Zesty Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe: A Sweet Delight

Delightful cranberry bread with an unexpected orange glaze brings vibrant seasonal flavors to your kitchen table.

Sweet-tart berries burst through each tender slice, creating a memorable breakfast or afternoon treat.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients combine with careful technique.

Winter mornings feel warmer with this comforting quick bread nestled on your plate.

Fragrant orange zest weaves brightness throughout the dense, moist crumb.

Baking this recipe connects you to traditional home cooking with a modern twist.

Slice, serve, and watch faces light up with pure deliciousness.

How to Make Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350˚F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a generous butter massage.

Sprinkle flour all over, then tap out any extra powder.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set this magical mixture aside.

Step 3: Create Citrus Liquid

• Milk
• Fresh orange zest
• Freshly squeezed orange juice

Let it hang out while you work on other steps.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Snag a large bowl and beat softened butter with sugar until it’s fluffy and dreamy.

Toss in eggs and blend until everything looks smooth and happy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Worlds

Slowly fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Pour in the citrus liquid between flour additions. Mix gently – no need to beat it into submission!

Use a spatula to scrape down the sides.

Step 6: Add Cranberry Magic

Dust cranberries with a sprinkle of flour, then fold them into the batter.

Pour the mixture into your prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the top turns golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the bread chill in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Drizzle with Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Reserved orange zest

Aim for a smooth, drizzle-worthy consistency.

Add more juice if it’s too thick or more sugar if it’s too thin. Pour this liquid sunshine over your cooled bread.

Tips for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

• Coat cranberries lightly with flour to prevent sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
• Select fresh, plump cranberries for maximum flavor and texture, avoiding ones that look shriveled or overly soft.
• Check bread doneness precisely by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
• Adjust glaze consistency carefully by adding small amounts of orange juice or powdered sugar to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.
• Cool bread completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny and ensure it sets beautifully on top of the loaf.

Variations of Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

• Lemon Cranberry Delight: Replace orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a tangy citrus flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and consistency.
• Vegan Cranberry Bread: Use plant-based milk, swap eggs with flax eggs, and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Nutty Cranberry Variation: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and depth of flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

• Orange-spiced herbal tea perfectly echoes the bread's citrusy notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the cranberry's tartness and orange glaze's brightness.
• Serve with soft cream cheese or mascarpone spread, which provides a smooth, rich counterpoint to the bread's slightly tart cranberry texture and bright orange undertones.
• Enjoy alongside a cold glass of fresh orange juice or a light roasted coffee, amplifying the citrus elements and providing a refreshing morning breakfast experience that complements the bread's warm, comforting character.

Storage Advice for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

• Store the cranberry bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Cut the bread into individual slices, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. This allows you to defrost only the amount you need, keeping the rest frozen.

FAQs

• Why use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?

Fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness and juicy texture that dried cranberries cannot match. They create pockets of bright flavor and add moisture to the bread, giving it a more vibrant taste and interesting texture.

• Can I substitute the milk in the recipe?

Yes, you can use alternatives like buttermilk, almond milk, or oat milk. Each substitute will slightly alter the bread’s texture and flavor, but they will generally work well in maintaining the bread’s moisture and structure.

• How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Coating the cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding them into the batter helps prevent them from sinking. The flour creates a barrier that keeps the cranberries suspended throughout the bread during baking.

Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Overview

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Burst with tangy cranberries and bright orange zest, this bread delivers a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate.
• Master Baking with Ease: Straightforward ingredients and simple mixing technique make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from novice to experienced.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a delightful dessert, this cranberry bread suits multiple occasions and satisfies diverse preferences.
• Impress Without Stress: Minimal prep work and basic kitchen tools transform ordinary ingredients into a stunning homemade treat that looks and tastes professionally crafted.

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational dry ingredient that provides structure to the bread.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's richness.
• Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a soft crumb.
• Butter: Adds flavor and contributes to the bread's tender texture.

• Fresh Cranberries: Bring a tart burst of flavor and beautiful color to the bread.
• Orange Zest: Infuses the bread with bright, aromatic citrus notes.
• Orange Juice: Adds moisture and enhances the citrus flavor profile.

• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Balances and enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze for topping the bread.

Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade cranberry bread with orange glaze brings festive winter cheer to kitchen counters. Rich citrus notes and tart cranberry flavors combine for a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat you’ll savor slowly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 6 tbsps unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (thoroughly washed and dried)
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup milk (at room temperature)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Zest of 1 large orange (divided)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 tbsps freshly squeezed orange juice (or as needed to achieve the desired consistency)
• 1 tsp orange zest (reserved from the aforementioned orange)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F and prepare a 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 loaf pan by thoroughly coating with butter and flour, then inverting to remove excess flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Create a liquid mixture by blending milk, orange zest (saving 1 tsp for glaze), and fresh orange juice.
4. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add eggs and mix until smooth.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk-orange liquid. Mix on low speed until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.
6. Lightly dust cranberries with flour and gently fold into the batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a golden top forms and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool bread in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to reach room temperature.
8. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, orange juice, and reserved zest until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more juice or sugar as needed.
9. Once bread is completely cooled, drizzle with orange glaze, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the loaf.

Notes

• Dust cranberries with flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to maintain a tender, light crumb and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Adjust glaze thickness by adding small amounts of powdered sugar or orange juice until desired drizzling consistency is achieved.
• Replace eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 225 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 86 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg