Tangy Cranberry Orange Bread: A Sweet Glazed Recipe

Baking a delectable cranberry orange bread with simple glaze brings pure comfort to any kitchen.

The tartness of fresh cranberries dances perfectly with bright citrus notes in this irresistible quick bread.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delightful treat that fills your home with warmth and enticing aromas.

Zesty orange zest and juicy cranberries create a vibrant flavor profile that makes this bread stand out from ordinary recipes.

Soft, moist, and bursting with tangy goodness, each slice promises a delightful culinary experience.

The simple glaze adds a sweet finish that elevates this bread from good to absolutely spectacular.

Prepare to fall in love with this easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing recipe that will become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients for Glazed Cranberry Bread

Main Ingredients:

Flour: Soft and powdery base for the bread.

Cranberries: Tart and bright red berries for a zesty flavor.

Orange: Citrusy and fragrant for extra brightness.

Eggs: Creamy binders that hold everything together.

Sugar: Sweet ingredient that adds delicious depth.

• Yogurt: Smooth and creamy dairy that keeps bread moist.
• Vegetable Oil: Light and neutral cooking oil.
• Vanilla Extract: Rich and aromatic flavor enhancer.

• Baking Powder, Kosher Salt: Essential for bread's rise and balanced taste.

• Confectioner's Sugar, Orange Juice: Sweet and tangy topping for extra deliciousness.
• Orange Zest: Bright and intensely citrusy flavor booster.

How to Bake Cranberry Orange Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×5-inch loaf pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour, then gently tap out any extra flour.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mix

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt

Sift these ingredients to ensure they’re perfectly combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

• Yogurt
• Sugar
• Eggs
• Orange zest
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil

Mix until everything is beautifully blended and smooth.

Step 4: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Prepare the Cranberries

Toss the cranberries with a sprinkle of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of your bread.

Step 6: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 50-55 minutes.

The bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Let the bread sit in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Create the Citrusy Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine orange juice and sugar.

Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then simmer for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Step 10: Soak with Flavor

While the loaf is still warm, poke tiny holes throughout.

Brush the orange syrup over the bread, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.

Step 11: Craft the Glittering Glaze

Whisk together confectioner’s sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable.

Adjust the consistency as needed.

Step 12: Drizzle and Decorate

Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it cascade down the sides.

Wait for the glaze to set before slicing.

Step 13: Serve and Enjoy

Cut into slices and savor the burst of cranberry and orange in every bite!

Tips for Sweet-Tart Cranberry Bread

• Toss cranberries in flour before adding to the batter to ensure even distribution throughout the bread.
• Use yogurt in the recipe to create a tender, moist texture that keeps the bread soft and delicious.
• Add fresh orange zest to intensify the citrus flavor and create a more aromatic bread.
• Poke holes in the warm bread and brush with orange syrup to enhance moisture and deepen the citrus taste.
• Adjust the glaze by adding more orange juice gradually to achieve the perfect drizzling thickness.

How to Store Cranberry Bread Properly

• Store the bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
• Wrap the cooled bread completely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage.
• Remove from freezer and let the bread sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours, or overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or briefly toast in a toaster oven to restore the bread's soft texture and enhance its flavor.

Best Pairings for Cranberry Bread

• Pair with Creamy Breakfast Companions: Soft scrambled eggs or a dollop of Greek yogurt perfectly complement the bread's tangy cranberry and bright orange flavors, creating a balanced morning meal.
• Sip Citrusy Morning Beverages: Freshly brewed orange-infused black tea or a light cappuccino will enhance the bread's zesty undertones, providing a delightful morning ritual.
• Match with Complementary Spreads: Whipped cream cheese or almond butter can elevate each slice, adding rich texture and subtle nutty notes that harmonize with the bread's fruity profile.
• Enjoy Alongside Gentle Winter Cocktails: A mimosa or light orange liqueur spritzer can transform this bread into an elegant brunch experience, highlighting its citrusy essence.

Glazed Bread Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or unsweetened applesauce, and use plant-based oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Vegan Option: Use flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water) instead of regular eggs, and select plant-based yogurt for a completely vegan cranberry orange bread.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Reduce sugar content by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and incorporate additional orange zest to maintain flavor intensity.

FAQs

• Are cranberries necessary for this bread recipe?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work perfectly. If using frozen, do not thaw them first to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape during baking.

• How can I prevent cranberries from sinking in the batter?

Tossing cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have yogurt?

Greek yogurt or sour cream are excellent substitutes that will maintain the bread’s moisture and tender texture. Both provide similar fat content and tanginess.

• What's the best way to get maximum orange flavor?

Use fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice. The zest contains essential oils that provide intense citrus flavor, while fresh juice ensures a bright, vibrant taste in both the syrup and glaze.

Why Cranberry Orange Bread Stands Out

• Easily Master Baking: Perfect for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal kitchen equipment needed, this cranberry orange bread recipe welcomes everyone to create delicious treats without stress.
• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Tangy cranberries and bright orange zest create a delightful taste profile that balances sweet and tart, making each slice a refreshing culinary experience that surprises the palate.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or dessert, this bread works wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, or simple family snacking moments that demand something special.
• Customizable Texture Delight: The yogurt-based recipe ensures a moist, tender crumb that stays soft and fresh, while the optional glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that elevates the entire baking experience.

Cranberry Orange Bread With Simple Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry orange bread sings with festive holiday cheer, blending tart berries and zesty citrus in a moist, tender loaf. Drizzled with a sweet glaze, this seasonal treat brings warmth and joy to winter gatherings you’ll savor slice by slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sugar
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) plain whole milk yogurt
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Coating:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and preparing a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and flour, ensuring smooth release.
2. Create a uniform dry mixture by sifting flour, baking powder, and kosher salt together in a medium bowl, eliminating potential clumping.
3. Craft a smooth wet foundation by whisking yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until thoroughly integrated.
4. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring minimally to maintain a tender bread texture.
5. Dust cranberries with remaining flour to prevent sinking, creating an even distribution throughout the loaf.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly to ensure consistent baking.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges with minimal moist crumbs, indicating perfect doneness.
8. Allow initial cooling within the pan for 10 minutes, then transition to a wire rack for complete temperature reduction.
9. Construct a quick orange syrup by dissolving sugar in orange juice over medium heat, simmering briefly to intensify flavor.
10. Perforate the warm loaf with a toothpick, creating channels for syrup absorption, then generously brush with the citrusy liquid.
11. Construct a silky glaze by whisking confectioner’s sugar and fresh orange juice until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
12. Artfully drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled bread, allowing it to cascade down the sides and set naturally.
13. Slice and serve, revealing a moist, flavor-packed cranberry orange bread with a glistening finish.

Notes

• Flour Coating Trick: Tossing cranberries in flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking, ensuring even distribution.
• Moisture Magic: Using yogurt in the recipe keeps the bread incredibly soft and tender, creating a moist texture that stays fresh longer.
• Zest Boost: Adding fresh orange zest intensifies the citrus flavor, making the bread more aromatic and vibrant.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the bread suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg