Introduction: Homemade Weight Watchers (WW) Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful and healthier take on a classic baked treat. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors creates a deliciously moist bread that satisfies both sweet cravings and dietary preferences. This homemade recipe is not only easy to make but also fits well into a balanced and mindful approach to weight management.

Ingredients: To prepare this Cranberry Orange Bread, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar substitute (like Stevia or monk fruit)
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Zest of one orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to the specified temperature, usually around 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-sized loaf pan and set it aside.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This forms the dry base for your Cranberry Orange Bread.
  3. Prepare Cranberries: Toss the chopped cranberries in a bit of flour to coat them lightly. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter during baking.
  4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the applesauce, non-fat Greek yogurt, sugar substitute, orange juice, vanilla extract, orange zest, and eggs. Ensure a smooth and well-blended consistency.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense texture.
  6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the floured cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure a consistent cranberry flavor throughout the bread.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the bread to prevent over-baking.
  8. Cool and Slice: Allow the Cranberry Orange Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice into portions for serving.

Conclusion: Homemade WW Cranberry Orange Bread is a flavorful and figure-friendly option for those adhering to Weight Watchers guidelines. This recipe allows you to enjoy the comforting taste of cranberry and orange in a moist, homemade bread while maintaining a mindful approach to your health and wellness goals. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast option or a delightful snack, this Cranberry Orange Bread is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of healthier baked goods.

Ingredients

For the Bread

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • ½ cup canola oil, or other neutral tasting oil
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions 

To Make the Bread

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F, and grease a 9 x 5 – inch loaf pan. 
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.2 cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt
  • In a separate small bowl, use a spoon to mix the sugar and orange zest until the sugar becomes light orange in color. Set aside.1 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon orange zest
  • Take a third large bowl and whisk the buttermilk, oil, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla. Add the flour mixture and the orange zest/sugar mixture, and whisk until just combined. Don’t overmix!½ cup buttermilk½ cup canola oil½ cup orange juice2 large eggs1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Next, add the cranberries and use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir until well incorporated.1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
  • Transfer the batter to the greased loaf pan. Place in the oven and baked for 65-75 minutes. If the bread begins to brown too quickly, place a piece of aluminum foil loosely over the top to prevent burning.
  • The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a very light crumb. Remove the bread from the oven and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before transferring from the pan to a cooling rack.

To Make the Glaze

  • While the bread cools, make the glaze.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the powdered sugar and orange juice. 1 cup powdered sugar2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
  • Whisk or use a hand mixer on low until the glaze is smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of orange juice to reach desired consistency.
  • After the bread cools completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, slice, and serve. 
  • Scroll up and see the post for tips, frequently asked questions, and storage options.

Notes

*The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 1 slice of bread (one tenth of the loaf). Actual calories will vary.