Here’s a very long, detailed, SEO-optimized recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze — perfect for holiday mornings, cozy weekends, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. It’s bursting with bright citrus flavor, juicy cranberries, and topped with a luscious orange glaze that adds a bakery-style finish.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze Recipe
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
55–65 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 25 minutes
Yield:
1 loaf (about 8–10 slices)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Bread combines the tangy brightness of fresh cranberries with the sweet zest of oranges, resulting in a perfectly moist and flavorful quick bread. The simple orange glaze drizzled over the top elevates it from homey comfort food to something truly special — ideal for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
This loaf is also freezer-friendly, easy to make ahead, and makes your kitchen smell heavenly while baking!
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1–2 large oranges)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (180 ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries)
For the Simple Orange Glaze:
- ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional, for extra punch)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for warmth)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Let the paper hang slightly over the sides like “handles.”
Step 2: Prepare the Cranberries
Rinse and pat dry your fresh cranberries. If using frozen ones, do not thaw. Toss them gently in 2 tablespoons of flour — this helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Orange zest
This step ensures all your leavening agents and zest are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together:
- Butter and sugar
Beat on medium speed for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, giving the bread a tender texture.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add in the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Then mix in:
- Orange juice
- Buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
The mixture might look slightly curdled due to the acidity of the orange juice and buttermilk — don’t worry! It will come together once you add the flour.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it can make the bread dense.
Once the batter is smooth and thick, gently fold in the flour-coated cranberries using a rubber spatula.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
If the top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
Step 8: Cool Completely
Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Then carefully lift it out using the parchment “handles” and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Make the Simple Orange Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Orange juice (add gradually until you reach desired consistency)
- Optional orange zest and vanilla extract
You want a thick but pourable glaze that slowly drips down the sides of the loaf.
Step 9: Glaze the Bread
Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top using a spoon or fork.
Let it set for at least 20 minutes before slicing for picture-perfect results.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a pat of orange-honey butter or cream cheese spread.
- Pair with a mug of spiced tea, latte, or freshly brewed coffee.
- Slice and toast leftovers for a delicious breakfast treat.
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week when wrapped tightly.
- Freezer: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Add Nuts: Fold in ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Add a Citrus Twist: Combine orange and lemon zest for a more complex flavor.
- Make it Healthier: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour, and reduce sugar slightly.
- Add White Chocolate Chips: For a bakery-style twist, mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips — they pair beautifully with cranberries and orange!
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
(Approximate values for 10 slices)
- Calories: 265
- Total Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Sugar: 25 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
SEO Keywords
Cranberry orange bread, moist orange bread recipe, holiday cranberry bread, orange glaze loaf cake, easy Christmas bread, fresh cranberry recipes, breakfast quick bread, bakery-style cranberry loaf, homemade gift bread, citrus dessert loaf.
Enjoy.