In a world that moves so fast, we often forget to take time for the little things in life. One of those little things is the joy of baking homemade bread. There is something truly special about kneading dough, watching it rise, and filling your home with the aroma of fresh-baked bread.

Today I want to share with you an easy and delicious recipe for Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread – a recipe that you can make in your bread machine at home. This bread is one of my personal favorites and always brings me back to my childhood memories. The cranberries and orange zest add a sweet-tart taste, while the cinnamon creates a burst of aromatic flavors that will leave your mouth watering.

Baking your own bread is not only fun but also a great way to control what you put into your body. By using whole wheat flour and other wholesome ingredients, you’ll create a loaf that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Plus, there’s nothing quite like serving warm bread from the oven to impress guests or loved ones.

So dust off your bread machine and let’s get started! This recipe is perfect for beginners or seasoned bakers who are looking for an easy yet satisfying addition to their baking repertoire. Don’t be intimidated by yeast – this recipe is foolproof and will produce a loaf that will make you feel like a professional baker!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread (Like Great Harvest), Breadmaker

Attention all bread lovers! Are you tired of the same old plain bread? Do you crave something more adventurous and flavorful? Look no further than our Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread recipe!

This unique bread offers a burst of flavor with every bite. With the combination of orange zest, dried cranberries, and pomegranate molasses, this bread is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The addition of cinnamon adds an extra dimension of warmth and depth that will make you feel like you’ve been hugged from the inside out.

Not only is this bread irresistibly delicious, but it’s also made with wholesome ingredients. With a mix of whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and bread flour, this bread is packed with nutrients and fiber that will keep you satisfied all day long. Plus, the use of fresh ground wheat flour ensures that your bread will have that delightful artisanal taste that you can’t get from store-bought loaves.

But that’s not all – this recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can switch out the cranberries for other dried fruits or even add nuts to give it an extra crunch. The possibilities are endless! Plus, with the convenience of a bread machine, making homemade bread has never been easier.

So why settle for plain old boring bread when you could have something truly exceptional? This Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread recipe checks all the boxes – delicious, nutritious, and full of flavor. Give it a try, and I promise – it won’t disappoint!

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious cranberry orange wheat bread.

Dry Ingredients

2 cups bread flour
2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

1 cup milk (room temperature)
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 large egg (lightly beaten)
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses

Note: Be sure to measure carefully, as accurate measurements are crucial for the success of this recipe.

The Recipe How-To

Now that we’ve covered the why and what of this delicious Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread, let’s dive into the how-to. This recipe is designed to be made in a bread machine, making it a breeze to make at home. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 1/2 cups water
1/4 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
2 tablespoons orange zest
1 egg, beaten
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
3 cups bread flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons vital wheat gluten

Note: Measure all ingredients carefully, using the spoon-and-sweep method for the flours.

Directions
Step 1: Add Ingredients to Bread Machine

Add all of your ingredients except for the cranberries in the order recommended by your bread machine’s manufacturer. Typically, liquids go in first followed by dry ingredients, and yeast goes in last.

Step 2: Set Your Bread Machine

Set your bread machine to the “dough” cycle which will mix and knead the dough then give it time to rise.

Step 3: Add Cranberries

When prompted by your bread machine during the mixing cycle or by a beep or visual cue once the cycle is done (usually after about an hour), add the cranberries.

Step 4: Remove Dough and Shape

After another 45 minutes, remove the dough from your bread machine, punch down to remove any air pockets or bubbles, shape and place in a well-greased loaf pan. Cover with a warm towel and allow to rest until doubled in size about another 45 minutes.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Uncover and bake for about 30 minutes until golden brown on top or internal temperature reaches 190°F to200°F (87°C to93°C).
Let cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your warm and delicious homemade Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread!

Substitutions and Variations

For those who are looking to switch up the recipe or make some substitutions, there are several options that can complement the cranberry orange wheat bread.

If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Instead of regular milk, try using almond milk or any other non-dairy milk for a vegan twist, and you can even add in some orange zest or pomegranate molasses to enhance the flavors.

For those who prefer a sweeter bread, you can add some more dried cranberries or even chopped walnuts for an added crunch. If you like a bit of spice, try substituting cinnamon for cardamom or nutmeg, which will add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.

Another creative variation is to add some orange juice and almonds to make an orange almond bread or even substitute cranberries for blueberries in a blueberry wheat bread. The possibilities for variations are endless, so feel free to experiment and find your perfect cranberry orange wheat bread taste.

Whether you choose to stick with the classic recipe or mix it up with some variations, this versatile bread is sure to impress with its light texture and wonderful cinnamon burst.

Serving and Pairing

Colorful cranberries add a burst of flavor

Once you’ve baked this delicious Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread, it’s time to serve it up! I find that this bread is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a bit of butter. It has just the right amount of sweetness from the cranberries and orange zest, so you don’t need to add anything else to it.

However, if you’re looking for some pairing suggestions, here are a few that I enjoy:

1. Soup: This bread pairs well with a hearty soup such as minestrone or tomato soup. The crusty outer layer and soft interior soak up the soup’s broth, making for a satisfying meal.

