Picture this: It’s a crisp fall afternoon, the leaves are turning golden, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafts through your kitchen. You take a sip of coffee, slice into a warm loaf of Ocean Spray cranberry bread, and instantly feel that cozy, homemade magic. If you’re craving a recipe that’s equal parts sweet, tart, and oh-so-satisfying, you’ve landed in the right spot. This isn’t just any bread—it’s a celebration of cranberries, inspired by the iconic Ocean Spray brand, and I’m here to walk you through every step of making it yourself. Ready to impress your family or just treat yourself to something delicious? Let’s dive in!
Why the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe Stands Out
Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving sauce anymore. They’re the star of this bread, bringing a burst of tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with a tender, moist crumb. Ocean Spray, a name synonymous with quality cranberries since 1930, inspires this recipe with its legacy of delivering tart, juicy goodness straight from the bogs of Massachusetts. Whether you’re using their fresh cranberries, dried Craisins, or even a splash of their juice, this bread is a versatile treat that works for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.
What makes this recipe special? It’s simple enough for beginners but packed with flavor that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up seasonal ingredients or pantry staples. According to the USDA, cranberries are loaded with antioxidants—about 373 mg per 100 grams—making this bread a sneaky way to sneak some nutrition into your day. Let’s explore why this loaf deserves a spot in your recipe rotation.
The History of Cranberries and Ocean Spray
Before we get to the mixing bowl, let’s take a quick trip back in time. Cranberries have been a staple in American diets for centuries, originally harvested by Native Americans who used them for food, medicine, and dyes. Fast forward to 1930, when three cranberry growers—Marcus Urann, John Makepeace, and Elizabeth Lee—founded Ocean Spray as a cooperative. Their goal? To turn this humble berry into a household name. Today, Ocean Spray harvests over 60% of the world’s cranberries, according to their official stats, and their products are a go-to for recipes like this one.
This bread recipe draws on that heritage, blending tradition with a modern twist. It’s the kind of treat that feels nostalgic yet fresh—perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet Sunday at home. Curious about how cranberries go from bog to bread? Check out Ocean Spray’s growing process for a peek behind the scenes.
Ingredients for Your Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread
Ready to bake? Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious loaf. I’ve included precise measurements with conversions so you can measure with confidence, whether you’re a cups person or a grams enthusiast.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180ml) Ocean Spray cranberry juice (or orange juice for a twist)
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Star of the Show
- 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh Ocean Spray cranberries (or 1 cup dried Craisins, if preferred)
- Optional: ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Quick Conversion Table
| Ingredient | Cups | Grams/Milliliters |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 240g |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | 200g |
| Cranberry juice | ¾ cup | 180ml |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 ½ cups | 150g |
| Butter | ¼ cup | 60g |
Got everything? Let’s move on to the fun part—baking!
How to Make the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe
This recipe is straightforward, but I’ll break it down into numbered steps to keep things crystal clear. Follow along, and you’ll have a gorgeous loaf in no time.
Timeline
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything’s evenly distributed before the wet stuff comes in.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the cranberry juice, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth—don’t overthink it, just get it blended!
- Bring It All Together: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. A few lumps are okay; overmixing makes the bread tough.
- Fold in the Cranberries: Add your fresh cranberries (or Craisins) and nuts, if using. Fold them in carefully so the berries don’t burst too much—you want those pretty red pops in every slice.
- Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with your spatula for a polished look.
- Bake: Pop it in the oven and bake for 55–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re good to go.
- Cool and Slice: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. Slice it up once it’s cool enough to handle, but warm slices are the best!
Tips for the Perfect Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread
Want to take your bread to the next level? Here are some pro tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Fresh vs. Dried: Fresh cranberries give a juicier, tarter bite, while Craisins add sweetness. Mix both for a fun texture contrast!
- Don’t Skip the Juice: Using Ocean Spray cranberry juice amps up the flavor. If you’re out, orange juice works too—check out this citrus twist idea for inspiration.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh for 3 days at room temp or up to a week in the fridge.
- Freezing: Baked a double batch? Freeze slices in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Pop them in the toaster oven to reheat.
What’s your favorite baking hack? Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Slice)
Wondering how this bread fits into your day? Here’s a rough estimate based on 10 slices per loaf, sourced from general nutritional data:
| Nutrient | Amount per Slice | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal | 11% |
| Total Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Sugars | 22g | – |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
*Based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Add nuts, and the fat and protein go up a bit!
