Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the zesty scent of oranges and the tart sweetness of cranberries. This Cranberry Orange Yeast Bread is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a feast for the senses! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this loaf is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this simple yet scrumptious recipe will have you baking like a pro in no time. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm milk (around 110°F) with active dry yeast and a pinch of sugar. Allow the mixture to sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes foamy and activated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, remaining sugar, and salt to create a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
- Add melted butter, orange juice, and the yeast mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix using a wooden spoon or stand mixer with a dough hook until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Gently fold in dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should spring back when lightly pressed.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for approximately 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until puffy and nearly doubled.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the second rise.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with egg wash or melted butter for a golden, shiny crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure your warm milk is around 110°F (not too hot or too cold) to effectively activate the yeast. A foamy mixture indicates that your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic.
- Kneading Technique: When kneading the dough, use the heel of your hand to push the dough away from you, then fold it back over itself. This technique helps develop gluten, giving your bread a nice structure.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can create a cozy environment by turning on your oven for a minute, then turning it off and placing the dough inside, covered with a towel.
- Check for Doneness: To ensure your bread is fully baked, tap the bottom of the loaf after removing it from the oven. It should sound hollow. If it doesn't, return it to the oven for a few more minutes.
- Storage: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or slice and freeze for longer storage. Just pop it in the toaster for a quick and delicious treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
