Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

by

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread: A Perfect Blend of Citrus and Tartness

The combination of zesty orange and tangy cranberries creates a mouth-watering bread that’s perfect for the holiday season. With a deliciously sweet orange glaze, this Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is ideal for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Whether you’re baking for yourself or for a festive gathering, this bread will be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to make this flavor-packed cranberry bread:

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup of fresh cranberries
  • Zest from 2 large oranges
  • 1/2 cup of orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 1/4 cup of oil or melted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prepping Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. In a large bowl, mix together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, orange zest, and orange juice.

For an extra burst of flavor, you might want to try adding a bit of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture.

2. Mixing the Batter

Carefully fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. You don’t want to overmix the batter because it could make the bread dense. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries.

If you’re interested in other delicious fruit-based bread recipes, take a look at this blueberry banana bread recipe for another fruity loaf that’s great for breakfast.

3. Baking the Bread

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Orange Glaze

The glaze is what sets this bread apart! It’s sweet, tangy, and complements the tart cranberries perfectly.

Ingredients for the Glaze

  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest from one orange

How to Make It

Mix the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl until smooth. Once your bread has cooled, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing.

If you’re looking for a variation, check out this gooey butter cake recipe for another deliciously sweet treat that’s perfect for dessert.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to help you make the most delicious Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread:

  • Use fresh cranberries: They provide the best texture and flavor. If you need to use frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid.
  • Don’t skip the orange zest: It’s essential for getting that vibrant, citrusy flavor. To learn more about zesting, this guide on zesting oranges is a helpful resource.
  • Let the bread cool completely before glazing: This ensures the glaze sets properly on top.

Healthier Substitutions

If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe, consider these substitutions:

  • Replace sugar with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to add fiber.
  • Swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free option.

Internal Linking Suggestions

This site offers some great complementary recipes that pair well with this bread:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use Dried Cranberries?

Yes, you can, but the texture and flavor will be different. If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for 15 minutes to plump them up before adding them to the batter.

2. How Do I Store This Bread?

This bread can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 days in an airtight container. To keep it longer, freeze the loaf (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze it fresh.

3. Can I Add Other Mix-Ins?

Certainly! Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts make a great addition, and you can also experiment with adding different spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.

Conclusion

This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is not only festive and flavorful but also incredibly versatile. It can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-day snack, or a dessert for your holiday table. With its perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, this bread is bound to become a new favorite in your home.

Looking for more inspiration? Try this recipe alongside fresh peach cake for a delightful dessert combination! Happy baking!

Leave a Comment