If you’re looking for a burst of bright, tangy flavor paired with a tender crumb, this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe will quickly become one of your all-time favorites. It masterfully balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sunny zest of oranges, all wrapped up in a moist, golden loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. The glossy, citrus-spiked glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness, making each bite a celebration of flavor and texture you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to deliver a loaf bursting with color and flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role—flour and baking agents provide the perfect rise, while fresh cranberries and orange zest give it that signature zing and vibrant red-speckled look. Get ready for a baking session that’s straightforward but oh so rewarding!
- All-purpose flour (2 cups, 250g): The foundation that gives the bread structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup, 200g): Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely crust.
- Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Ensures a light and fluffy texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with acidic orange juice to give the bread a gentle rise.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all flavor notes and balances sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a warm, cozy hint that complements the fruit beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, melted (1/4 cup, 57g): Keeps the bread moist and rich.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and contributes to the bread’s tender texture.
- Fresh orange juice (3/4 cup, 180ml): Brings fresh citrus brightness and moisture.
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Packs a punch of concentrated orange flavor that makes this bread unforgettable.
- Fresh cranberries (2 cups, 200g): The star of the show, offering tart pops of juicy goodness.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, 120g): The base for the smooth, sweet glaze on top.
- Additional fresh orange juice (2–3 tablespoons): Blends the glaze perfectly for a citrusy finish.
- Orange zest (1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Adds a fragrant zing to the glaze that ties the whole recipe together.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lining it with parchment paper is a small step that makes removing your bread later a breeze, ensuring those beautiful slices remain intact.
Step 2: Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the optional cinnamon if you’re using it. This sets the stage for your bread’s perfect texture and flavor, ensuring everything is evenly distributed before the wet ingredients arrive.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients
In another bowl, stir together the melted butter, egg, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. This mixture is where the moisture and bright citrus flavor develop, promising a wonderfully zesty bite in every slice.
Step 4: Bring wet and dry together
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Take care not to overmix—lumps are totally okay here, and they actually help keep the bread nice and tender once baked.
Step 5: Fold in cranberries
Now for the star ingredient: fold the fresh cranberries in gently. This ensures even distribution without bursting the berries and turning your batter purple, preserving those beautiful pops of bright red throughout the loaf.
Step 6: Bake your batter
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and gently smooth the top. Pop it into the oven and bake for 60 to 70 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, revealing a perfectly cooked interior.
Step 7: Cool and glaze
Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze. To make the glaze, whisk your powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice and orange zest. Adjust with an extra splash of orange juice to keep your glaze pourable but not too runny.
Step 8: Finish with glaze
Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and let it set for a few minutes. This glossy, citrusy topping adds that extra layer of sweetness and tang that takes this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe from delightful to downright irresistible.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling a little extra orange zest or a few whole cranberries on top of the glaze for an eye-catching finish and an extra burst of flavor. Fresh mint leaves can also brighten the presentation and provide a subtle herbal contrast to the zesty sweetness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, making for a cozy morning or afternoon treat. For a brunch spread, serve alongside whipped cream cheese or a smear of softened butter to enhance its rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, slice the bread thick and toast it lightly, then add a dollop of cream cheese mixed with orange zest and honey. Or, turn it into mini sandwiches by adding brie and cranberry sauce for an elegant appetizer twist inspired by those classic holiday flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe keeps well at room temperature if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2 to 3 days, perfect for quick snacks or breakfast on the go.
Freezing
If you want to stretch the enjoyment longer, slice the bread before freezing and separate layers with parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so you can thaw individual slices whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in a toaster or microwave for 20 seconds. This quick warm-up revives the soft texture and intensifies the fragrant orange aroma, making every bite taste like it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen cranberries well to avoid excess moisture in the batter, which could affect the bread’s texture.
Is the cinnamon necessary for the flavor?
Cinnamon is optional and adds a warm undertone that complements the cranberries and orange beautifully, but leaving it out still results in a delicious loaf.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum to help maintain structure. Expect similar delicious results with a slight texture difference.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter or coconut oil. The texture will be slightly different but still wonderful.
What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater to zest just the brightly colored outer layer, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is an absolute joy to bake and even more delightful to share. The vibrant combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, topped with a sweet glaze, creates a beautiful treat perfect for any season. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—happy baking, my friend!
Print
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20-30 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Orange Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf bursting with fresh cranberries and vibrant orange zest. Topped with a tangy orange glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange makes this bread delightfully refreshing and aromatic.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup (180ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups (200g) fresh cranberries
Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon (if using) until evenly combined.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, egg, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk these together until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. It’s important not to overmix — some lumps in the batter are okay to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without crushing them.
- Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake the Bread: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with no wet batter clinging.
- Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and orange zest in a bowl. Add more orange juice as needed to reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to set for a few minutes.
- Serve: Slice the bread into 10 equal pieces and serve. Enjoy the zesty, sweet, and tart flavors in every bite!
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cranberries; frozen can be substituted but may add extra moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- If you want a stronger orange flavor, add extra orange zest or a splash more orange juice to the glaze.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This bread freezes well; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
