Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe That’s Moist, Bright, and Easy

The first time I made cranberry bread, I was elbow-deep in a cold December morning, still in pajamas, with the smell of citrus zest cutting through the sleepy kitchen. My grandmother’s worn Ocean Spray label sat on the counter like a talisman. It has a taste that is slightly tart, slightly sweet, and very comforting, and it helps you feel more awake.

Now, it’s a staple in my house every cranberry season. Some days, it’s baked with nuts for a rustic touch. Other days, it’s all about those ruby gems tucked into a bright, moist loaf perfect for coffee breaks or a neighborly gift.

With the Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe or the cozy Bisquick Banana Bread linked here, you’ll find this quick bread sits right at home on your table.

Let’s bake it from scratch with the classic Ocean Spray cranberry bread recipe—done the simple, old-fashioned way.

Ingredients for Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread

What You Need for the Perfect Cranberry Loaf

After prepping these, you’re just a few easy steps from a warm, citrusy cranberry loaf.

Perfect! Let’s continue with:

Instructions for Moist Cranberry Bread

Step-by-Step Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe

There’s something beautifully simple about quick breads. No yeast, no fuss—just mix, pour, and bake. Here’s how to get the classic Ocean Spray cranberry bread recipe just right, every time.

1. Preheat & Prep Your Pan
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy release.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together:
   • 2 cups flour
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 1½ tsp baking powder
   • 1 tsp salt
   • ½ tsp baking soda
3. Combine Wet Ingredients Separately
   In another bowl, mix:
   • ¾ cup orange juice
   • 1 tbsp grated orange peel
   • 2 tbsp shortening
   • 1 beaten egg
4. Blend Gently
   Pour the wet mix into the dry and stir until just blended. Do not mix the batter too much, or the bread will be heavy and dense.
5. Add the Cranberries and Nuts
   Fold in 1½ cups chopped Ocean Spray cranberries and ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work beautifully).
6. Pour and Smooth
   Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake to Perfection
   Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The crust should be golden brown.
8. Cool & Wrap Overnight (Optional but Great)
   Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. For maximum flavor, wrap in foil and rest overnight before slicing.

This technique works like a charm whether you’re serving slices warm with butter or toasting leftovers with jam.

Pro Tips for Foolproof Results

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level, don’t scoop. Too much flour = dry bread.
• Chop cranberries roughly: This ensures juicy pops without overwhelming sour bites.
• Avoid overmixing: Once the flour is wet, mix only until combined.

If you love seasonal bakes, try this alongside Libby’s Pumpkin Bread for a cozy variety, or pair it with something dense and nutty like our Date Nut Bread for a brunch platter.

For more unique quick bread textures, this flourless cottage cheese bread gives a protein-rich twist to breakfast.

Nutrition Facts & Cranberry Bread Troubleshooting

Health Benefits of Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread

Cranberries are more than just tart little gems—they’re packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and dietary fiber. When you bake with Ocean Spray cranberries, you’re not only getting bold flavor but also a natural boost to your immune system and digestive health.

Each slice of this cranberry bread (based on the Ocean Spray classic) contains about:

It’s not a low-sugar bread, but it does strike a nice balance—thanks to the natural tartness of the cranberries and the bright acidity of orange juice. This makes it a smarter treat than most store-bought pastries or processed cakes.

Pair it with Banana Bread Recipe Hawaii for a tropical twist or go rustic and hearty with a slice of Crawfish Bread for dinner.

If you’re watching added sugars, consider swapping the sugar for a stevia blend or coconut sugar, and replace shortening with Greek yogurt or avocado oil for a heart-healthier spin.

Common Baking Questions: Why It Rises—or Doesn’t

Why did my cranberry bread not rise?
That’s often due to expired baking powder or overmixed batter. Quick breads rely on a chemical rise. Check that your baking powder is still good and stir just until the ingredients are mixed.

What makes cranberry bread crumbly?
Too much flour or not enough liquid can cause crumbling. Measure flour by spooning into your cup (don’t scoop directly), and don’t skip the orange juice—it adds necessary moisture.

Is Ocean Spray cranberry drink healthy?
Ocean Spray juice is rich in vitamin C, but it can be high in sugar. Look for their “100% juice” line or dilute with sparkling water for a lighter option.

How can I improve Ocean Spray cranberry sauce?
You can add citrus zest, a bit of bourbon, or chopped pecans. It makes a lovely glaze when brushed over warm cranberry bread!

Still craving variety? You’ll love the airy twist in this banana cottage cheese muffin for a protein punch next to your fruity slice.

FAQs

Why did my cranberry bread not rise?
Check your leavening agents. Using expired baking powder or stirring the batter too much can make the bread turn out dense. Always mix lightly and bake immediately.

Is Ocean Spray cranberry drink healthy?
Yes, especially their “no sugar added” and “100% juice” versions.They are rich in antioxidants, but stay away from versions that contain high-fructose corn syrup.

How to improve Ocean Spray cranberry sauce?
Add fresh orange zest, cinnamon, or even a splash of vanilla. This makes it more complex and enhances the depth of the cranberry flavor.

What makes cranberry bread crumbly?
Improper flour measuring or overbaking. Use the spoon-and-level method and remove the loaf when the center just tests clean.

Conclusion

If you’ve never made the classic Ocean Spray cranberry bread recipe, now’s your moment. It’s bright, moist, comforting—and honestly, hard to mess up. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or gift it wrapped in twine, it always feels like a homemade hug.

Grace from the Blue Ridge Mountains says: Don’t wait for Thanksgiving. Cranberries deserve more spotlight. Trust me, this one’s worth baking.

Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe That’s Moist, Bright, and Easy

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• Author: Karino Kada
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Moist and citrusy Ocean Spray cranberry bread packed with chopped cranberries, orange zest, and just the right amount of sweetness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup sugar

1½ tsp baking powder

1 tsp salt

½ tsp baking soda

¾ cup orange juice

1 tbsp grated orange peel

2 tbsp shortening

1 egg, well beaten

1½ cups Ocean Spray cranberries, chopped

½ cup chopped nuts (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

In a separate bowl, mix orange juice, peel, shortening, and egg.

Combine wet and dry mixes until just blended.

Fold in cranberries and nuts.

Pour into pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 55 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Cool for 15 mins, remove from pan, and let cool completely.

Notes

Wrap and store overnight for best flavor.

Serve toasted with butter or use for holiday gifting

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 211
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 313mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 18mg