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–+ servings
Cranberry-Orange-Apricot Bread
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course bread
Cuisine American
Servings 10 slices
Calories 295 kcal

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 9x5-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
Keyword citrus bread, fruit bread, holiday loaf, homemade, nostalgic, quick bread, vintage baking
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