Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is an easy-to-make, one-bowl recipe that’s full of flavor. The cranberries add a nice tart contrast to the sweet, soft bread, while the orange glaze brings a fresh, vibrant citrus note. The bread is light yet hearty, and the glaze gives it the perfect finishing touch. It’s great for gift-giving, holiday brunches, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee or tea. Plus, it’s easy to customize by adding nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor!

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Bread:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 1 orange)

• Zest of 1 orange

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped if desired)

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• ½ teaspoon orange zest

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cranberry Bread:

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

2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Fold in the Cranberries: Gently fold the cranberries (and nuts, if using) into the batter. The batter will be thick, which is normal.

7. Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too much, you can cover it with foil halfway through baking.

8. Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Orange Glaze:

9. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more juice for a thinner glaze.

Glaze the Bread:

10. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

11. Serve: Slice the bread into thick slices and serve. The bread is delicious on its own or paired with a cup of tea or coffee.

Enjoy!

Your Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is now ready to enjoy—perfectly sweet, tangy, and flavorful!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 slices

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 55-65 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including cooling time)

Variations

• Add Nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.

• Add Chocolate Chips: For a fun twist, add ½ cup of white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips to the batter.

• Spices: You can also add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for extra warmth and depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to chop them and add them directly to the batter—there’s no need to thaw them first.

Can I make this bread without the glaze?

Yes, the bread is delicious on its own without the glaze, but the orange glaze adds a beautiful citrusy sweetness and makes it extra special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of this bread.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If you insert it and it comes out with batter, the bread needs more time to bake.

Conclusion

Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a vibrant, flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. With its sweet and tart flavors, moist texture, and citrusy glaze, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re baking it for the holidays or simply craving something fresh and fruity, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy every slice of this tangy, sweet, and indulgent treat!