The Ultimate Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Recipe

Cranberry orange bread marries two vibrant flavors in a delectable culinary creation that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Fresh, zesty oranges dance with tart, jewel-like cranberries throughout this tender, moist loaf.

The perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes creates a memorable baking experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

Seasonal ingredients change an ordinary quick bread into something truly spectacular.

Each slice promises a burst of bright, invigorating flavors that awaken the senses.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently craft this impressive treat that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Different Fruits and Nuts to Mix Into the Batter

• Cranberry Almond Crunch: Replace half the flour with almond flour and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Spiced Winter Bread: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, seasonal twist that enhances the cranberry's tartness.
• Lemon Cranberry Version: Swap orange zest with lemon zest and use lemon juice in the glaze for a bright, citrusy alternative that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Whole Wheat Healthier Option: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to boost nutritional value and create a slightly denser, more rustic bread experience.

Why This Citrus Bread Will Brighten Your Day

• Burst with Citrusy Brightness: Orange zest and juice infuse this bread with vibrant, refreshing flavors that dance on your taste buds, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
• Embrace Luxurious Moisture: Yogurt and vegetable oil combine to deliver an incredibly tender, soft texture that keeps the bread remarkably moist and prevents any dry crumbly bites.
• Elevate with Tangy Cranberry Surprise: Scattered cranberries provide delightful bursts of tartness that perfectly balance the sweet orange glaze, adding exciting flavor complexity to every slice.
• Craft with Effortless Simplicity: This recipe requires minimal technical skills, making it accessible for bakers of all levels while delivering impressive, bakery-quality results in just over an hour.

What Brings Together Cranberries, Oranges, and Glaze

• Flour: Foundational base for bread structure with soft, fine texture.
• Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent for light and fluffy bread.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.

• Yogurt: Adds moisture and creates tender crumb with tangy undertone.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning and texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and contributes to rich, smooth consistency.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and soft texture throughout bread.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds subtle depth and aromatic background flavor.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, fresh citrus notes and intense orange essence.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart, vibrant bursts of flavor that complement orange sweetness.
• Orange Juice: Creates syrupy moisture and intensifies citrus profile.
• Confectioners Sugar: Makes smooth, sweet glaze with silky finish.

How to Bake Cranberry Orange Bread Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust lightly with flour.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt

Sift these ingredients together to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Create Wet Mixture

• Yogurt
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture. Mix gently until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing.

Step 5: Prepare Cranberries

Toss cranberries with of flour to prevent sinking in the batter. Gently fold into the mixture.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Bread

Let bread rest in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Step 8: Create Orange Syrup

• Orange juice
• Sugar

Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 9: Soak the Bread

While bread is still warm, poke holes across the surface. Brush orange syrup generously over the bread, allowing it to soak in.

Step 10: Add Final Glaze

• Confectioner's sugar
• Orange juice

Drizzle glaze over completely cooled bread. Let set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Baking Tips for Sweet-Tart Perfection

• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Coat fresh or frozen cranberries with a light flour dusting to prevent them from dropping to the bottom of the bread during baking.
• Master Moisture Balance: Use full-fat yogurt to ensure a tender, moist crumb that doesn't dry out quickly and maintains a soft texture.
• Zest Like a Pro: Carefully grate only the orange's bright outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for pure, vibrant citrus flavor.
• Check Doneness Accurately: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, your bread is perfectly baked.
• Glaze with Precision: Allow bread to cool completely before adding glaze to prevent it from becoming too runny and ensure a beautiful, smooth finish that sets nicely.

How to Keep This Bread Moist and Fresh

• Refrigerate the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container for up to 5 days to maintain its fresh taste and texture. Wrap the bread tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture loss and protect against absorbing other refrigerator odors. Freeze individual slices or the entire loaf by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then placing inside a freezer-safe bag, which will keep the bread delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen bread at room temperature for best results, allowing it to come to room temperature naturally without compromising its soft crumb. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them gently in a toaster oven at 300°F for a crisp exterior and warm, tender center.

What Goes Great with Cranberry Orange Bread

• Brew Citrus-Infused Tea: Orange-based herbal tea like chamomile or Earl Grey perfectly complements the bright citrus notes in this cranberry orange bread, creating a harmonious morning or afternoon treat.
• Pair with Creamy Cheese: Soft goat cheese or cream cheese spread provides a tangy, smooth contrast to the bread's sweet and tart flavor profile, enhancing each delightful bite.
• Serve with Light Dessert Wine: A chilled moscato or riesling brings out the bread's subtle orange undertones, offering a sophisticated pairing that elevates the entire tasting experience.
• Complement with Fresh Fruit: A side of mixed berries or sliced oranges adds freshness and amplifies the natural fruity elements within the bread, making the dessert more vibrant and enjoyable.

Cranberry Orange Bread With Simple Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry Orange Bread showcases winter’s zesty brightness with tart cranberries and citrusy orange notes. Fresh ingredients blend into a moist, tender loaf that promises delightful flavors in each perfectly spiced slice, inviting you to savor a classic seasonal treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) plain whole milk yogurt
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) fresh orange juice

Dry and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (additional)
• 1 cup (120 g) sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar (for syrup)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously coat a 9×5-inch (23×13-centimeter) loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient mixture.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, granulated sugar, eggs, freshly grated orange zest, pure vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until the mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring minimally to avoid overworking the batter and maintaining a light texture.
5. Lightly coat fresh or frozen cranberries with a tablespoon of flour, preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
6. Carefully fold the floured cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Remove the bread from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes to stabilize its structure.
10. Transfer the bread to a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely for about 1 hour.
11. Prepare the orange syrup by combining fresh orange juice and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
12. Simmer the syrup for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens, then remove from heat.
13. While the bread is still warm, use a toothpick or skewer to create multiple small holes across the surface.
14. Brush the warm orange syrup generously over the bread, allowing it to seep into the holes and infuse flavor.
15. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzling consistency is achieved.
16. Once the bread has cooled completely, generously drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
17. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving the cranberry orange bread.

Notes

• Elevate your baking game with this zesty cranberry orange bread that bursts with bright, tangy flavors.
• Coating cranberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom, ensuring even distribution throughout the loaf.
• Poking holes while the bread is warm allows the orange syrup to penetrate deeply, intensifying the citrusy moisture.
• Letting the bread cool in the pan initially helps maintain its structural integrity and prevents crumbling.
• The gentle folding technique when mixing wet and dry ingredients keeps the texture light and tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 176 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg