Cranberry Orange Pecan Quick Bread
This Cranberry Orange Pecan Quick Bread is made with whole-wheat flour, honey, and Greek yogurt. A little bit tart, a little bit sweet, it’s the perfect way to kick off cranberry season!
I feel like my mind should be on all things Thanksgiving, like new side dishes and desserts that I want to try out for the big meal. I’m just not quite there yet. Anyone else with me? We are still eating Halloween candy, after all. (Or at least my kids are. One piece a day. How long until I can disappear it all?)
I promise I’ll try to think up some inventive Thanksgiving dishes soon, but in the meantime I’d rather focus on some healthy-ish baking. Last week I spotted fresh cranberries in my grocery store, and of course I had to throw some in my shopping cart! The cranberry-orange combination is one of my absolute favorites, and this Cranberry Orange Pecan Quick Bread is a great way to kick off cranberry season.
My goal with this bread was for it to be absolutely delicious (of course), but also on the healthier side. It’s made with real butter, because butter makes everything better, but then I added in Greek yogurt for extra moisture (applesauce would work too), whole-wheat flour, and honey as a natural sweetener. This bread is packed with flavor thanks to orange zest and orange juice, fresh cranberries, toasted pecans, and cinnamon. It’s completely wonderful spread with softened butter or cream cheese. I dare you to resist a second slice. 😉
Oh and the Cherry Cream Scones that I shared last week? They would be absolutely amazing made with fresh cranberries and orange zest. Yes, I’ll be trying that very soon, and you should too.
Cranberry Orange Pecan Quick Bread
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups white whole-wheat flour
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- ¼ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. salt
- ½ tsp. cinnamon
- zest of two oranges
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Generously butter (or spray with cooking spray) a 9x5-inch loaf pan; set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, yogurt, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until barely combined. Gently fold in the cranberries and pecans. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread is browning too much, cover with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. Cool bread in the pan for 10 minutes and then remove to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Nutrition
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I adore quick breads! This one is a great recipe with great flavors.
Thanks, Jocelyn!
Quick breads are my favorite! I love the endless combination of flavors and the ease of the recipe. This cranberry orange bread sounds fantastic, Kristine! Definitely a perfect bread for the season.
Thank you, Gayle! Yes, this bread is very adaptable. I made a second loaf without the pecans (my daughter isn’t a fan of nuts), and we enjoyed that one just as much. It’s delicious spread with a little cream cheese!
Kristine, I’m all about quick and easy and this bread is all of that and more! Looks so wonderful for the upcoming holiday season!
Thank you, Sara! This bread would be perfect for enjoying on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning.
Oh man, Thanksgiving and the month of November has totally caught me by surprise! It’s crazy to think that we’re almost done with the year! I love the cranberry + orange combo here, it makes me want December to get here soon (minus the snow :)!
I know, where is the time going?!? If you love cranberry-orange, I think you will love this bread!
Such gorgeous photos for an absolutely stunning bread!
Thank you, Melanie!
I just drooled. This looks awesome! And I’m all about making things healthier. This is perfect to slice up and eat with a hot cup of tea! Love this quick bread – pinned!
Thanks for the pin, Jen! I tried this bread topped with a little whipped cream cheese and it was amazing!
I hate raisins but love tart cranberries in baked goods. This bread looks like a real winner, Kristine!
Thank you, Andi!
Mmmm I love this bread! It is full of such delicious flavors and I love all the healthy ingredients you used. Quickbreads are my absolute favorite!
Thanks, Cate! I agree, quick breads are the best!
I love cranberries!! And this bread looks so moist and delicious. Trying this recipe soon. Pinned!
Thanks for the pin, Oriana!
Cranberry and orange are one of my favorite flavor combos. I love your healthy spin on the bread.
Thank you, Jaren!
I know, I feel like I should be full on Thanksgiving but I am so behind! This bread looks THankgiving-y to me! I love your healthier version. I haven’t tried fresh cranberries in bread yet but I need to! Pinned!
I’ve finally got some plans to test out Thanksgiving recipes this week. The holidays seem to be coming even quicker than usual this year! You’re right, I should have realized that with the cranberries this bread can totally pass for a Thanksgiving treat!
I’m so excited for cranberry season! Pecans and orange are the perfect compliment, and I love how healthy this bread is!
I love to make treats healthier whenever I can, and this bread totally tastes like a treat!
I love the cranberry/orange combo! This bread sounds amazing…wish I had a slice right now! 🙂
Thanks, Christina! I’m doing all sorts of cranberry-orange baking right now. I think you would love this bread!
i love the cranberry and orange combo, but when i don’t have cranberries around, can i just take that part out of the recipe? or do i have to have a substitute?
You could just take out the cranberries, but I think the bread would be better if you substituted something else. When fresh cranberries aren’t available you could try blueberries or dried cranberries. Enjoy!