2. Sandwiches: The bread makes a great base for sandwiches. I love filling it with thinly sliced turkey or roast beef, some lettuce and mayo.

3. Cheese: If you’re looking for something easy for snack time, serve it along with your preferred type of cheese. It pairs well with sharp cheddars or brie.

4. Breakfast: As this recipe incorporates whole grain flour and dried cranberries into your baking routine; use it to make Breakfast toast served by adding some berry jam or apricot marmalade on it.

Although I suggest trying this bread as soon as possible because freshly-baked bread is always better than anything else!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Freshly baked in the comfort of your kitchen

I believe that taking care of the bread you make is just as important as baking it to perfection. That’s why I have some practical tips for you to make ahead, store, and reheat this tasty Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread.

The best way to make this bread ahead of time is to prep the dry and wet ingredients separately. You can mix them together and start kneading the dough whenever you are ready to bake. However, once the bread is cooked, let it cool completely before slicing or else it will get mushy.

For storing your Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread, wrap it tight in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh for a longer period of time. Pre-sliced bread gets stale faster because of more surface areas exposed to the air, so keep that in mind.

When you’re ready to enjoy your bread again, there are several ways to reheat the slices depending on your preference. You can toast them in a toaster or warm them up in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until they reach your desired texture.

One last thing: don’t forget that homemade bread usually dries out faster than store-bought options, so be sure to consume it within three days of baking it. As always with food, be mindful of any kind of mold or off-putting smell and discard it if you notice anything odd.

Remember, by following these storage and reheating tips carefully; you will be able to savor this delicious Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread even after several days!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to baking bread, there are a few key tips to ensure perfect results every time. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you achieve the best Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread (Like Great Harvest) possible.

First and foremost, measuring the ingredients correctly is critical when making bread. Make sure to measure carefully and accurately, using the appropriate tools. Too much flour or not enough liquid can lead to a dense loaf, while too much liquid can cause the bread to collapse in the middle.

Another important factor is temperature. It is critical that all ingredients, particularly the liquids, be at room temperature prior to starting the recipe. This allows for all the ingredients to react optimally with each other and creates an ideal environment for yeast activity.

Speaking of yeast, be sure to use fresh, active dry yeast for this recipe. Yeast that is old or has been exposed to extreme temperatures can lose its potency and fail to rise properly.

Adding vital wheat gluten will ensure a better rise and light texture to your bread. Wheat gluten’s strength helps trap carbon dioxide from yeast fermentation allowing bread dough an easier time stretching out without breaking apart so your loaves will have better volume and shape.

Do not over-knead your bread dough. Over-kneading could lead to a denser texture of your loaf once baked which results in a chewier consistency.

Lastly, let your bread cool completely before slicing it up. Although you may be tempted to dive in right away after smelling the warm aroma, let it sit for a while so that it can continue baking inside with its remaining heat from the oven.

Follow these steps, pay attention to produce quality ingredients and you’ll be one step closer towards creating a perfect loaf of Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread (Like Great Harvest).

FAQ

Now that you have read and followed the recipe how-to in detail, you might still have some questions or doubts about making this cranberry orange wheat bread. Not to worry, I will clear up any confusion or uncertainties by going through the most frequently asked questions from readers who have made this bread before. Keep reading to find out more.

What kind of flour does Great Harvest bread use?

At our bakery, we value using freshly milled whole grain wheat flour for both its delicious taste and its nutritional benefits. By milling our own flour, we are able to preserve all three parts of the wheat kernel – the germ, bran, and endosperm – which are essential for optimal nutrient content. This way, our customers can enjoy baked goods that not only taste good, but are also good for them.

Can you substitute whole wheat flour for bread flour in a bread machine?

If you’re looking to use whole wheat flour in your bread maker, you should use the “Whole Wheat” bread setting for the best results. This setting is specifically designed to develop the ideal structure for whole wheat bread. Typically, whole wheat flour includes the bran and wheat germ which can hinder the rising process of bread. By using this setting, you can ensure that your bread rises properly and turns out perfectly.

Why did my cranberry bread fall?

When making cranberry orange bread, there are a few common issues that may cause the bread to fall and have a soggy center. These include having too much moisture in the bread, and not using enough leavening agents such as baking powder or baking soda. In this article, I’ll share some tips and recommendations to help you make a reliable and delicious cranberry orange bread.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this cranberry orange wheat bread recipe is the perfect way to start your day or serve as a delicious treat. With its fresh burst of orange zest, sweet tartness of dried cranberries, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, you’ll never want to try another bread recipe again. The recipe is versatile, allowing you to substitute some ingredients for a different flavour and texture. Plus, making it in a breadmaker is easy and convenient, saving you time and effort while still getting the same great taste.

We are confident that you will love this delicious and nutritious bread recipe. Don’t wait any longer, gather all the ingredients you need, and start baking your very own cranberry orange wheat bread today!

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Steven

Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.

Delicious Cranberry Orange Wheat Bread Recipe