Cranberries also bring vitamin C and antioxidants to the table, making this a treat you can feel good about. For more on cranberry benefits, peek at this Healthline article.
Pairing Your Cranberry Bread
This bread is versatile enough to shine on its own, but why stop there? Here are some ideas to make it a meal:
- Breakfast: Slather it with butter or cream cheese and pair with coffee.
- Dessert: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent twist.
- Snack: Toast a slice and enjoy with a cup of tea—perfect for a rainy day.
Hosting a crowd? Serve it alongside a cranberry-pineapple fizz for a festive vibe. How do you like to enjoy your quick breads? Share your ideas below!
Common Questions About the Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe
Still got questions? I’ve got answers.
Can I Make It Gluten-Free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be slightly denser, but it’ll still taste amazing.
How Do I Keep the Bread Moist?
Don’t overbake—check it at 55 minutes. Also, store it properly to lock in that moisture.
Can I Add a Glaze?
Absolutely! Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons cranberry juice for a simple, tangy topping. Drizzle it on once the bread cools.
What tweaks would you make to this recipe? Let me know!
Why This Recipe Boosts Your Baking Confidence
Baking can feel intimidating, but this Ocean Spray cranberry bread recipe is foolproof. It’s forgiving, quick, and doesn’t require fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and some enthusiasm. Plus, the bright red cranberries make every loaf look like a masterpiece. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned baker, this recipe’s a win.
Need more easy baking ideas? Check out this sandwich bread recipe or try your hand at blueberry cheesecake cookies. You’ve got this!
Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread Recipe
Description
A sweet, tangy Ocean Spray cranberry bread, perfect for any occasion. Easy to bake, moist, and full of flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (180ml) Ocean Spray cranberry juice
- ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh Ocean Spray cranberries (or 1 cup dried Craisins)
- Optional: ½ cup (50g) chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a big bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a whisk.
- In another bowl, stir the cranberry juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined—don’t overmix!
- Add the cranberries and nuts (if using). Fold them in carefully so the berries don’t break too much.
- Pour the batter into the loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes. Test with a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s done.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool more. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- If using fresh cranberries, rinse and pat them dry before adding.
- For extra sweetness, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for 3 months.
- Swap cranberry juice for orange juice for a citrus twist.
FAQ
Here are answers to the most common questions readers might have about this delicious recipe. Whether you’re troubleshooting or looking to customize, we’ve got you covered!
1. Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. No need to thaw them—just toss them straight into the batter. They might add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, so keep an eye on your loaf and test with a toothpick.
2. What if I don’t have Ocean Spray cranberry juice?
No worries! You can substitute with orange juice, apple juice, or even water in a pinch. Orange juice is a popular swap—it adds a complementary citrus note that pairs well with the cranberries.
3. How can I make this recipe healthier?
To lighten it up, try reducing the sugar to ¾ cup (150g) or using a natural sweetener like honey (adjusting the liquid slightly). You can also swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for added fiber—just note the texture might be a bit denser.
4. Can I make this bread vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use a plant-based butter substitute. Opt for a vegan-friendly cranberry juice, and you’re set.
5. Why did my bread turn out dry?
Dry bread usually comes from overbaking or overmixing. Check your loaf at the 55-minute mark, and mix the batter just until combined. Storing it properly (wrapped tightly) also helps retain moisture.
6. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Use two 9×5-inch loaf pans or one larger pan (adjust baking time as needed). It’s a great option for gifting or freezing extras.
7. How long does the bread stay fresh?
At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. In the fridge, it lasts about a week. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months—slice it first for easy thawing!
8. Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Definitely! Blueberries, chopped apples, or orange zest make great additions. Stick to about ½ cup of extra mix-ins so the batter doesn’t get too crowded.
9. What’s the best way to serve this bread?
It’s fantastic warm with butter, as a breakfast treat with coffee, or even toasted with a smear of cream cheese. For dessert, try it with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of ice cream.
10. Can I make muffins instead of a loaf?
Yes! Pour the batter into a greased muffin tin (about ⅔ full) and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes. You’ll get about 12 standard muffins—perfect for grab-and-go snacks.
Have more questions? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
Conclusion:
The Ocean Spray cranberry bread recipe is more than just a baking project—it’s a simple, rewarding way to bring homemade goodness to your table. With its vibrant cranberry flavor and tender texture, this loaf is a versatile delight for any occasion, from cozy mornings to festive gatherings. By following the straightforward steps and tips provided, you’ll create a treat that’s sure to impress friends and family alike. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfaction of baking something truly special. Happy baking!