Looking for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert? Try this Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze recipe! Bursting with the flavors of sweet oranges and tart cranberries, this moist and flavorful bread is a must-have for the holiday season. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those seasonal cranberries while they’re available. With a sweet orange glaze on top, this bread is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why We Love Cranberry Orange Bread
- Delicious For Breakfast Or Dessert: Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning or as a sweet ending to a meal, Cranberry Orange Bread is always a hit.
- Perfect For The Holiday Season: With its festive combination of flavors, this bread is a must-have for Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. Plus, it’s a great way to use up seasonal cranberries while they’re available.
- Use Those Seasonal Cranberries: Don’t let those fresh cranberries go to waste! Stock up while they’re in season and freeze them to enjoy this delicious bread year-round.
- Sweet Glaze Makes This More Of A Treat: The simple orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy flavor, elevating this loaf from ordinary to extraordinary.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread
For the loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed
For the orange syrup:
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
For the orange glaze:
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Gently fold the cranberries into the batter.
Baking and Glazing
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Orange Syrup: While the loaf is cooling, make the orange syrup by heating orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan until dissolved.
- Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf has cooled slightly, brush the top and sides with the orange syrup. Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.
Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh oranges and cranberries for the best flavor.
- Proper Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Cooling Time: Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
FAQs about Cranberry Orange Bread
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones. However, be sure to rehydrate them by soaking in hot water for a few minutes before using.
Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Bread?
- Yes, this bread freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt?
- Yes, Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for regular yogurt in this recipe. It will result in a slightly denser texture.
Can I omit the glaze?
- Absolutely! The glaze is optional but adds a delicious finishing touch to the bread.
Can I add nuts to the bread?
- Yes, chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts would make a delicious addition to this recipe.
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