There’s a certain joy that comes from the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through my kitchen, especially when that bread is a delightful mix of tart cranberries and zesty orange. After a long day, nothing feels quite as satisfying as slicing into a warm loaf of Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. This recipe was born out of a desire to elevate my usual baking routine, and let me tell you—it has become an absolute favorite!
Working with vibrant cranberries and combining them with a sweet citrus glaze creates a beautiful contrast that awakens the senses. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy gathering or just treating yourself, this versatile bread is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and a few easy steps, you’ll have a gorgeous loaf in no time. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe together!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze
- This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is incredibly easy to make, allowing both novice and experienced bakers to create a delicious loaf without any fuss.
- The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze offers a unique flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds and leave everyone wanting more.
- Its versatility means it can be served at breakfast, as a snack, or even as a delightful dessert, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Visually, the vibrant colors of the cranberries and the glossy orange glaze create an appealing centerpiece that will impress your guests and elevate your baking game.
Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Ingredients
For the Bread
• Fresh Cranberries – The star ingredient, their tartness contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze.
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for structure, ensuring your bread rises perfectly.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
• Baking Powder – A key leavening agent for a light and fluffy texture.
• Salt – Enhances flavors and brings out the sweetness.
• Large Eggs – Provides moisture and richness to the bread, helping bind the ingredients.
• Whole Milk – Adds creaminess, making the bread tender and moist.
• Orange Juice – Infuses a fresh citrus flavor that brightens the entire loaf.
• Zest of 1 Orange – Intensifies the orange flavor, adding depth and aroma.
• Vanilla Extract – For a hint of warmth that complements the fruitiness of the cranberries.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – The base for the glaze, offering sweetness and a smooth texture.
• Orange Juice – Mix with powdered sugar to create a delicious, tangy glaze that elevates the Cranberry Bread.
How to Make Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This ensures your Cranberry Bread will slide out effortlessly once baked, making for easy slicing and serving.
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Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly. If you’re using frozen cranberries, make sure they’ve thawed and drained well. This step is crucial for getting that perfect burst of flavor in each slice!
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Whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. You want a well-combined mixture that will provide the base for your bread’s lovely texture.
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Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then mix in whole milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Combine until smooth. These wet ingredients bring moisture and a delightful citrus flavor to your bread.
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Combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter. This will help keep your bread light and fluffy!
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Fold in the fresh cranberries gently. This is where the magic happens! You’ll want to see those beautiful red jewels scattered throughout the batter, ready to burst with tart flavor.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top using a spatula. This helps ensure even baking, creating a lovely golden top.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes or until your bread turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
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Cool the bread completely in the pan before drizzling it with the orange glaze. To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with enough orange juice until you achieve your desired consistency—smooth and glossy!
Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest before serving for a bright, citrusy touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately. Simply store each mixture in the refrigerator, tightly covered. For optimal flavor and texture, fold in the cranberries just before baking to keep them fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to bake, combine both mixtures, pour the batter into the loaf pan, and bake as instructed. This prep-ahead strategy allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade bread with minimal hassle on a busy day!
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze
Room Temperature: Store your Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh and moist.
Fridge: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate the bread in a sealed container for up to a week. Just be sure to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out!
Freezer: Freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before enjoying.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, simply pop the thawed bread in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will restore its soft texture beautifully!
What to Serve with Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze?
Indulge in the delightful experience of a full meal that engages both your palate and your senses.
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Creamy Brie Cheese: The rich, creamy texture of Brie offsets the tartness of the cranberries perfectly, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
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Nutty Granola: A crunchy, nutty granola on the side adds a delightful contrast to the moist bread, making your breakfast or snack even more satisfying.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits not only brightens the plate but also complements the citrus notes in the glaze beautifully.
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Vanilla Yogurt: Smooth and subtly sweet, a dollop of yogurt enhances the overall experience, making each bite feel decadent.
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Herbal Tea: Sipping on a warm herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, provides a soothing contrast and elevates your snack time to a cozy ritual.
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Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a zesty, refreshing sip, pair your bread with sparkling water infused with citrus. It cleanses the palate between bites.
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Dark Chocolate Squares: End your meal on a sweet note by offering dark chocolate. The richness pairs exquisitely with the bread’s flavor.
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Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzling a bit of honey or maple syrup on top gives an added sweetness that accentuates the orange glaze, making it irresistible.
Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and make it truly yours!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and added richness. The nuts will complement the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.
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Dried Fruit Fusion: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried apricots or raisins for a sweet surprise in every slice. This variation brings extra chewiness and sweetness that pairs well with the tart cranberries.
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Gluten-Free Option: Substitute 2 cups of all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. This ensures everyone can enjoy a slice, and the flavor remains intact!
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Zesty Lemon Twist: Replace the orange juice with lemon juice and add a tablespoon of lemon zest for a zestier flavor profile. The bright citrus notes will awaken your senses!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy twist. This will evoke cozy feelings and elevate the flavor to a new level.
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Fruit Burst: Incorporate an additional cup of mixed berries, like blueberries or raspberries, along with the cranberries for an explosion of flavors and colors. This adds a beautiful freshness to the bread!
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Coconut Cream: Swap out the whole milk for coconut milk and add 1/4 cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut will lend a rich, creamy texture that’s simply divine.
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Vegan-Friendly: Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), use almond milk instead of whole milk, and a vegan-friendly powdered sugar for the glaze for a plant-based delight.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze, be gentle when folding in the cranberries to avoid breaking them, which preserves their tartness and texture.
- Always check that your baking powder is fresh, as using expired leavening agents can result in dense bread that doesn’t rise properly.
- To achieve a tender crumb, mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined, as over-mixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- For the best flavor, allow the bread to cool completely before drizzling the glaze, as this lets the orange flavor develop and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe cranberries?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for those that are bright red and firm. Avoid any with dark spots or soft spots as they may indicate overripeness. If using frozen cranberries, ensure they are thawed and drained thoroughly for the best results.
How should I store leftover Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze?
Very simply! Store your loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it moist. If you want to extend its shelf life, you can refrigerate it in a well-sealed container for about a week. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out!
Can I freeze Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze?
Absolutely, freezing is easy! Wrap the completely cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For a warm slice, pop it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds!
What if my bread doesn’t rise properly?
If your Cranberry Bread doesn’t rise, the culprit could be expired baking powder. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder—freshness is key! Also, be careful not to over-mix your batter; mixing just until combined helps keep the loaf fluffy and light.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
If you’re concerned about allergies, this recipe contains eggs and dairy. For a vegan version, you can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg, let it sit until thickened) and use non-dairy milk. As for the cranberries, they can be a potential allergen, so always double-check. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, this recipe fits the bill!
Can I make this bread without orange juice?
Very much so! If you don’t have orange juice, feel free to use lemon juice or even apple juice as an alternative. While the flavor profile will change, you’ll still get a moist and delicious bread. Just remember to add a bit of zest if you have it, as that will keep some of the bright flavors!
Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Rinse the fresh cranberries thoroughly. If using frozen, ensure they're thawed and drained well.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then mix in whole milk, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients gradually, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the fresh cranberries gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely in the pan before drizzling with the orange glaze.
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