If you’re craving something zesty, sweet, and bursting with festive cheer, this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is a must-try. It perfectly marries the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright, citrusy notes of orange, all wrapped up in a tender, buttery loaf. The luscious glaze adds that final touch of sweetness and gloss, making every bite utterly delightful. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast, a cheerful brunch, or a sweet snack, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to share and savor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the flour forms a tender crumb, the baking powder gives it just the right rise, and the fresh cranberries add pops of tangy color and flavor. The orange zest and juice brighten the whole loaf, while sour cream ensures moistness and a subtle tanginess that makes every slice irresistible.
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and softness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the bread rise for a light, airy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture to the loaf.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly while creating a tender crumb.
- 2 large eggs: Bind ingredients together and help with the bread’s rise.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Infuses bright citrus aroma and flavor throughout.
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice: Boosts the orange flavor and adds moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle warmth.
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Keeps the bread moist and adds a gentle tang.
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries: Provides vibrant color and bursts of tartness.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a sweet, smooth drizzle to finish the bread beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze): Blends with powdered sugar to form a zesty glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper to ensure your bread slides out effortlessly once baked. This simple prep sets you up for success and ensures even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to evenly distributing the leavening agents and salt, which helps your bread rise uniformly and taste perfectly balanced.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This process incorporates air, giving your bread a tender texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain a smooth mixture. Then stir in the vibrant orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). These ingredients layer the bread with flavor and moisture, inviting a complex and luscious taste.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cranberries
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix. Overworking the batter can make the bread tough. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries last, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without bursting or staining the batter too much.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center emerges clean. The aroma at this point will be intoxicatingly citrusy and sweet.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth to create your glaze. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled bread to give it a shiny, sweet finish that elevates every bite.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh cranberries scattered on top can enhance the presentation beautifully. You might also add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or mint for a pop of green and a subtle herbal aroma, perfect for holiday gatherings or morning treats.
Side Dishes
This bread shines alongside a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Pairing it with cream cheese or a mild butter spread can also bring out the citrus and tartness in the bread, creating a balanced flavor experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive brunch, serve slices of the Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe alongside a colorful fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait. You can also cut the bread into smaller toasts and top them with mascarpone and a drizzle of honey for an elegant appetizer or dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining its moist texture and vibrant flavors without drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep this delicious bread longer, freeze it by wrapping individual slices or the entire loaf in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Stored in the freezer, it can last up to 2 months without losing its delightful taste and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the bread warm, gently heat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or toast them lightly in a toaster oven. The warmth revitalizes the flavors and softens the glaze, making each bite even more inviting.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture and color bleeding. Frozen cranberries will still deliver that lovely tart punch.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a perfect substitute and yields a similarly moist and tangy loaf. You can also use buttermilk, though the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, you can make this bread gluten-free. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
How long does the glaze stay fresh?
The glaze is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store the bread with glaze on it, keep it in the refrigerator, and try to consume it within 1 to 2 days for optimal taste and texture.
Can I add nuts to this bread?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch that pairs nicely with the cranberries and orange flavor. Fold in about ½ cup when adding the cranberries for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simple ingredients into something wonderfully special. Its balance of sweet and tart flavors, along with its moist texture and glossy glaze, makes it perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and delight your friends and family with this charming, flavor-packed loaf.
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 servings)
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, topped with a sweet glaze. Moist and tender, it’s an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the orange zest, fresh orange juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream or Greek yogurt until the batter is smooth.
- Combine Batter: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Then gently fold in the fresh cranberries to distribute them evenly.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare and Add Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until you achieve a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor and texture; if using frozen, do not thaw before adding.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt to make the bread slightly healthier.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.
- Store leftover bread wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
