This vibrant quick bread brings together the bright citrus tang of orange, the tartness of cranberries, and the sweet chewiness of apricots in a moist, hearty loaf. Rolled oats add rustic texture while chopped nuts introduce satisfying crunch. Perfect for breakfast, a holiday brunch, or an afternoon tea, this bread offers a festive flavor medley in every slice. Originally handwritten, this charming recipe bridges homey simplicity with fruit-forward elegance.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup oil
- ½ cup orange juice
- ⅓ cup water
- 1 tbsp orange peel (grated )
- ¾ cup cranberries (chopped )
- ½ cup apricots (finely chopped )
- ½ cup nuts (chopped )
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease and flour the bottom only of a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.
Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs and oil together until well blended.
- Mix in orange juice, water, and orange peel.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture.
- Stir just until moistened.
Step 5: Add Fruit & Nuts
- Fold in cranberries, apricots, and chopped nuts.
Step 6: Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely before slicing.
Tips
-
- Toss cranberries and apricots lightly in flour before mixing to prevent sinking
- Substitute dried cherries for cranberries for a sweeter loaf
- Use walnuts or pecans in place of mixed nuts
- Replace orange juice with blood orange juice for deeper citrus flavor
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warmer, spiced profile
- Bake as mini loaves and reduce baking time to ~40 to 45 minutes
- Drizzle with a simple orange glaze for a dessert-style loaf
- Wrap tightly and freeze slices for up to 2 months
- Serve toasted with butter or cream cheese
- Makes an excellent holiday gift bread
Nutrition
Calories: 295kcalCarbohydrates: 46gProtein: 5gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.8gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 215mgPotassium: 165mgFiber: 3.2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 210IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1.6mg
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