Zesty Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Recipe

Baking this cranberry orange bread creates a delightful symphony of zesty and sweet flavors dancing across your kitchen.

Citrus notes peek through a tender crumb studded with bright ruby berries.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this comforting quick bread.

Warm spices add depth to each perfectly moist slice.

Home kitchens will buzz with excitement as this fragrant loaf emerges from the oven.

A simple glaze transforms the bread into an irresistible treat that everyone craves.

Why Cranberry Orange Bread Tastes Amazing

• Bursting with Flavor: Combines zesty orange and tart cranberries for a mouthwatering taste sensation that dances on your palate.
• Super Simple Preparation: Requires basic baking skills and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for home bakers of all experience levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Versatile treat that works wonderfully for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or as a delightful after-dinner sweet that everyone will love.
• Moisture Magic: Yogurt and orange syrup create an incredibly soft, tender bread that stays deliciously moist and packed with rich, tangy notes.

What Goes in Cranberry Orange Bread

• Flour: All-purpose white flour for the bread base.
• Baking Powder: Leavening agent to help bread rise.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor.

• Yogurt: Creamy dairy that adds moisture.
• Sugar: Sweetens the bread.
• Eggs: Binding agent for structure.
• Vegetable Oil: Adds richness and moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm background flavor.

• Orange Zest: Bright citrus flavor from orange peel.
• Cranberries: Tart red berries for texture and tang.
• Orange Juice: Fresh juice for syrup and glaze.

• Confectioner's Sugar: Powdery sugar for smooth glaze.
• Fresh Orange Juice: Citrus liquid to thin and flavor glaze.

Baking Cranberry Orange Bread Simply

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and coat it with butter or cooking spray.

Dust the pan with flour, shaking out any extra.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt

Sift these ingredients together in a medium bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Plain yogurt
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Fresh orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil

Mix until the ingredients are completely combined and look smooth.

Step 4: Merge Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

Step 5: Prepare Cranberries

Toss fresh cranberries with a sprinkle of flour.

This prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.

Spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the preheated oven.

Bake for 50-55 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Initial Cooling

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes.

Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Create Citrus Soak

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice and sugar.

Heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 3 minutes.

Step 10: Infuse with Flavor

While the bread is warm, poke tiny holes with a toothpick.

Brush the orange syrup over the entire surface, allowing it to seep in.

Step 11: Craft Elegant Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice

Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if needed.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bread.

Let it cascade down the sides.

Wait for the glaze to set before slicing.

Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Bread

• Toss cranberries with flour before adding to batter to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Use yogurt to create a tender, soft texture that keeps the bread from becoming dry or crumbly.
• Incorporate fresh orange zest for intense citrus notes that complement the tangy cranberries perfectly.
• Adjust confectioner's sugar glaze consistency by adding orange juice slowly until you reach a smooth, drizzle-ready texture.
• Use a toothpick to create multiple holes in warm bread, allowing the orange syrup to penetrate deeply and infuse maximum flavor.

Store Cranberry Orange Bread the Right Way

• Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container to maintain moisture for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Slice the bread, place parchment paper between slices, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly toast in a toaster oven to restore freshness and bring out the bread's soft texture.
• If the glaze becomes hard, briefly warm the slice or drizzle a small amount of fresh orange juice to soften and enhance the flavor.

Glazed Bread Pairings

• Brew Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Bread
• Complementary Coffee Companion: Select a medium-roast Colombian coffee with subtle citrus notes to enhance the bread's bright orange flavor and balance the sweet-tart cranberry profile.
• Creamy Dairy Delight: Serve alongside cold vanilla bean Greek yogurt or soft mascarpone cheese to create a smooth, rich counterpoint to the bread's tangy and zesty characteristics.
• Afternoon Tea Elegance: Pair with Earl Grey tea, which features bergamot orange undertones that wonderfully mirror the bread's citrusy essence and provide a sophisticated complementary experience.
• Dessert Wine Match: Choose a light, slightly sweet Moscato d'Asti with gentle effervescence and orange blossom hints that beautifully highlight the bread's delicate orange and cranberry nuances.

New Spins on Cranberry Orange Bread

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the bread remains moist and tender while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use coconut yogurt instead of regular yogurt, and replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the bread's natural sweetness from cranberries and orange zest.
• Nut-Enriched Variation: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and nutritional boost, creating a more textured and protein-rich bread.

FAQs

• Are cranberries necessary for this bread recipe?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work perfectly. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter to prevent color bleeding.

• Can I substitute yogurt with another ingredient?

Greek yogurt or sour cream are excellent alternatives. They help maintain moisture and provide a tangy flavor similar to regular yogurt.

• How do I know if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread tender and soft.

• Why should I coat cranberries in flour before adding them?

Coating cranberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking, ensuring an even distribution throughout the loaf.

Cranberry Orange Bread With Simple Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange bread delivers a delightful harmony of tart and sweet, dancing across your palate with festive Mediterranean zest. Delicate crumbs studded with ruby-red berries promise a memorable slice that you’ll savor with pure morning pleasure.

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Ingredients

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Main ingredients:

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup plain whole milk yogurt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1.5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 large eggs
• 0.5 cup vegetable oil

Leavening and seasoning:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 0.5 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Additional ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and dusting with flour, ensuring even coverage and removing excess powder.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium mixing bowl to eliminate potential lumps and create a uniform dry mixture.
3. Whisk yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil in a larger bowl until the ingredients form a smooth, well-integrated liquid base.
4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a light, airy texture and prevent overmixing.
5. Lightly coat fresh cranberries with a thin layer of flour, which helps prevent them from sinking during baking and ensures even distribution throughout the bread.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the surface with a spatula.
7. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for 50-55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
9. Create an orange syrup by heating orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
10. While the loaf remains warm, puncture the surface with a toothpick and generously brush the orange syrup, allowing it to penetrate the bread’s interior.
11. Craft a smooth glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar with fresh orange juice, adjusting the consistency to achieve a pourable texture.
12. Once the bread has cooled completely, elegantly drizzle the orange glaze over the surface, allowing it to cascade down the sides and set naturally.

Notes

• Prevent cranberries from sinking by coating them lightly in flour before folding into the batter, ensuring an even distribution throughout the bread.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture, but frozen cranberries work well if thawed and patted dry to remove excess moisture.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum for better structure.
• Create variations by swapping cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or chopped nuts, adding a personal twist to the classic recipe.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 8 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg