Cranberry Orange Bread: A Sweet and Tangy Holiday Favorite

There’s nothing quite as festive as the flavor combination of tart cranberries and zesty oranges. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is a seasonal showstopper, combining moist, tender bread with the refreshing brightness of citrus and the tart bursts of fresh cranberries. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, it’s the ultimate holiday treat that works as a breakfast, dessert, or snack.

Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift idea, a dessert to impress, or just something to cozy up with by the fire, this cranberry orange bread recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor: The tartness of fresh cranberries perfectly balances the sweet orange glaze.
Incredibly Moist: Thanks to fresh orange juice and melted butter, every bite is tender and flavorful.
Festive and Beautiful: Vibrant cranberries and the drizzle of orange glaze make this bread perfect for the holiday season.
Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or as a snack.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe beginner-friendly.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread

For the Bread

All-Purpose Flour (2 cups): Provides structure to the bread.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Ensures the bread rises beautifully.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
Cinnamon (optional, ¼ teaspoon): Adds a warm, cozy hint of spice.
Unsalted Butter (¼ cup, melted): Makes the bread rich and moist.
Egg (1 large): Binds the ingredients together.
Fresh Orange Juice (¾ cup): Infuses the bread with bright citrus flavor.
Orange Zest (1 tablespoon): Intensifies the orange aroma and taste.
Fresh Cranberries (2 cups): The stars of the show, adding tart bursts of flavor throughout.

For the Glaze

Powdered Sugar (1 cup): The base for a smooth, sweet glaze.
Fresh Orange Juice (2-3 tablespoons): Adds tangy sweetness to the glaze.
Orange Zest (½ teaspoon): Enhances the citrusy punch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of sugar, 1½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon (if using).

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together ¼ cup of melted butter, 1 large egg, ¾ cup of fresh orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

5. Add Cranberries

Gently fold in 2 cups of fresh cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

6. Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool the Bread

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Orange Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice, and ½ teaspoon of orange zest until smooth and pourable.

9. Glaze the Bread

Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread

Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: For maximum flavor, freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated zest are essential.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can make the bread dense. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Check for Doneness: Since ovens vary, start checking the bread around the 60-minute mark. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
Customize the Recipe: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra texture.

Serving Suggestions

Warm and Fresh: Serve slices slightly warm with a pat of butter.
With Coffee or Tea: Pair with a cup of coffee or a citrusy herbal tea for a cozy treat.
As a Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Storage Instructions

At Room Temperature: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days.
In the Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
In the Freezer: Wrap the bread (whole or sliced) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

FAQs

1. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate and prevent dryness.

2. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

3. What other fruits can I use?
Try substituting cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a twist.

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Calories: 270
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 2g