Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, aromatic bread or a freshly baked bagel that explodes with tangy orange zest and sweet dried cranberries. This isn't just another bread recipe - it's a culinary adventure that will transform your breakfast or snack time into a gourmet experience! Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a weekend chef looking to impress, our Cranberry Orange Bread or Bagels recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf or 12 bagels
Ingredients
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm orange juice with active dry yeast and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is activated.
- Add vegetable oil, orange zest, and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all wet ingredients.
- Gradually add bread flour to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Fold in dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when gently pressed.
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- For bread: Shape the dough into a loaf and place in a greased 9x5 inch bread pan. For bagels: Divide dough into 12 equal portions, roll into balls, and create a hole in the center of each.
- Let the shaped dough rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy.
- For bread: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
- For bagels: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Briefly boil each bagel for 1 minute per side, then place on a baking sheet.
- Bake bagels at 425°F (218°C) for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown.
- Allow bread or bagels to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips
- Ensure your yeast is fresh and active - the foamy mixture is key to a perfect rise.
- Use warm (not hot) orange juice to activate the yeast without killing it.
- Knead the dough thoroughly to develop gluten and create a soft, elastic texture.
- Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for optimal volume.
- For bagels, the boiling step is crucial - it creates that signature chewy exterior.
- Don't skip the second rise, as it helps develop flavor and texture.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements to ensure consistent results.
- Allow bread or bagels to cool completely before slicing to maintain moisture.
- Store in an airtight container and consume within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
