5 Delicious Cranberry Orange Recipes to Try

Cranberries and oranges come together in a delightful culinary dance that produces flavors so vibrant and zesty, they can brighten any meal. The tartness of cranberries combined with the citrusy punch of oranges creates a symphony of tastes that's perfect for the holidays or any time you crave a little zest in your life. From breakfast treats to desserts, these five delicious cranberry orange recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and add a splash of color to your culinary repertoire.

Cranberry Orange Scones

Starting our list with a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or tea.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¹⁄₂ cup orange zest
• ³⁄₄ cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg

To make these scones:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
5. Combine heavy cream with the egg and gently mix into the dry ingredients.
6. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick, cut into wedges, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.

🌟 Note: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before mixing into the dough to prevent sogginess.

Cranberry Orange Relish

This condiment is the quintessential holiday side, adding a zesty zing to any dish.

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 medium orange
• ³⁄₄ cup sugar

To prepare:

1. Wash the orange and zest it into a bowl. Cut the orange into chunks and remove seeds.
2. Pulse the orange pieces in a food processor until finely chopped.
3. Add the cranberries and pulse until they are chopped but not pureed.
4. Mix in the sugar, cover, and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Nothing beats a slice of freshly baked cranberry orange bread, especially when it’s still warm from the oven.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped

To bake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl.
3. Cream together butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
5. Add orange zest and juice, alternating with the flour mixture.
6. Fold in the cranberries and pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cranberry Orange Muffins

Muffins are the perfect portable breakfast or snack, especially with these flavors.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄₂ cup white sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¹⁄₂ tsp baking soda
• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt
• 1 cup orange juice
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegetable oil
• ¹⁄₂ cup orange zest
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

To bake:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a muffin tin or line with liners.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
3. In another bowl, combine wet ingredients except for cranberries.
4. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in cranberries.
5. Scoop batter into muffin cups and bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cranberry Orange Cheesecake

End your meal on a high note with this creamy dessert that highlights the holiday flavors.

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¹⁄₂ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar (for crust)
• 24 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup heavy cream
• ¹⁄₄ cup orange zest
• 1 cup fresh cranberries

To make:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar. Press into a springform pan.
2. Beat cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, then heavy cream and orange zest.
4. Fold in cranberries gently.
5. Pour over the crust and bake for about 55-65 minutes or until the center is set.
6. Let cool, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.

These delicious cranberry orange recipes showcase the versatility of these two flavors. Whether you're looking for a special breakfast treat or a festive dessert, these recipes are sure to impress. The combination of tart cranberries and bright oranges not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds an attractive vibrancy to your table.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in these recipes?

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Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh, but keep in mind they are sweeter and have a different texture. Adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly, as dried cranberries will bring more sweetness to your dish.

How long will these recipes last in the refrigerator?

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Most of these recipes, once baked or prepared, can last in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Items like cranberry orange relish can last up to a week.

Can I freeze any of these recipes?

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Absolutely! Baked goods like scones, bread, and muffins can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cheesecake can also be frozen, ideally without its topping, for the same duration. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.