Preheat oven to 350°
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. stir well and set aside.
In a small mixing bowl, add sugar and orange zest. Mix until sugar turns a light orange color. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, add buttermilk, oil, orange juice, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until well combined.
Combine the flour mixture and the orange zest mixture to the large mixing bowl. Mix on low speed until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
Add cranberry halves and fold into mixture with a spatula until well combined.
Pour mixture into greased loaf pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the top.
