Description
This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with fresh cranberries and a bright citrus flavor. The orange-scented glaze adds a sweet tangy finish, making it an ideal festive treat or a delightful homemade gift for the holidays.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cranberries)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 large orange (divided)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry)
Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency)
- 1 tsp orange zest (reserved from the orange above)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Cranberries: Toss the fresh cranberries with 1/2 tablespoon flour to lightly coat them. This helps keep them suspended in the batter and prevents sinking.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, 1/4 cup orange juice, and half of the orange zest.
- Mix Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in the floured cranberries, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and reserved orange zest until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more orange juice if necessary.
- Glaze Bread: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled bread, allowing it to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread stays moist and fresh for several days, making it a perfect make-ahead gift or holiday treat.
- You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen cranberries; thaw and drain before use.
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- If you prefer less sugary glaze, reduce powdered sugar to 3/4 cup and adjust orange juice accordingly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 326 kcal
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 64 mg
