Late one chilly evening, I found myself craving something cozy and bursting with flavor. With a few pantry staples on hand, I decided to experiment in my kitchen, aiming to create a quick bread that would wake up my taste buds and warm my soul. That’s when the magic of Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze happened. The zing of fresh orange combined with the tart pop of cranberries, plus a luscious drizzle of orange glaze, turned a simple loaf into a total showstopper. This recipe quickly became a happy accident that I can’t stop making!
What gets me really pumped about Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is how it takes comfort food to a whole new level of bold flavor. It’s perfect for those moments when you want something special but without fuss—think holidays, weeknight treats, or even game night surprises. Every bite feels like a little celebration, where the cozy textures meet vibrant citrus and berry goodness. I love how it transforms mealtime into something memorable, whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo.
If you love food that sparks joy and bold flavor combinations, you’re in the right place! Get ready for a citrus cranberry bread recipe that will light up your kitchen and have you doing a happy dance. I’m thrilled to share my tested tips and tricks so you can whip up this cranberry orange loaf with confidence and style. Let’s turn your next baking adventure into a delicious flavor celebration! For inspiration, if you enjoy this cranberry orange loaf, you’ll also love my spin on Pumpkin Bread with Butter, packed with cozy vibes and rich comfort.
Ingredients You Need
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! Here’s what you’ll grab from your grocery store for this citrus cranberry bread recipe:
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (grab it from your regular aisle—easy to find!)
1 tsp baking powder (trust me, it helps your bread rise light and fluffy)
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup granulated sugar (sweetness balanced just right)
2 large eggs (room temp for best blending)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted (no worries if you don’t have butter on hand—coconut oil works beautifully too)
¾ cup fresh orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but bottled orange juice is a solid substitute)
Zest of 1 large orange (this is where the bread gets its zing!)
1 tsp vanilla extract (adds warm depth)
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (no need to thaw frozen cranberries before mixing)
¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but I love the crunch they bring)
For the orange glaze for bread, you’ll want:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp fresh orange juice (adjust for consistency)
Here’s my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze secret that takes it from good to incredible: don’t skip the orange zest or the glaze! They turn this cranberry orange loaf into a taste sensation. And if you’re rushing through a busy weeknight, you can prep the orange juice and zest beforehand for quick mixing later.
To keep your homemade cranberry bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It’ll stay perfect for up to three days at room temp or about a week in the fridge. That way, your next slice is as flavorful as the first!
Want a little extra? I love adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to my cranberry orange loaf for that cozy warmth that complements the citrus perfectly. Try it—you’ll be hooked!
Let’s Make Some!
Ready to bake your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze? Let’s dive into this flavor adventure step by step so your kitchen fills with irresistible aromas.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step is key—your bread will pop out effortlessly!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients set the stage for your cranberry orange loaf.
3. In another large bowl, beat granulated sugar and eggs until smooth and pale. Add the melted butter, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Your batter will smell absolutely incredible right now!
4. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix. Don’t overmix! It’s okay if you see some streaks—this keeps the bread tender.
5. Gently fold in your fresh cranberries and nuts, distributing those bold pops of flavor evenly. This is my favorite part of making Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze—watch the magic happen!
6. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
7. Pop your cranberry orange loaf into the oven for about 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. While baking, it’s time to make that luscious orange glaze for bread! Whisk together powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until your glaze is silky and pourable. Don’t worry if it’s thinner or thicker—that just means more or less glaze magic.
9. Once your bread is out and slightly cooled (about 15 minutes), drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top. The glaze will soak in just a little, adding a perfect sweetness and bright citrus punch.
In my kitchen, this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze usually takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. The best part? The anticipation. The moment your home smells like fresh oranges and sweet cranberries? Pure happiness!
If you want to save time, you can mix everything the night before and bake fresh the next morning. Trust me, waking up to the aroma of this homemade cranberry bread is next-level comforting.
While your cranberry orange loaf cools, for a twist, check out these epic ideas on making Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies — they’re an amazing way to keep the festive flavors going!
How to Serve Up This!
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze steals the show any time it hits the table. I love enjoying it warm with a spread of soft butter or even a smear of cream cheese for that extra indulgence. The creamy richness pairs perfectly with the tart cranberries and sweet glaze.
People literally do happy dances when this cranberry orange loaf hits the table alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea. It’s a total weeknight winner but also shines bright during holiday breakfasts or brunches. Thinking of impressing guests? Slice it thick and drizzle a little extra orange glaze, then garnish with fresh cranberries and orange zest for a picture-perfect presentation.
Leftovers? Oh, yes! I love turning slices into french toast the next day—just dip in an egg mixture, cook in butter, and serve with maple syrup. Talk about delicious magic and zero waste.
Getting creative? You can swap out the walnuts for toasted coconut flakes or try orange glaze for bread with a splash of vanilla extract stirred in for a richer flavor. A citrus cranberry bread recipe like this begs for playful twists.
If fusion flavors excite you, pair your cranberry orange loaf with a side of spicy chai or a creamy pumpkin latte—bold flavors that surprisingly complement and enhance the bright notes of the bread.
For more cozy citrus and berry combos, if you’re loving this cranberry orange bread with glaze, you’ll be all in for my buttery Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe. It’s another fan favorite that brings bold flavor to your table!
FAQs:
Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze?
Absolutely! This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Even if you overmix a tiny bit or use frozen cranberries, your bread will come out tasty and moist. Baking this cranberry orange loaf is a great way to build confidence with quick breads.
What if I mess up my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze?
I’ve had my share of slightly dense loaves or slightly under-baked centers. Spoiler: it still tastes incredible! Toast those slices for a crunch fix or repurpose as a crumb topping for yogurt or ice cream.
Can I prep this cranberry bread ahead for busy weeknights?
Definitely! You can mix all ingredients the night before, store the batter in the fridge, and bake fresh when you’re ready. Making the orange glaze ahead saves precious time too.
Do fresh cranberries work better than frozen?
Both work great. Frozen cranberries might release a bit more juice, so expect a slightly moister bread. I often use frozen—so convenient for holiday quick bread moments.
Can I use orange juice concentrate instead of fresh juice?
Yes! Dilute the concentrate with water as per package instructions to get the right citrus punch in your orange glaze for bread and batter.
What’s the best way to store leftover cranberry orange loaf?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days or in the fridge up to a week. This keeps the flavor fresh and cuts down on waste. Slices also freeze well for future snacking.
How does this cranberry orange bread with glaze compare to other recipes?
It stands out with the perfect balance of tart cranberries and bright orange glaze, plus buttery texture. For different takes, check out Natasha’s version on Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze, Sally’s Baking’s Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread – Sally’s Baking, or the delightful recipe on The Best Glazed Cranberry Orange Bread – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe. Each adds their own twist to this holiday quick bread classic!
Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze brings me pure joy every time I bake it. Its cozy, comforting texture combined with the bold flavors of orange and cranberries hits every note I crave. Plus, that sweet, tangy glaze on top takes it over the edge into wow territory.
My Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Flavor Secrets:
– Always zest fresh orange for a punch of brightness you don’t want to miss.
– Use a mix of fresh and frozen cranberries for optimal tart bursts.
– Don’t skimp on the orange glaze—it really makes the bread sing.
I’ve tested several delicious variations: adding cinnamon for warmth, swapping in toasted pecans for crunch, and even a version with white chocolate chips for a fun twist. Holidays call for the classic cranberry orange loaf, while weeknights are perfect for the glazed quick bread with chopped nuts.
Trust your taste buds and have fun getting creative with this citrus cranberry bread recipe. Whether you stick close to my original or experiment beyond, this cranberry orange bread with glaze promises to turn your kitchen into a happy place full of bold flavors and satisfied bellies.
Your new favorite quick bread is waiting—time to bake, share, and do a little happy dance! For more cozy bold flavor combos, don’t miss my Pumpkin Bread with Butter or the irresistible Christmas Cranberry Orange Cookies to keep the festive vibes rolling!
Ready to fill your home with the vibrant aroma of this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze? Let’s get baking, fellow food lovers!
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is a moist, flavorful treat combining tart cranberries and zesty orange, perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 70 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in vanilla extract and orange juice.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until combined.
- Fold in the cranberries.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let set before slicing and serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or substituting some cranberries with dried cherries. Serve sliced with butter or cream cheese.