Thanksgiving Cranberry Bread Recipe

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Ellen Christian

Looking for a Thanksgiving cranberry bread recipe? Try this delicious cranberry bread with cinnamon and find out why it’s my favorite holiday quick bread.

Cranberry Bread Recipe

Thanksgiving wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a cranberry bread recipe. Having cranberry bread for Thanksgiving is a tradition in my home.  We always have cranberry sauce but cranberry bread is the perfect snack while you’re waiting for Thanksgiving dinner or while you’re watching football after.

The best part about cranberry bread is that you can make it a few weeks early. Then, wrap it well in aluminum foil and store it in the freezer until Thanksgiving.  There is so much to cook on Thanksgiving that I appreciate any recipe that I can make ahead of time.

Cranberry sauce bread recipe

Unlike many of the cranberry bread recipes that I’ve seen, this cranberry bread recipe starts with a can of whole berry cranberry sauce.  Most of the cranberry bread recipes that I have made in the past start with fresh cranberries.

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Because this recipe starts with a can of whole berry cranberry sauce, it is so much more moist than others I have tried. When I found this recipe in the Gooseberry Patch Hometown Harvest cookbook that I was sent for review, I new it would be the cranberry bread recipe I made for Thanksgiving this year.

Best toppings for your quick breads

A simple topping can turn cranberry bread from good to unforgettable. Brush the warm loaf with melted butter and sprinkle coarse sugar so it sets into a light crunch that catches the light. You can whisk powdered sugar with orange juice for a bright glaze that wakes up the tart berries.

If you prefer something richer, spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting once the bread has cooled. A handful of toasted nuts on top adds a little texture and keeps each slice interesting.

How to package quick bread as a homemade gift

Cranberry bread also makes an easy homemade gift that feels thoughtful without much effort. Wrap a fully cooled loaf in parchment, tuck it into a kraft bakery box, and tie it with twine for a clean rustic look that suits the season.

You can slip slices into clear treat bags, add a sprig of rosemary, and finish with a handwritten tag for a more personal touch. Mini loaves are great for neighbors or teachers because they travel well and fit neatly into small tins. If you want to dress things up, add a ribbon in fall colors or include the recipe on a small card.

Tips to prepare ahead

If you want to make the bread ahead, bake it up to two days in advance and keep it tightly wrapped at room temperature. The flavor deepens as it rests, so it often tastes even better the next day.

For longer storage, freeze the cooled loaf in a double layer of plastic, then add a freezer bag to block frost. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it briefly in the oven to bring back the fresh texture. If you freeze mini loaves, pull them out one at a time so you always have a quick homemade treat ready to go.

More cranberry recipes

• Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider
• Homemade cranberry sauce with honey
• Cranberry stove top potpourri
• Homemade cranberry juice

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Yield: 10

Cranberry Cinnamon Bread

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Looking for a Thanksgiving cranberry bread recipe? Try this delicious cranberry bread with cinnamon and find out why it's my favorite holiday quick bread.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour

Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c whole wheat flour
• 1/2 c all purpose flour
• 2/3 c sugar
• 1 t salt
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 c chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix flours, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cinnamon.
2. Add egg, cranberry sauce and walnuts.
3. Stir just until moistened and a stiff batter forms.
4. Pour batter into a greased 9"x5" loaf pan.
5. Bake 350F for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center tests clean.
6. Cool in pan for 10 minutes.
7. Turn out onto a wire rack; cool completely.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

10

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 378mgCarbohydrates: 50gFiber: 6gSugar: 25gProtein: 6g

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Ellen Christian

Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.