Cranberry Orange Loaf with Easy Glaze
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a bright, cheerful loaf that combines tangy cranberries with the fresh, citrusy fragrance of orange. Soft, moist, and full of flavor, this bread makes a lovely breakfast, midday snack, or brunch centerpiece. Every slice offers a burst of sweet zest balanced by tart berries. Enjoy it plain or topped with a silky glaze—either way, it’s a recipe that never disappoints. Below is a straightforward, delicious version complete with an organized ingredient table.
Ingredients (Table Format)
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 cups |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking Powder | 1 ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted Butter (softened) | ½ cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Orange Zest (1 large orange) | 1 tbsp |
| Fresh Orange Juice | ¾ cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 tsp |
| Fresh Cranberries | 1 ½ cups |
How to Make the Cranberry Orange Bread
1. Preheat the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is pale and airy.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth.
5. Bring the Mixtures Together
Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended. Take care not to overmix to keep the loaf tender.
6. Fold in the Cranberries
Stir in the cranberries so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake
Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool Completely
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Make the Simple Glaze
1. Mix the Glaze
Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and pourable.
2. Glaze the Loaf
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it drip down the sides for a pretty finish.
Serving & Storing
Serving:
Cut into slices and pair with your favorite coffee or tea for an uplifting treat.
Storing:
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to one week.
Share the Sweetness
This loaf brings together the bright zing of orange and the tart pop of cranberries for a delicious, moist bread that’s sure to delight anyone who tries it. Enjoy every slice—and share it with someone who needs a little warmth in their day!
If you’d like, I can also create:
🍊 a shorter version
🍞 a more poetic version
📋 a Pinterest-style recipe card
📸 a caption for social media
