The Tangy Twist: Orange Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Baking this delightful orange cranberry bread with zesty orange glaze promises a burst of tangy sweetness.

Bright citrus notes dance alongside tart cranberries in this irresistible treat.

Home kitchens will come alive with the warm, inviting aroma of fresh-baked goodness.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a moist, tender loaf that melts in your mouth.

Each slice brings a perfect balance of fruity flavors and comforting texture.

The gorgeous glaze adds a stunning finish that makes this bread impossible to resist.

Let’s whip up this delectable creation that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze Pops With Flavor

• Burst with Citrusy Flavor: Packed with vibrant orange zest and juice, this bread delivers a bright, tangy punch that awakens your taste buds and brings sunshine to your plate.
• Master Baking with Minimal Effort: Straightforward mixing technique and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
• Crowd-Pleasing Breakfast or Dessert: Versatile bread works wonderfully for morning treats, afternoon snacks, or sweet endings to family meals, guaranteed to impress everyone around the table.
• Customizable Cranberry Delight: Easily swap fresh or dried cranberries based on availability, making this recipe adaptable to your pantry and seasonal ingredients.

What You’ll Need For Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure to the bread.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the bread rise and create a soft texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the bread.

• Butter: Creates a rich and tender crumb with smooth texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the bread.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide moisture and richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds moisture and creates a tender, soft bread texture.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Provide bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes to the bread.
• Fresh Cranberries, Dried Cranberries: Add bursts of tartness and fruity texture throughout the bread.

• Powdered Sugar, Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Create a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the bread's flavors.

How To Bake Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Heat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper for easy bread removal.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time. Beat well after each egg addition to ensure a smooth, uniform batter.

Step 5: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Continue mixing until all ingredients are completely smooth and well integrated.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 7: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold fresh and dried cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

Step 8: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, creating an even surface for baking.

Step 9: Bake the Bread

Bake for 55-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.

Step 10: Cool the Bread

Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Prepare Orange Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Orange juice
• Orange zest

Stir until the glaze becomes smooth and free of lumps.

Step 12: Drizzle Glaze

Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally run down the sides.

Step 13: Set and Serve

Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes. Slice the bread and serve at room temperature.

Tips For A Perfect Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

• Zest Like a Pro: Use a microplane or fine grater to extract maximum orange zest without touching the bitter white pith underneath.
• Prevent Cranberry Sinking: Toss fresh and dried cranberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to prevent them from dropping to the bottom during baking.
• Master the Mix: Blend wet and dry ingredients just until combined to ensure a tender, soft bread texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Temperature Matters: Allow butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent batter that incorporates ingredients evenly.
• Glaze with Grace: Let the bread cool completely before adding the orange glaze to prevent it from becoming runny and ensure a beautifully set, glossy finish.

Tasty Twists On Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

• Lemon Cranberry Bread: Swap orange juice and zest with fresh lemon juice and zest for a tangy, bright flavor profile that complements the cranberries perfectly.
• Almond Cranberry Bread: Add 1/2 cup chopped almonds to the batter and replace half the orange juice with almond extract for a nutty, rich variation.
• Whole Wheat Cranberry Bread: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, more nutritious version with added depth of flavor.
• Cranberry White Chocolate Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips along with the cranberries to create a decadent, sweet-tart combination that elevates the classic recipe.

Top Pairings For Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

• Brew Fresh Hot Tea: Warm chamomile or Earl Grey tea complements the bread's bright citrus notes and balances the sweet cranberry undertones, creating a cozy morning or afternoon treat.
• Sip Sparkling Beverage: Light prosecco or sparkling white wine cuts through the bread's richness, enhancing the orange zest and providing a refreshing contrast to the dense, moist texture.
• Match Morning Coffee: Smooth medium roast coffee with subtle nutty hints perfectly harmonizes with the bread's sweet-tart flavor profile, making it an ideal breakfast companion.
• Pour Chilled Mimosa: Weekend brunch-style mimosa with fresh orange juice and champagne mirrors the bread's citrusy essence, elevating the overall tasting experience with elegant sophistication.

Store Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze The Smart Way

• Store the orange cranberry bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its moisture and freshness.
• Wrap the completely cooled bread in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container, storing for up to 3 months without losing its delicious flavor and texture.
• Keep the bread covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 2-3 days if you plan to enjoy it quickly, ensuring it stays soft and delectable.
• Cut the bread into individual slices before storing, making it easier to thaw and enjoy smaller portions without compromising the entire loaf's quality.

FAQ On Orange Cranberry Bread With Glaze

• How do I know if I've overmixed the batter?

Look for signs like a tough, dense texture. Stop mixing as soon as the dry ingredients are just incorporated to keep the bread light and tender.

• Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but don’t thaw them first. Add frozen cranberries directly to the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their shape.

• Why is it important to use room temperature ingredients?

Room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream blend more smoothly, creating a more uniform batter and ensuring even baking throughout the bread.

• How can I prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the cranberries in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended evenly throughout the bread during baking.

Orange Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 95 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Orange Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze brings zesty citrus and tart berries together in a perfectly balanced quick bread. Moist crumb and sweet-tangy glaze make this treat irresistible for weekend brunches or afternoon tea with friends.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest

Fruit and Mix-Ins:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer.
4. Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, blending well after each addition.
5. Incorporate sour cream, orange juice, and orange zest into the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
7. Gently fold in fresh and dried cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
8. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
11. While the bread cools, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest together to create a smooth glaze.
12. Once the bread has completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally cascade down the sides.
13. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving the bread.

Notes

• Prevent Over-Mixing by gently folding dry ingredients into wet ingredients to maintain a tender, soft bread texture and avoid developing tough gluten strands.
• Cranberry Distribution matters, so coat fresh and dried cranberries lightly in flour before folding into batter to prevent sinking and ensure even spread throughout the loaf.
• Achieve Perfect Moisture by checking bread doneness with a toothpick test, ensuring it comes out with minimal crumbs for a rich, moist interior without being undercooked.
• Customize Dietary Needs by substituting gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose flour and using dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt or almond milk to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg