This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, made with fresh cranberries and a zesty orange glaze. The soft, moist bread is infused with the refreshing flavor of orange zest and juice, while the glaze adds a burst of citrusy sweetness. It’s the ideal treat for the holidays, breakfast, brunch, or as a gift for loved ones. With simple ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, and fresh cranberries, this easy-to-follow recipe will impress everyone at your table.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Bread:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
Zest of 1 large orange (divided)
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry)
1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing the cranberries)

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency)
1 tsp orange zest (reserved from the orange above)

Instructions

1. Make the Cranberry Orange Bread:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 6-cup (8 1/2 by 4 1/2) bread loaf pan and dust it lightly with flour, tapping out the excess.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a measuring cup, combine the milk, orange zest (reserve 1 tsp zest for the glaze), and orange juice. Set aside.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium/high speed for about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be combined but not smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Gradually add the dry flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk mixture, mixing on medium/low speed just until incorporated after each addition. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
Toss the cranberries in 1/2 Tbsp of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, then fold them gently into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

2. Make the Orange Glaze:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and reserved 1 tsp of orange zest. Stir until smooth and adjust the consistency by adding more orange juice for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
Once the cranberry bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a delicious and festive treat, offering the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet citrusy orange glaze. It’s a fantastic holiday bread, and the vibrant flavors make it a great option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, looking for a giftable baked good, or craving something sweet for your afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to please.

Tips

Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to ensure a smooth and well-incorporated batter.
Toss cranberries with flour: This helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf while baking, ensuring an even distribution.
Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the bread is done; it should come out clean with a few crumbs when inserted into the center.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute the flour: You can make this bread gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Cranberry alternatives: If cranberries aren’t in season, you can substitute with dried cranberries or other berries like blueberries.
Vegan option: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use dairy-free butter and milk.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the cranberry bread up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate it to keep it fresh.

Can I freeze cranberry bread?
Absolutely. Allow the bread to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze as a delicious breakfast treat, snack, or dessert. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful mid-morning break, or serve it as part of a holiday brunch spread. For extra indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!