wet Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla (1 tablespoon), and orange zest. Beat until light and fluffy.

3. Mash & Combine Bananas:
Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture and fold in until fully incorporated.

4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms.

5. Add Milk & Cranberries:
Stir in the milk to loosen the batter slightly, then gently fold in the cranberries to distribute evenly.

6. Assemble the Loaf:
Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Lay the halved banana slices on top, cut side up. Sprinkle the banana slices with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of vanilla.

7. Bake:
Bake the loaf for 45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is done. If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes as needed.

8. Cool & Serve:
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tips:

• Try using dried cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available, though fresh cranberries provide a tart burst that’s perfect for this bread.
• Leftovers can be wrapped tightly and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

This Cranberry Orange Banana Bread is a festive fusion of holiday flavors and comforting classics. It’s perfect for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying with a cozy cup of tea.

Check out my reel/video on social media to see just how easy this recipe is to whip up! Let me know if you try it—I’d love to see your creations.