Impressive Twisted Bread with a Cranberry Orange Filling
As soon as cranberries make an appearance in the grocery stores, my every thought seems to be cranberry dishes! My original plan for this bread was to make cranberry sweet rolls like my raspberry sweet rolls. When I started rolling up the bread I was suddenly inspired by a bread I made last year - Cheesy Pesto Bread.
Instead of slicing the rolled dough into smaller slices, I made one long slit across the top of each roll.
Then I twisted the two strands together - making the twist in Cranberry Twist Bread!
When the bread comes out of the oven, it looks like you've create a nearly impossible masterpiece! Unfortunately I was the only one at home while I was baking this bread. All the oohs and ahhs came from me - although I'm sure my kids would have been really impressed!
The kids did love the bread, but still no oohs and ahhs over the taste. Nope, my three teenagers just don't gush over my food anymore - they have become the silent type while walking through the kitchen!
I have to pry deep into their thoughts to know what they are thinking. I have become a mind reader - when they come back for seconds or thirds, I know I have created something they approve!
Now that I've made this cranberry bread, I am still thinking about making cranberry sweet rolls! Oh, so many baking ideas, so little baking time!
For now I am enjoying this Cranberry Twisted Bread. Yes, there are still a few slices left! The kids didn't eat it all. I toasted up a slice this morning for breakfast. Delicious!!!
Other great recipes using cranberries include Cranberry Scones, Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad and Cranberry Sauce.
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Cranberry Twisted Bread
Ingredients
Bread
Filling
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1 Tablespoon orange zest
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice (fresh squeezed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
Instructions
Bread
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, add milk, yeast and sugar. Stir until mixed. Let sit for 5 minutes until mixture is bubbly.
- Mix in orange peel, eggs, butter and salt.
- Add flour 1 cup at a time. Add up to an extra half cup of four if needed.
- Knead dough for 10 minutes on low speed.
- Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover and let rise until doubled.
Filling
- Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice and sugar to food processor. Pulse until mixture is coarsely chopped.
Assembly of Bread
- Punch down dough and divide into two equal pieces. Working with one piece at a time, roll out dough to a 10" x 14" rectangle.
- Spread half cranberry mixture over rectangle. Roll up jelly roll style from long edge. Pinch seam together. Repeat with second piece of dough.
- Place dough on a baking sheet on a piece of parchment paper. Pinch one edge of rolls together. Gently twist one roll over the other. Repeat until the two ends come together. Pinch ends together.
- Cover bread with a clean cloth and let rise for 30 minutes.
- Place in a preheated 350 degree oven for 40-45 minutes.
- Remove from baking sheet and place on a cooling rack. Allow bread to fully cool before slicing.
Nutrition
Fred G says
Toasted sounds good
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
Your breads are always so beautiful Kathy! I'm envious of your talents at bread making! Love the cranberry orange combo of this beauty!
Kathy says
Thanks, Mary Ann!
Adina says
A perfect looking loaf, I have never used cranberries this way, I bet it is delicious!
Kathy says
Cranberries are really quite versatile. They can be used in so many different dishes.
Nicoletta Sugarlovespices says
Yes! That's how I would have it: every morning, toasted, until there is no more. It looks beautiful and I love the cranberry orange combo!
Kathy says
It was really delicious toasted!
allie says
Hi Kathy - this is such a beautiful bread! I love the pretty cranberry twist. Perfect for the upcoming holidays. My kids don't make much fanfare about my cooking either these days. But I'll tell you, after they go to college and eat cafeteria food, then they are much more appreciative when they get back! At least that has been my experience. Ha.
Kathy says
Too funny! 🙂
Loretta says
Cranberry citrus is a great combination, one of my favorites, especially for breakfast. This looks delicious, and beautiful in general, almost too pretty to eat (almost!)
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I just love fresh cranberries...and bread, of course. This is one beautiful loaf, my friend! Love the braiding action you have goin' on! I can only imagine how delicious this is fresh outta the oven 🙂
Kathy says
Thanks, Dawn!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
I love all things cranberry this time of year! This would be perfect for Thanksgiving morning for house guests!
Kathy says
It would be perfect for Thanksgiving morning!
David @ Spiced says
What a fun and festive recipe, Kathy! I hear ya about so many baking projects and so little time, but I definitely want to put this bread on my 'to-bake' list. It looks fantastic, and I'm pretty sure I could eat an entire loaf by myself. 🙂 Love the twisted appearance here!
Kathy says
The twist makes it really fun, plus it puts all that cranberry goodness throughout the bread!