Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Looking for a delightful treat bursting with flavor? Try our Cranberry Orange Bread recipe! Made with fresh cranberries, zesty orange zest, and a simple glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Step 1: Preparing the Loaf

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and vegetable oil. Slowly whisk in the dry ingredients until combined.
4. Toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
5. 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.

Step 2: Making the Orange Syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Glazing the Bread

1. Once the loaf is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
2. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the top of the warm loaf, then brush it with the orange syrup. Let the syrup soak in.
3. Prepare the orange glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and rinse the frozen cranberries before using them in the recipe.

2. How should I store the leftover bread?

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply warm it up in the oven before serving, if desired.

4. Can I omit the glaze?

While the glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, you can omit it if you prefer a less sweet bread.

5. Can I add nuts to the bread?

Feel free to add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for some added crunch and flavor.