Bright Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Recipe

When baking this cranberry orange bread with simple glaze, the vibrant citrus notes dance perfectly with tart berries.

Seasonal ingredients blend into a delightful quick bread that sparks joy in every slice.

Zesty orange zest infuses warmth throughout each golden-brown crumb.

Bursts of ruby-red cranberries create delicious pockets of tangy sweetness.

The light, tender texture makes this bread an irresistible morning treat or afternoon snack.

A drizzle of sweet glaze adds the perfect finishing touch to this crowd-pleasing recipe.

You’ll want to savor every moist, flavorful bite of this simple yet spectacular bread.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 9

Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and creates tender crumb for the bread, select unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Baking Powder: Ensures light and fluffy rise, choose aluminum-free version for cleaner taste.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness, adds depth to bread's profile.

• Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds richness, select fresh room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
• Whole Milk Yogurt: Creates moisture and tender crumb, opt for full-fat yogurt for maximum flavor and softness.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps bread moist and soft, use neutral-flavored oil like canola for consistent results.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm background flavor, choose pure extract over artificial for authentic taste.

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning, use granulated white sugar for consistent results.
• Orange Zest: Delivers bright citrus aroma, use fresh oranges and grate only outer colored layer.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Adds vibrant citrus notes, select ripe, juicy oranges for maximum flavor.
• Cranberries: Introduces tart bursts and festive color, choose plump and firm berries for best texture.
• Confectioner's Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy glaze, sift to remove lumps for silky finish.

Tools for Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Perfect for sifting and preparing dry ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending wet ingredients and creating a smooth mixture.
• Loaf pan (9×5-inch): Key for shaping and baking the bread evenly.
• Wire rack: Helps bread cool completely and prevents soggy bottom.
• Small saucepan: Ideal for preparing orange syrup.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Toothpick: Helps check bread's doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Zester or grater: Useful for creating fresh orange zest.
• Pastry brush: Perfect for applying orange syrup over warm bread.

How to Bake Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Oven Preparation

Warm up the kitchen by setting the oven to a cozy temperature, ready to transform simple ingredients into a delightful treat.

• Dry Ingredient Harmony

Blend flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a bowl, creating a smooth foundation for your bread adventure.

• Wet Ingredient Magic

Whisk together creamy yogurt, sweet sugar, farm-fresh eggs, zesty orange essence, and silky oil until the mixture sings with potential.

• Batter Symphony

Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, creating a soft, cloud-like batter that promises deliciousness.

• Cranberry Dance

Sprinkle cranberries with a whisper of flour, then fold them into the batter, creating bursts of tangy surprise throughout.

• Baking Transformation

Pour the batter into a waiting pan and let the oven work its magic, turning raw ingredients into a golden, fragrant masterpiece.

• Cooling Journey

Let the bread rest and cool, developing deeper flavors and a perfect texture that invites eager slicing.

• Citrus Syrup Infusion

Craft a bright orange syrup that will seep into the warm bread, adding moisture and intense flavor to every bite.

• Glaze Finale

Drizzle a silky sweet glaze over the cooled bread, creating a beautiful finish that makes this treat absolutely irresistible.

Tips to Improve Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Toss cranberries in flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the loaf.
• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its delightful moisture and flavor.
• Slice the bread before freezing, then thaw individual portions for quick and easy breakfast or snack enjoyment.
• Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries or add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch and depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different citrus zests like lemon or tangerine to create unique flavor variations that will surprise and delight your taste buds.

Serving Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Festive Breakfast Partner: Pair this cranberry orange bread with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat that feels like a cozy hug.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a homemade present that shows thoughtful culinary love.
• Brunch Spectacular: Slice the bread and serve alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to create a stunning spread that'll impress guests.
• Dessert Transformation: Toast a slice and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert that turns this bread into a decadent after-dinner indulgence.

Storing Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

• Tasty Storage Solutions: Keep your cranberry orange bread fresh and delightful with these smart strategies.
• Fridge Freshness: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain its moist texture and vibrant flavors.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Slice the bread before freezing, placing parchment paper between each slice for easy separation. Seal in a freezer-safe bag or container, where it will stay delicious for 2-3 months.
• Room Temperature Magic: If enjoying within 2 days, store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent drying out.
• Revive and Enjoy: Quickly warm individual slices in a toaster oven or microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness and bring out the aromatic orange and cranberry notes.

Moist Cranberry Orange Bread

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange bread delights taste buds with its perfect balance of tart and sweet flavors. Moist crumb and zesty glaze make this quick bread a delectable treat for breakfast or afternoon snacking.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups (360 ml/12 fl oz) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (225 g/8 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml/8 fl oz) plain whole milk yogurt
• 1 cup (200 g/7 oz) sugar
• ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) vegetable oil
• ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tsps fresh orange zest
• ⅓ cup (80 ml/2.7 fl oz) fresh orange juice
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (additional)
• 1 cup (120 g/4 oz) sifted confectioner’s sugar
• 2 to 3 tbsps fresh orange juice (for glaze)
• ⅓ cup (67 g/2.4 oz) granulated sugar (for syrup)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and dust with flour to prevent adherence.
2. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution through careful sifting.
3. Wet Mixture: Whisk yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and vegetable oil until the concoction transforms into a silky, homogeneous liquid.
4. Batter Formation: Delicately incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, using minimal stirring to maintain an airy, delicate texture.
5. Cranberry Incorporation: Lightly coat cranberries with flour, then gently fold into the batter, ensuring uniform dispersion throughout the mixture.
6. Baking Process: Transfer batter to prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick emerges clean and with minimal crumbs.
7. Cooling and Syrup Infusion: Allow bread to rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack. Create multiple small perforations across the surface using a toothpick.
8. Syrup Application: Simmer orange juice and sugar until slightly thickened, then brush warm syrup generously over the bread, allowing deep flavor penetration.
9. Glaze Finishing: Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice to create a smooth, cascading glaze. Drizzle over completely cooled bread, letting it elegantly flow down the sides.
10. Serving: Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and presenting this vibrant cranberry orange creation.

Notes

• Flour Coating Technique: Lightly dust cranberries with flour to prevent sinking during baking, ensuring even distribution throughout the bread.
• Batter Handling Tip: Minimize mixing when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender bread texture and avoid tough results.
• Moisture Infusion Method: Create small holes in warm bread to allow orange syrup to penetrate deeply, enhancing flavor and keeping the loaf exceptionally moist.
• Cooling Strategy: Allow bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, helping stabilize the structure and prevent crumbling.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 130 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg