Easy Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe EVER

Oh, there’s just nothing like the smell of bread baking in the oven, is there? Especially when it’s this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe! Seriously, the aroma alone is enough to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And the taste? Wow! That perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet orange glaze? It’s just *chef’s kiss*.

This isn’t just any old bread recipe, you know. It’s the kind of thing you can whip up for a cozy breakfast, a fancy brunch, or even as a sweet treat after dinner. Honestly, it works for just about any occasion. For me, baking bread during the holidays is a tradition. I love how it fills the house with such a comforting scent. And this cranberry bread? It’s always a hit!

I’ve been baking this type of bread for years, tweaking it here and there until it became the perfect, go-to recipe. And now, I’m sharing it with you! Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s just that good!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Okay, so why *this* recipe, you ask? Well, let me tell you! It’s not just because I’m obsessed with it (though, I totally am!). It’s because it’s seriously the easiest, most delicious thing you’ll bake all week. Here’s the lowdown:

Quick and Easy to Make

Seriously, you don’t need to be a pro baker for this one. The steps are super simple, and it’s pretty much a foolproof baking experience. Less fuss, more yum!

Perfect Balance of Flavors

This is the *best* part, in my opinion. The tart cranberries? They’re just amazing with that sweet, zesty orange glaze. It’s like a party in your mouth, I swear!

Great for Any Occasion

Breakfast? Brunch? Dessert? Snack? This cranberry bread is ready for *anything*. It’s seriously versatile, which, let’s be honest, is what we all need in our lives, right?

Impress Your Guests

Nothing says “I’m a baking superstar” like homemade bread. And this cranberry bread? It’s a total showstopper. Get ready for the compliments to roll in!

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You know, the stuff that makes the magic happen? Don’t worry, nothing too crazy here, just good old-fashioned baking staples. But pay attention, because the *right* ingredients make all the difference!

For the Cranberry Bread

Okay, so for the bread itself, you’ll need:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

And listen closely! Make sure that’s spooned and leveled. We don’t want any dense surprises, okay?

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup milk, room temperature

Zest of 1 large orange, divided

1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed

Trust me, fresh squeezed makes a HUGE difference!

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

Nobody wants soggy cranberries!

1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Orange Glaze

And for that luscious glaze? Here’s what you need:

1 cup powdered sugar

1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice, or to reach desired consistency

You might need a *little* more or less, depending on how thick you like it. Just play it by ear!

1 tsp orange zest, reserved from the orange above

Yep, save some of that zest! It’s the secret weapon for the glaze.

How to Prepare this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Okay, ready to get baking? This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe is easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of heaven in no time.

Preparing the Bread

First, let’s get that bread going!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Then, butter and flour a 6-cup bread loaf pan. Trust me, you don’t want the bread sticking! That butter and flour combo is like magic for easy release. Nobody wants a crumbly mess, right?

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, and 1/4 tsp of salt. Whisking is key here, folks! It makes sure everything’s evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with pockets of baking powder. Yuck!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a measuring cup, mix together 1/4 cup of milk, the zest of one orange, and 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. We’re doing this separately so the milk gets all infused with that orange-y goodness. It’s a flavor thing, you’ll see!

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together 6 Tbsp of softened butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until it’s all light and fluffy. Then, beat in 2 room-temperature eggs until everything’s well combined. Room-temperature butter is *crucial* here! It creams so much better and gives the bread a lovely, tender crumb. Cold butter? Forget about it!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Now, add the flour mixture in two parts, alternating with the milk mixture, until it’s *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing leads to tough bread, and nobody wants that. A few streaks of flour are okay. We’ll get those mixed in the next step.

Step 6: Add Cranberries

Toss 1 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries with 1/2 Tbsp of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread! Then, gently fold them into the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Bread

Spread the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking around 45 minutes, just to be safe. Every oven is different, you know? Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience, my friend! It’s worth it. Plus, cooling it a bit in the pan helps it not fall apart when you take it out.

Making the Orange Glaze

While the bread’s cooling, let’s whip up that glaze!

Step 1: Combine Glaze Ingredients

In a separate bowl, stir together 1 cup of powdered sugar, 1 1/2 Tbsp of orange juice, and that reserved orange zest until it’s all smooth and dreamy. You might need a *teensy* bit more orange juice to get it to the perfect drizzling consistency. Just go slow and add it a drop at a time!

