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Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
About This Recipe
This bread brings together the best of both worlds — the sweetness of fresh orange juice and the tang of cranberries, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. It’s incredibly moist, thanks to the combination of butter and yogurt (or sour cream), and the simple orange glaze on top adds a touch of sweetness that ties it all together. Whether served warm with coffee or wrapped as a homemade gift, it’s a recipe that radiates comfort and cheer.
Ingredients
For the Bread:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped slightly)
For the Simple Orange Glaze:
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for stronger flavor)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This step helps create a soft texture in your bread.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the yogurt (or sour cream), orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix — this keeps the bread tender and moist. Gently fold in the cranberries.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the top starts browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the top. Allow it to set before slicing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• The texture is soft, moist, and perfectly balanced with tart cranberries.
• The orange glaze adds a delicate sweetness that enhances the citrus flavor.
• It’s ideal for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or edible gifts.
• It freezes beautifully — simply wrap it tightly and store for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Loaf
• If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them — this prevents color bleeding.
• Use fresh orange zest for the best aroma and taste.
• Try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• For a lighter glaze, use milk instead of orange juice.
• To make mini loaves, divide the batter among smaller pans and reduce baking time by 15–20 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices warm with a pat of butter, or enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee. It’s also wonderful toasted the next day with a little honey or cream cheese spread. During the holidays, it pairs beautifully with festive drinks like mulled cider or hot cocoa.
Storage Instructions
Store your Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze. Let thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Slice)
Calories: 275
Total Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 190mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze captures the joy of homemade baking with its comforting texture and irresistible aroma. Every slice bursts with citrusy brightness and cranberry tang, making it the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell divine and your guests ask for seconds.