Preparation Steps

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
• In a medium bowl, toss the halved cranberries with 1/4 cup of sugar. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
• In a separate large bowl, combine the 2 cups of granulated sugar, orange zest, and vegetable oil. Beat until well combined.
• Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and beat until just combined.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and water, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Gently fold in the cranberries and any optional nuts into the batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top.
• Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.