Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that brightens any day with its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant orange essence. This quick bread combines the festive taste of cranberries with a luscious orange glaze, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or even as a special weekday breakfast. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or sharing it with friends, this bread is sure to impress!

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Total Time: 75-85 minutes
• Servings: 8 slices
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 220
• Protein: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg

Why Make This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Baking Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread comes with a myriad of benefits. Not only does it taste wonderful, but the aroma of fresh cranberries and oranges wafting through your kitchen is simply irresistible. The bread’s moist and tender texture pairs perfectly with the bright citrus glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely sheen. It’s a delightful way to celebrate seasonal flavors and can easily become a cherished recipe that you’ll want to make year after year.

How to Make Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Crafting this Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is straightforward, making it a perfect choice for bakers of all levels. Here’s how to whip up this delicious loaf.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one orange
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with oil or cooking spray. This ensures your bread will release easily after baking.

• Step 2: Mixing Dry Ingredients

  In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until well mixed to incorporate all the leavening agents evenly.

• Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients

  In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange zest until they are fully combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the bread.

• Step 4: Combining Ingredients

  Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your bread tender. Then, fold in the cranberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

• Step 5: Baking

  Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden-brown.

• Step 6: Cooling

  After baking, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps break the steam and allows the crust to firm up.

• Step 7: Glazing

  To make the orange glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread for a pop of sweetness and beautiful presentation.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

This bread can be slices served warm or at room temperature. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it great for breakfast or a charming afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside cream cheese for an extra layer of flavor or as part of a festive brunch spread.

How to Store Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Expert Tips for Perfect Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

• Use Fresh Cranberries: If they’re in season, fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture. However, frozen cranberries work well too; no need to thaw them before mixing.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined improves the bread’s texture and keeps it light.
• Zest Before Juicing: For the freshest flavor, zest your orange before squeezing it for juice.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary; start checking your bread at 60 minutes to prevent overbaking.
• Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding nuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
• Cranberry Orange Muffins: Use the same batter to make muffins instead of a loaf. Bake them for 18-20 minutes at the same temperature.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.
• Spiced Version: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm spice flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use lemon juice instead of orange juice? Yes, while it will alter the flavor slightly, lemon juice can work as a refreshing citrus alternative.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the batter the night before, cover it, and refrigerate it. Just bake it in the morning for fresh bread.

• What can I do if my bread is too dry? Ensure you’re measuring flour accurately. If you ever end up with dry bread, a touch of butter or cream cheese can help make each slice moist again.

• Is it okay to leave the cranberries whole? Yes, whole cranberries burst during baking, providing lovely pockets of flavor throughout the bread.

• How should I freeze the bread? Fully cool the bread, wrap it tightly in plastic, then in foil before placing it in a freezer bag to avoid freezer burn.

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is not just a treat; it’s a delicious way to bring a taste of the season into your home. With its beautiful color and irresistible aroma, this bread is a true delight for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, turn on your oven, and enjoy the warm, cozy process of baking something special. This recipe will surely create delightful memories to share with family and friends! Enjoy every slice!

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

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• Author: sara
• Total Time: 85 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful quick bread that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with a luscious orange glaze, perfect for holiday gatherings or brunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of one orange
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, avoiding over-mixing, and fold in cranberries.
5. Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.
7. Whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice for the glaze and drizzle over the cooled bread.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 70 minutes
• Category: Quick Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg