Cranberry Orange Bread with Easy Glaze is the perfect sweet treat for any occasion! With its delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, this bread is not only delicious but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re enjoying it at breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert, this loaf is sure to impress. Let’s dive in and make this wonderfully fragrant and moist bread with a dreamy glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.

What Goes into This Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients You’ll Need:

1 ½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (190 g + 8 g)
2 teaspoons baking powder (8 g)
½ teaspoon coarse salt (3 g)
1 cup whole milk yogurt (240 g)
1 cup sugar (200 g)
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons grated orange peel (from about 1 orange)
½ teaspoon natural vanilla flavor (2.5 ml)
½ cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen, about 200 g)
⅓ cup fresh orange juice (80 ml, from about 2 oranges)
⅓ cup sugar (for syrup, 67 g)
1 cup powdered sugar (120 g, for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (30-45 ml, for glaze)

Step-by-Step Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and flour it, tapping out any excess flour.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Prepare Wet Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, grated orange peel, vanilla, and vegetable oil until the mixture is well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
Fold in Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the additional tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking. Fold them gently into the batter.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make Orange Syrup: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ⅓ cup of fresh orange juice and ⅓ cup of sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 3 more minutes.
Add Syrup to Bread: Once the bread has cooled slightly, poke small holes into the top and sides of the loaf. Pour the orange syrup over the bread, letting it soak in for extra moisture and flavor.
Prepare the Glaze: For the orange glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until you reach a thick but pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the loaf and let it set for about 15 minutes before slicing.

The Best Way to Serve It

When it comes to enjoying your Cranberry Orange Bread with Easy Glaze, there are many delicious serving options. Slice the loaf while it’s still slightly warm for that fresh, bakery-style taste. Serve it plain or with a pat of butter for added creaminess. For a special brunch or tea party, pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee. You could also serve it with a side of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese to bring out the sweet citrus notes even more.

Helpful Tricks for Cranberry Orange Bread

Use Fresh Ingredients: Make sure your cranberries are fresh for the best flavor, but frozen ones work well too! Just don’t thaw them before adding to the batter.
Zest with Care: When zesting your orange, be sure to only take the bright orange part of the peel to avoid the bitter white pith.
Add Nuts: If you want to add a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.

Cranberry Orange Bread FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly since they are sweeter.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bread tastes even better the next day. You can make it a day in advance and let the flavors meld together.

Now that you have the recipe for this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread with Easy Glaze, it’s time to get baking! The enticing aroma will fill your kitchen, and the combination of flavors is sure to make it a new favorite. Enjoy every slice and share the joy with your friends and family!

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