A bright, moist vegan loaf filled with tart cranberries and fresh orange flavor—simple, festive, and perfect for slicing and enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea!
Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf: A Bright, Bakery-Style Loaf with Cranberries and Orange
The cranberry and orange combo is one I absolutely love, so creating my Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf felt like the perfect place to start once the holiday season hit. Cranberries are one of those ingredients that instantly come to mind this time of year, and turning them into a simple bread had been on my list for a while. This recipe went through plenty of testing, and there was a lot learned along the way. The final version is light, bright, and packed with flavor. After so many batches, my partner even ended up bringing a few loaves into work—mostly the ones that actually turned out. It works just as well as a dessert, part of a brunch spread, or sliced up and enjoyed with a midday cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright citrus flavor: Fresh orange zest and juice give this loaf a vibrant, not-too-sweet citrusy lift.
- Perfectly moist texture: This loaf bakes up tender and sliceable without needing a glaze to shine.
- Simple pantry ingredients: Nothing fancy here—just classic baking staples with a seasonal twist.
- Great for any time of day: Equally at home on a breakfast table, afternoon snack plate, or dessert spread.
- Freezer-friendly: Bake now, freeze for later, and enjoy when the craving hits.
Ingredient Highlight: Cranberries
Cranberries add a bright, tangy contrast that keeps this loaf from tasting overly sweet. Their naturally tart flavor pairs really well with fresh orange, creating a classic and festive holiday duo. Beyond taste, cranberries bring beautiful pops of deep red color throughout the loaf, making each slice feel extra special—especially for holiday baking. They’re also known for being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which adds to their appeal during the colder months. Fresh or frozen cranberries both work well here, making this an easy ingredient to bake with all season long.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips & Questions
- Tossing the cranberries with flour helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- The batter is meant to be thick—this helps create a sturdy, bakery-style crumb.
- A large cookie scoop makes transferring the batter to the pan much easier.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Use them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw.
Do I need to glaze this loaf?
Not at all. The loaf is very flavorful on its own, but a light orange glaze is a nice optional finish.
How do I know when the loaf is done?
The top should be golden and set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs.
Let’s Dish: Did You Know?
Citrus has long been used in holiday baking because oranges and their zest were among the few fruits available during colder months, prized for their bright flavor and fragrant oils. As cranberries became more common in home kitchens in the mid-20th century, bakers began pairing them with orange to balance their sharp tartness. Food brands and holiday magazines helped cement cranberry and orange as a seasonal duo, especially in quick breads, muffins, and relishes. The combination stuck because it delivers contrast—tangy berries with bright, aromatic citrus—while still feeling fresh and festive. Today, cranberry and orange remain a go-to pairing for winter baking and holiday tables alike.
Looking for an easy vegan holiday bake? Then try my Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf!
This citrus-forward loaf is easy to make and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or sharing during the holidays. Give it a try and tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious or share your bake here with #MadlyDelicious to show me your version!
More Holiday Recipes
Winter Greens Salad with Pear, Pecans & Pomegranate
Cranberry Orange Holiday Soda Bread
Vegan Cranberry Orange Loaf
Equipment
- Loaf pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour, plus 1 tablespoon, divided
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- ⅓ cup vegetable or avocado oil
- ½ cup plain, unsweetened plant-milk
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
Optional Orange Glaze
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- 1½ – 2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix together 1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup brown sugar, ⅓ cup oil, ½ cup plant milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. Add ¼ cup orange juice and 1 tbsp orange zest and gently whisk just until combined.
- Combine: Pour the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Gently fold until just combined and no dry flour pockets remain. Do not overmix.
- Toss the Cranberries: In a small bowl, toss 1½ cups cranberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon flour. Fold the cranberries into the batter. The batter will be very thick.
- Fill the Pan: Scoop the batter into the prepared loaf pan using a large cookie scoop if desired. Lightly flatten the top and spread evenly.
- Bake: Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean and the top is deeply golden.Tip: If the center needs more time but the top is already golden, loosely lay a piece of foil over the loaf and continue baking until done.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Optional Glaze: Once the loaf is completely cool, whisk together ⅓ cup powdered sugar with 1½–2 tbsp fresh orange juice until you have a slightly thick but pourable glaze. Pour or spoon over the top of the loaf and gently spread it into a thin layer using the. back of a spoon or spatula. Let it dry completely and then serve!