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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 large orange - 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped - For the glaze: - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2-3 tablespoons orange juice - Zest of 1 orange for garnish (optional) In this recipe, we use simple ingredients that blend well together. The dry ingredients form the base of the bread. The all-purpose flour gives it structure, while baking soda helps it rise. Salt enhances the flavors, and cinnamon adds warmth. The wet ingredients bring life to the bread. Softened butter adds richness, while sugar sweetens it just right. Eggs help bind everything together. The vanilla extract and orange juice provide bright notes. The fresh orange zest amps up the flavor, making each bite delightful. The add-ins are where the magic happens. Chopped cranberries add a tart burst. The glaze is a sweet touch that makes the bread shine. You can sprinkle some zest on top for color and extra flavor. With these ingredients, you can create a loaf that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the process of mixing and baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan well to stop the bread from sticking. - In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. - Set this mixture aside for later. - In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. - Add 2 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, and the zest of 1 large orange. - Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. - It’s okay if a few lumps remain in the batter. - Carefully fold in 1 1/2 cups of chopped cranberries. - Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. - Bake for about 60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. - Once baked, cool the bread in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. To make your orange glazed cranberry bread shine, avoid overmixing. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients come together. A few lumps are okay. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. When adding cranberries, fold them in gently. This method helps evenly distribute the fruit. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first. This prevents the batter from turning pink. For a beautiful presentation, slice the bread and arrange it on a nice platter. Add a small bowl of extra glaze for dipping. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a pop of color. Pair this bread with tea or coffee for a cozy treat. It also makes a great addition to holiday brunches. The citrus flavor complements hot drinks perfectly. If your bread is too sweet, try cutting back on the sugar. You can also add a touch more orange juice. This adds moisture and balances the sweetness. For overbaking, place a piece of foil over the bread halfway through. This stops it from browning too much. If underbaking, give it a few extra minutes. Check with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and a lighter texture in your bread. Don't Overmix the Batter: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so mix until just combined. Adjust Cranberries to Taste: If you prefer a sweeter bread, consider reducing the amount of cranberries or using dried cranberries for a milder flavor. Experiment with Glaze Consistency: For a thicker glaze, use less orange juice; for a thinner glaze, add more juice until you reach your desired consistency. {{image_4}} You can make this bread healthier by substituting whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Whole wheat flour adds more nutrients and fiber. You can also reduce the sugar content. Try using half the amount of sugar to keep it sweet, but not too sweet. For a twist, add nuts or seeds to the mix. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch. You can also swap out cranberries for other fruits. Blueberries or chopped apples work well, too. These fruits will change the taste and add new textures. Incorporate spices to fit the season. For fall, add nutmeg or cloves for warmth. In winter, you might try a pinch of cardamom. Using holiday-themed ingredients brings special flavors to your bread. It makes your dish festive and fun for gatherings. To keep your Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread fresh for a few days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. You can also place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for the best taste. If you notice any mold, discard the bread right away. For long-term storage, freezing is your best friend. Slice the bread first, then wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag or a container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This way, your bread can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To warm up leftover bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slices on a baking sheet. Cover them with aluminum foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. You can also microwave slices for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your warm, tasty bread as if it was just baked! Orange glazed cranberry bread lasts about 3-4 days at room temperature. Keep it in a cool, dry place. If you store it in the refrigerator, it can last up to a week. Just make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. The glaze might harden a bit, but it will still taste great. Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan. For the eggs, use flax eggs or applesauce. Use vegan butter instead of unsalted butter. You can also use almond milk or any other plant-based milk in place of orange juice if you want a different flavor. If you don't have cranberries, you can use blueberries, chopped apples, or raisins. Each fruit will give a different taste. For a twist, try adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips. These can add texture and flavor to your bread. Yes, you can make this bread ahead of time. Bake it a day or two before serving. Allow it to cool completely and wrap it well. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving. In this post, we shared a tasty recipe for Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread. We covered the key ingredients, from dry and wet to delicious add-ins. You learned step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, recipe variations, and storage methods. Baking this bread can brighten your day. With a few simple steps, you will have a lovely treat. Enjoy the flavor, share with friends, and make it your own. Happy baking!

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

A deliciously moist cranberry bread with a sweet orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 10
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1 orange zest for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan well and set it aside.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest until fully combined.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
  • Fold in the chopped cranberries using a spatula until evenly distributed.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with enough orange juice until smooth and pourable.
  • Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top and optionally sprinkle with additional orange zest.

Notes

Serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.
Keyword cranberry bread, orange glaze, quick bread