Step 2: Glaze the Bread

Once the bread is completely cool (or at least mostly cool – I won’t judge!), drizzle that luscious orange glaze all over the top. Oh my goodness, it looks divine, doesn’t it?

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Okay, so let’s chat about some of these ingredients, and what you can do if you’re in a pinch! Baking’s all about being flexible, right?

Cranberries (Fresh vs. Frozen)

Fresh cranberries are my go-to, but hey, frozen ones work too! Just don’t thaw them first, okay? Toss ’em in frozen, and you’re good to go.

Orange Zest (Importance and Alternatives)

That orange zest? It’s *key* for that bright, citrusy flavor. But if you’re out of oranges, a little orange extract can work in a pinch. It won’t be *quite* the same, but it’ll do!

Flour (All-purpose vs. Other Types)

All-purpose flour is what I usually use, but you could try a 1:1 gluten-free blend if you need to! Just watch the baking time, as gluten-free flours can sometimes bake a little faster.

Sugar (Granulated vs. Brown)

I love granulated sugar for this recipe, but if you want a *slightly* richer flavor, you could swap in light brown sugar. It’ll give the bread a bit of a caramel-y vibe, which is pretty yummy too!

Tips for Baking the Perfect Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Want to take your cranberry bread from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few of my top tips to help you nail it every single time!

Room Temperature Ingredients

Seriously, this is *so* important! Room temperature butter and eggs blend together so much better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender bread. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Don’t Overmix the Batter

I know, I know, it’s tempting to just keep mixing until everything’s perfectly smooth. But resist the urge! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour and makes the bread tough. Keep it light and fluffy, my friends!

Cooling the Bread

Let the bread cool completely before slicing. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me on this one! If you slice it while it’s still warm, it’ll be crumbly and messy. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to baking!

Glaze Consistency

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the bread nicely, but thin enough to drizzle easily. If it’s too thick, add a *tiny* bit more orange juice. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. You’re the boss!

Storing Your Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe… and maybe, *just maybe*, you have some leftovers? Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious!

Storing Instructions

The best way to store your cranberry bread is in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for a couple of days, or pop it in the refrigerator for up to a week. I usually go for the fridge, just to be safe!

Reheating Instructions

Okay, so honestly? This bread is pretty darn good cold. But if you *really* want to warm it up, you can pop a slice in the microwave for like, 10-15 seconds. Just don’t overdo it, or it’ll get kinda gummy. Or, you could toast it lightly! Mmm, toasted cranberry bread… now *that’s* a treat!

FAQ About Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe. Hopefully, this helps!

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Bread Recipe?

Yep, totally! Just don’t thaw them first. Toss ’em in frozen, and you’re good to go. If you thaw them, they’ll get all mushy and release too much liquid, which nobody wants!

How do I keep the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the Cranberry Bread?

Ah, the age-old question! The secret is to toss them with a little flour before folding them into the batter. That little coating of flour helps them stay suspended in the batter instead of plummeting to the depths.

Can I make this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do. Just store it unfrosted, and then whip up the glaze right before serving. That way, the glaze stays nice and fresh and doesn’t get all sticky in the fridge. Smart, right?

How do I know when the Cranberry Bread is done?

The trusty toothpick test! Just insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it), it’s done! If it comes out with wet batter, bake it for a few more minutes and check again.

Can I freeze Cranberry Bread?

You betcha! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep in the freezer for a month or two. Just let it thaw completely before glazing and serving. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Okay, so you’re curious about the nutrition info? I get it! But listen, this is just a *rough* estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the brands you use, the size of your slices, and all that jazz.

Disclaimer

Just a heads-up: the nutrition information provided here is an estimate only. So, you know, take it with a grain of salt (or a sprinkle of sugar!).

Enjoy your Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe!

Alright, there you have it! My super-duper Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe! I really hope you give it a try – I just know you’re gonna love it. Happy baking!

Share Your Creations

If you make this bread, pretty please share a photo! I’d *love* to see how it turned out. Tag me on social media so I can admire your baking skills!

Rate and Comment

Did you try this recipe? Let me know what you think! Leave a rating and a comment – I’m always looking for feedback. Plus, it helps other bakers know if it’s a winner (and trust me, it is!).

Print