If you’ve ever craved a loaf that captures the festive spirit of the holidays while still feeling like a comfort food hug, then the Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe is calling your name. Bursting with the tart brightness of cranberries and the sunny zest of fresh oranges, this bread is perfectly moist with a sweet, tangy glaze that brings everything together in a joyous flavor celebration. It’s a lovely treat to bake any time you want to brighten breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack with friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a cherished favorite that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe lies in using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of texture, flavor, and color. From the zesty orange components to the tart cranberries, every item is essential to bring this loaf to life.

2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender yet sturdy loaf.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
¾ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
¾ cup cane sugar: Adds natural sweetness with a hint of caramel depth.
1 tablespoon orange zest: Infuses vibrant citrus aroma and taste.
½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft.
2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
½ cup fresh orange juice: Fortifies the orange flavor and moisture.
¼ cup milk: Provides tenderness to the crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens flavor complexity.
1½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen): Give bursts of tartness and a beautiful pop of color.
1 cup powdered sugar: The base of the luscious orange glaze.
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice: Used to make the bright, tangy glaze perfect for drizzling.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan well to ensure your cranberry orange bread doesn’t stick. This step sets the stage for your bread to bake evenly and come out in one beautiful piece.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Combining these dry ingredients in advance helps an even distribution in the batter, giving your bread the perfect rise and crumb.

Step 3: Combine Sugar and Zest, Then Add Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, add the cane sugar and orange zest. Using your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar releases the oils and intensifies the citrus flavor — a little trick that will make the aroma of this bread irresistible. Next, whisk in the vegetable oil and eggs until smooth, then add the fresh orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract, blending everything into a luscious batter.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing here can make your bread tough, so keep it light to preserve a tender crumb.

Step 5: Coat Cranberries and Fold Into Batter

Toss the cranberries with a teaspoon of flour to prevent them from sinking during baking. Carefully fold the cranberries into your batter, evenly distributing those wonderful pops of tart fruit throughout the bread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once out of the oven, allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 7: Make and Drizzle the Orange Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice to create a thick, pourable glaze. If it’s too thick, add more orange juice in small increments until it reaches the perfect texture. Drizzle this gorgeous glaze over the cooled loaf and let it set for a few minutes before slicing into your masterpiece.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

For an added touch of elegance and freshness, scatter some additional fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of extra orange zest over the glaze right after drizzling. A few finely chopped pistachios also bring delightful crunch and color contrast that makes the bread irresistible at first glance.

Side Dishes

This cranberry orange bread shines when paired with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon snack. For a heartier brunch, serve alongside whipped cream cheese or a smear of salted butter that complements the sweet and tangy flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf into thick pieces and arrange them on a rustic wooden board with fresh fruit and a small bowl of orange glaze for dipping. You could also toast slices lightly, spread cream cheese, and top with extra cranberries and a drizzle of honey for a fancy spin that’s sure to wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cranberry orange bread tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and moist for 2 to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying later without losing any flavor or texture.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw overnight at room temperature and refresh gently in a warm oven if desired.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop slices into a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds. The orange glaze will soften slightly, and the bread’s moist texture will be revived, making it just as delicious as the first day.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just be sure to toss them with the flour as instructed to prevent them from sinking and to maintain an even distribution in the bread.

What if I don’t have fresh oranges for zest and juice?

Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor, but if you must, bottled orange juice can be substituted. Just make sure to use pure juice with no added sugars. For zest, avoid dried or powdered substitutes as they won’t deliver the same vibrant aroma.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can enjoy a gluten-free version. Just be mindful of the flour blend’s instructions regarding moisture adjustments and baking times.

How long does this bread keep fresh?

Stored properly at room temperature, this loaf remains fresh for 2 to 3 days. Refrigeration can extend the shelf life up to a week but may dry it out slightly, so it’s best eaten sooner rather than later.

Is the orange glaze necessary?

The orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and tang that complements the cranberry’s tartness beautifully. That said, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze truly finishes the recipe with a perfect touch.

Final Thoughts

Making this Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe is like gifting yourself a moment of joy wrapped in a loaf. Its vibrant flavors and moist texture create a comforting, festive treat no matter the occasion. So go ahead, bake a batch, and savor every bite with loved ones—you’ll be so glad you did!

Cranberry Orange Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

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4 from 34 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack. Infused with fresh orange zest and juice, it combines the tartness of cranberries with a bright citrusy glaze, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Easy to prepare and baked to a golden perfection, this bread is a crowd-pleaser for holiday seasons or everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, plus 1 teaspoon for dusting the cranberries)
2 teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoon sea salt
¾ cup cane sugar
1 tablespoon orange zest

Wet Ingredients

½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
½ cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Fruit

1½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)

Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
1 to 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×4-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
Combine Sugar and Zest: In a large bowl, place the cane sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub the zest into the sugar until fragrant and well combined, releasing the orange oils.
Add Wet Ingredients: To the sugar and zest, add the vegetable oil and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then, add fresh orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract, whisking until the batter is homogeneous.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and gently stir until just combined to avoid overmixing.
Coat Cranberries and Fold: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with 1 teaspoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter. Fold the floured cranberries evenly into the batter.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the bread springs back when lightly pressed and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan to set its texture before glazing.
Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice until thick yet pourable. Add more orange juice if needed, one teaspoon at a time, to achieve the desired consistency.
Drizzle and Serve: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled loaf. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving for best presentation and flavor.

Notes

You can use fresh or frozen cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw before adding.
Ensure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and fluffy.
For a dairy-free version, substitute milk with almond or oat milk.
Storage: Keep the bread covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
The glaze adds a tangy sweetness, but you can skip it for a less sweet option.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Bread
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American