Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Recipe

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Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful quick bread that perfectly blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, citrusy flavor of orange. It’s soft, moist, and slightly sweet with bursts of tangy fruit in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, holiday snack, or gift for friends and family, this bread always brings a taste of warmth and cheer. Topped with a simple orange glaze, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s explore how to make this fragrant and festive bread step by step.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)

  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (cut in half if large)

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Simple Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar

  • 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

  • ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your pan and preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. This helps prevent sticking and makes for a neat presentation once the bread cools.

Step 2: Combine the dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Stir in the orange zest so that the oils from the zest distribute evenly, infusing the dry ingredients with a bright citrus aroma.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. The orange juice gives the bread its moisture, while the butter adds richness and tenderness.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overworking the batter can make the bread dense instead of light and moist. The batter should be thick but still pourable.

Step 5: Add cranberries and nuts
Fold in the cranberries and, if desired, chopped nuts. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding; this helps prevent the batter from turning pink. The contrast between the tart cranberries and sweet bread makes each slice irresistible.

Step 6: Bake the bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the loaf with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool the bread
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. Cooling fully helps the glaze set beautifully.

Step 8: Make the simple orange glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice, adding the juice one tablespoon at a time until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. Stir in the orange zest for an extra burst of flavor.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cranberry orange bread, letting it gently flow down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Bread is perfect served slightly warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. You can also toast a slice lightly for breakfast or enjoy it as a sweet afternoon treat.

For festive occasions, decorate the top with a sprinkle of orange zest, a few sugared cranberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar to make it extra eye-catching.

Storage Tips

To keep the bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To serve, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with a fresh layer of glaze if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

  1. Use fresh ingredients – Fresh orange juice and zest make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to bottled juice.

  2. Don’t overmix – Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined to keep the bread tender.

  3. Balance sweetness and tartness – If you prefer a sweeter bread, use dried cranberries instead of fresh. For a tangier bite, stick with fresh cranberries.

  4. Add a festive touch – A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a lovely crunch and sparkle.

  5. Try variations – Add white chocolate chips, swap nuts for almonds, or make muffins instead of a loaf for a fun twist.

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