Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe

If you’re searching for a truly heartwarming and festive treat, look no further than this Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of tender banana bread, bright orange zest, and tart cranberries that come together in perfect harmony to make a loaf bursting with holiday cheer. Each bite offers that cozy, comforting texture you expect from banana bread, but with a seasonal twist that makes it ideal for brunch, gift-giving, or simply savoring with your favorite cup of tea during winter days.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe is all about simple yet essential ingredients that bring incredible flavor, texture, and a festive look. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the orange zest adds a lively citrus note. Cranberries introduce a lovely pop of tartness and color, complementing the bread beautifully.

• ½ cup butter, softened: Adds rich moisture and a tender crumb to your bread.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the loaf perfectly without overpowering other flavors.
• 2 eggs, beaten: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure.
• 1 ½ cups flour: The base for your bread, ensuring it holds its shape.
• 1 tsp. baking soda: Makes the bread rise beautifully and stay light.
• ½ tsp. salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• 1 cup mashed bananas (about 3): The star ingredient that keeps this bread moist and sweet.
• ½ cup sour cream: Adds richness and a slight tang for extra depth.
• 1 tsp. vanilla: Infuses the bread with a warm aromatic touch.
• 2 tsp. fresh orange juice: Lifts the flavors with bright citrus freshness.
• 2 Tbsp. orange zest: Delivers an irresistible burst of orange fragrance and taste.
• 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries: Provides delightful chewiness and festive color.
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional): Adds a pleasing crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour one 9-inch loaf pan and one smaller loaf pan if you want to bake two-sized loaves, or prepare four small pans if you prefer. This step ensures your bread will bake evenly and release easily from the pan.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This is the secret to a wonderfully tender crumb and helps incorporate air to give your bread a lovely rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Beat in the eggs until fully combined with the butter and sugar mixture. Eggs are essential in this recipe for providing moisture and binding all the ingredients together perfectly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. These ingredients will help your bread rise and balance the flavors while creating the desired tender texture.

Step 5: Mix Bananas and Other Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed bananas, sour cream, vanilla, fresh orange juice, and orange zest into the butter mixture. Stir well to combine everything into a smooth, fragrant batter that promises a burst of seasonal goodness in each bite.

Step 6: Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts

Gently fold in the dried sweetened cranberries and chopped walnuts if you’re using them. These add bursts of tartness and crunch that elevate this banana bread beyond the ordinary.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake in the preheated oven. The large loaf will take about 50 to 55 minutes, while smaller pans need around 33 to 35 minutes. Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Wrap

Let your loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Wrapping the cooled bread in paper and tying a string around it adds a charming, festive touch if you’re gifting it or want it to look extra special on your holiday table.

How to Serve Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of butter brings out the bread’s warm flavors. For festive flair, sprinkle some extra orange zest or a few cranberries on top just before serving to brighten up each slice.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of spiced tea, mulled wine, or even creamy hot chocolate. A side of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese also complements the body’s sweetness and texture marvelously.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the bread thickly and serve on a wooden board with fresh cranberries and orange slices around it for a stunning holiday centerpiece. You can also cut it into small cubes and skewer with fruit to make festive banana bread bites for easy sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap your leftover Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or foil to maintain its moisture. Stored at room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to three days — perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

This banana bread freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months without losing flavor or texture. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly to revive that fresh-baked feeling. If you’re reheating a whole loaf, cover loosely with foil and warm in a 300-degree oven for about 15 to 20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be quite tart and bursting with juice, which might change the texture and moisture of the bread. If you choose to use fresh, consider adding a bit more sugar or cooking them slightly before folding them in.

Is it possible to substitute sour cream?

Yes! You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk, which will maintain the tangy richness that keeps the bread moist and flavorful.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper, the better! Bananas with lots of brown spots or that are almost overripe work best because they are sweeter and mash easily, giving this bread its signature moist texture.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the texture just right.

What’s the best way to ensure the bread doesn’t burn on top?

If you notice the top browning too quickly, tent a piece of foil loosely over the loaf halfway through baking. This will protect the crust while allowing the inside to cook through evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Christmas Banana Bread with Cranberries & Orange Zest Recipe is one of those special treats that fill your home with warmth and holiday spirit. It’s straightforward to make, deliciously moist, and bursting with flavors that feel like a hug in every slice. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with those you care about—trust me, it’s destined to become a festive favorite!

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