Quick bread made with fresh cranberries and crisp apples — this Cranberry Apple Bread is an easy, homemade loaf that’s ideal for holiday mornings, brunch, or a cozy snack any time of year.
This past weekend marked the end of fall soccer for our family. As the boys get older the seasons seem to stretch on longer, and while I enjoy watching every match, I’m always ready for a calmer schedule by the end of the season. When practices and games wind down I get more time at home — and more time to bake. This Cranberry Apple Bread is one of those recipes I love to make for road trips, team snacks, or to share with neighbors.
Can I freeze this bread?
Yes. This quick bread freezes beautifully and is a great make-ahead option. Let the loaf cool completely, slice it, then place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. For the best texture and flavor, use frozen slices within one month. To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven or toaster.
We travel frequently for games — sometimes long drives for tournaments — so I always pack snacks. This loaf combines tart fresh cranberries with chunks of apple and a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. It’s moist, flavorful, and easy to slice for grab-and-go portions. Fresh cranberries add a bright tartness that balances the sweetness of the batter and the fruit.
Do I use fresh or dried cranberries?
This recipe is written for fresh cranberries. Fresh cranberries give the loaf a vibrant color and tart pop in every bite. If you choose dried cranberries, consider rehydrating them briefly in warm apple juice or water so they don’t draw moisture from the batter; you may also want to reduce the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of your dried fruit.
Other recipes using cranberries
- Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Muffins
- Cranberry Bread
- Baked Brie with Cranberries
- Cranberry Bars
- Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies (this one typically uses dried cranberries)
If you enjoy recipes like this one, I’d love to hear about it — leave a comment below or tag @preservingthepantry on Instagram to share your results.
Be sure to check my collection of homemade bread recipes for more ideas and seasonal favorites.
Cranberry Apple Bread
15 mins
1 hr
1 hr 15 mins
Baking, Bread, Breakfast
American
1 loaf
231 kcal (per slice)
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons butter (melted)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 cup apples, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and apple cider until combined.
- Pour the flour into the wet mixture. Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and baking powder over the flour.
- Stir gently until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chopped apples and cranberries so they are evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only. For precise values, calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients and amounts you use.
Nutrition
Serving size: 1 slice • Calories: 231 kcal • Carbohydrates: 41 g • Protein: 4 g • Fat: 5 g • Sugar: 17 g • Fiber: 1 g