Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, especially when it’s infused with the vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange. Our Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying it as a special breakfast, a cozy afternoon snack, or a sweet ending to your day, this bread is sure to bring joy to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious For Breakfast Or Dessert – A slice of this bread is perfect for breakfast, a midday snack, or even dessert!
• Perfect For The Holiday Season – With its sweet oranges and tart cranberries, this bread is a festive addition to any holiday gathering.
• Use Those Seasonal Cranberries – Make the most of fresh cranberries while they’re available, or freeze extras to enjoy this bread year-round.
• Sweet Glaze Makes This More Of A Treat – The orange-flavored glaze adds a special touch, elevating this loaf to something truly memorable.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9 x 5-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Small saucepan
• Wire rack
• Sifter
• Toothpick

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed

For the Orange Syrup:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How To Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and oil. Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. In another bowl, mix the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet.
• For the orange syrup, combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
• Poke holes in the top and sides of the warm loaf with a toothpick. Brush the loaf with the orange syrup, allowing it to soak in, then brush again. Let it cool completely.
• To make the orange glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl until thick but pourable. If needed, add more orange juice to achieve the desired consistency. Pour the glaze over the loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to harden for about 15 minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Be gentle when folding in the cranberries to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Let the loaf cool completely before glazing to ensure the glaze sets properly.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra texture.
• Substitute lemon zest and juice for a different citrus twist.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 260
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 25g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen? Yes, but soak them in hot water for 10 minutes to plump them up before using.

How do I store the bread? Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze the bread? Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Our Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a must-try recipe that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges for a delightful treat. It’s perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us. We can’t wait to hear how you enjoyed this delicious bread!