You know what’s better than homemade bread? Homemade bread that bakes itself while you go about your day! This Crockpot Cranberry Orange Bread is soft, moist, and bursting with bright citrus and tart cranberry flavors. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even a holiday treat. Plus, no oven required—just mix, pour, and let your slow cooker do the magic!
What You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-ins
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Pro Tips
✅ Don’t overmix! Stir until just combined, or your bread may be dense.
✅ Use fresh orange zest. It makes a huge difference in flavor!
✅ No fresh cranberries? Frozen works! No need to thaw—just toss them in.
✅ Want a crunch? Add walnuts or pecans for texture.
✅ Test for doneness! A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Variations
🔹 Swap the butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
🔹 Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
🔹 Try different fruits—dried cranberries or blueberries work too!
🔹 Add warmth with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Mix the dry ingredients the night before to save time in the morning.
- The baked bread keeps well for up to 3 days at room temp or 5 days in the fridge.
How to Make It
1. Prep the Crockpot
Line the bottom of your slow cooker with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk melted butter, orange juice, zest, eggs, and vanilla.
4. Combine Everything
Slowly stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Fold in chopped cranberries and walnuts.
5. Pour into the Crockpot
Pour the batter into the lined slow cooker, spreading evenly.
6. Cook on LOW
Cover and cook on LOW for 2 ½ to 3 hours, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool & Glaze
Let the bread cool before drizzling with an orange glaze (mix powdered sugar + orange juice).
Leftovers & Storage
- Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months!
Time to Bake!
Give this Crockpot Cranberry Orange Bread a try and let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment if you have questions or want to share your baking wins. Happy slow cooking! 🍊✨
