If you’re craving a delicious, wholesome, and satisfying treat that stays true to the Weight Watchers (WW) program, this Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread is just what you need! Packed with fresh cranberries and the citrusy zing of orange, this bread makes for a perfect snack, breakfast addition, or dessert. It is made using whole wheat flour to offer added fiber and nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional recipes that may be higher in sugar and refined flour.

Below, you’ll find a complete recipe with step-by-step instructions, precise measurements, and nutritional information. Plus, I’ve broken down the SmartPoints for each serving, so you can easily track and enjoy this treat while staying on track with your WW goals.

Ingredients for Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread:

  1. Whole Wheat Flour (1 ¾ cups) – This is the base of our bread and will provide essential fiber and whole grains, making it more nutritious than traditional white flour.
  2. Baking Powder (1 tsp) – This will give our bread the necessary rise and fluffiness.
  3. Baking Soda (½ tsp) – Works in conjunction with the baking powder to help the bread rise.
  4. Salt (¼ tsp) – Adds flavor and helps balance the sweetness of the bread.
  5. Cinnamon (1 tsp) – A hint of warmth to complement the cranberries and orange.
  6. Fresh Cranberries (1 ½ cups) – Provides tartness and beautiful pops of color, perfect for the season.
  7. Orange Zest (1 tbsp) – Adds a bright, citrusy flavor that elevates the overall taste of the bread.
  8. Fresh Orange Juice (¼ cup) – Delivers moisture and enhances the fresh orange flavor.
  9. Egg (1 large) – Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure to the bread.
  10. Unsweetened Applesauce (½ cup) – Replaces traditional oils or butters for moisture while keeping the recipe lower in fat.
  11. Honey or Stevia (¼ cup) – A natural sweetener that adds just the right amount of sweetness, without overloading on sugar.
  12. Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor profile of the bread with a hint of sweetness.
  13. Skim Milk (¼ cup) – Helps to bring everything together and keeps the bread tender.

Instructions for Making Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal once the bread is baked.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

3. Prepare the Cranberries:
If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them and roughly chop them to ensure they distribute evenly in the bread. If you’d like to add a bit more sweetness, toss the cranberries with a teaspoon of the flour mixture you prepared earlier. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the egg, applesauce, honey (or stevia), orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is smooth and all ingredients are well-combined.

5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined – be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense bread. It’s perfectly fine if the batter is slightly lumpy.

6. Fold in the Cranberries:
Fold in the cranberries by gently stirring the batter until they are evenly distributed. This will give you pockets of tartness throughout the bread.

7. Bake the Bread:
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the bread as it bakes.

8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve once it’s fully cooled. This bread makes a great snack or addition to any breakfast table.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings. Each slice has the following approximate nutritional breakdown:

  • Calories: 140 kcal
  • Total Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugars: 11 g
  • Protein: 3 g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints:

Each slice of this Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread is approximately 4 SmartPoints on the WW Freestyle program. The whole loaf contains about 48 SmartPoints, so when divided into 12 servings, each slice is manageable for a WW member looking for a healthier treat.

Helpful Tips and Information for Making WW Cranberry Orange Bread:

  1. Make it Vegan: If you want to make this bread vegan, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk.
  2. Sweetener Substitutions: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can substitute honey with Stevia or any other sugar substitute that fits within the WW program. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
  3. Storage Tips: This bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. To keep it fresh longer, store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 2 months.
  4. Adding Nuts or Seeds: For an added crunch, try folding in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds into the batter before baking.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the whole wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately (1 teaspoon for this recipe).
  6. Cranberry Substitution: If fresh cranberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen cranberries. No need to thaw them – just fold them straight into the batter. You can also experiment with dried cranberries if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Why This Recipe Is Great for WW:

This Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfect option for those following the WW program because it is low in SmartPoints, high in fiber, and contains no added butter or oil. By replacing sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or stevia and using whole wheat flour, you’re choosing a healthier, more nutritious option that fits seamlessly into a balanced lifestyle. The addition of cranberries and orange zest adds a burst of vitamins and antioxidants, and the bread provides a satisfying texture that isn’t too heavy, making it ideal for breakfast or a mid-afternoon snack.

Conclusion:

Whether you’re enjoying it with your morning coffee, as a quick grab-and-go snack, or even as a part of a holiday spread, this Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread offers all the flavors and textures you crave in a healthier, more mindful way. With its vibrant color, fresh taste, and minimal SmartPoints, it’s a delicious option that won’t derail your Weight Watchers journey.

Enjoy a slice and treat yourself to the nourishing goodness of whole wheat, cranberries, and orange! Happy baking!