Oh, friends, let me tell you – the smell of a freshly baked cranberry bread with orange glaze? It’s pure magic! Seriously, it fills the whole house with this cozy, citrusy, slightly tart aroma that just screams “holiday morning” or “lazy Sunday breakfast.” And the taste? Wow! The cranberries pop in your mouth, the orange glaze is just the right amount of sweet and tangy… it’s seriously addictive.

This cranberry bread with orange glaze is one of those recipes I pull out *every* year. I remember the first time I made it. It was Thanksgiving, and I was in charge of breakfast. Total newbie in the kitchen, I was! But I wanted something special, and this recipe totally delivered. Okay, the glaze was a *little* messy (oops!), but everyone raved about it. Now, it’s a tradition. Trust me, you NEED this in your life!

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Okay, so why *this* cranberry bread recipe? Well, let me tell you…

Quick and Easy to Make

Seriously, you don’t need to be a baking whiz for this one! It comes together so fast. Most of the time is just letting it bake!

Moist and Flavorful Cranberry Bread

No dry, crumbly bread here! This is seriously soft and tender, bursting with cranberry goodness. My favorite part is the little burst of tartness from the cranberries!

Perfect for Any Occasion

Breakfast? Brunch? Dessert? Snack? This cranberry bread is a winner any time of day. Honestly, I’ve been known to have a slice (or two!) for a late-night treat.

Zesty Orange Glaze Enhances the Cranberry Bread

Oh, that glaze! It’s not just pretty; it’s the perfect sweet and tangy counterpoint to the cranberries. It’s seriously the *best* part!

Ingredients for Your Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing cranberry bread. Don’t worry, it’s mostly stuff you probably already have. And trust me, the better the ingredients, the better the bread!

For the Cranberry Bread

First up, the bread itself. Get ready to measure!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Just your regular all-purpose flour works great here!

3/4 cup granulated sugar

Plain old granulated sugar is perfect. It gives the bread just the right sweetness.

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

This is what helps the bread rise and get nice and fluffy.

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Just a little baking soda to balance things out.

1/4 teaspoon salt

Don’t skip the salt! It enhances all the other flavors.

1/4 cup vegetable oil

Any neutral-flavored oil will do. Canola or even melted coconut oil works too!

1 large egg

Make sure it’s a large egg. It helps bind everything together.

3/4 cup orange juice

Fresh squeezed is always best, but store-bought works in a pinch.

1 teaspoon orange zest

Definitely use fresh orange zest here! It makes a HUGE difference. Just wash your orange well first!

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Fresh or frozen cranberries are fine. If they’re frozen, give ’em a quick chop while they’re still frozen.

For the Orange Glaze

Now, for that irresistible glaze!

1 cup powdered sugar

Also known as confectioners’ sugar. This is what makes the glaze smooth and sweet.

2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Again, fresh is best, but store-bought will work. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more until it’s the right consistency.

1/2 teaspoon orange zest

More of that lovely orange zest! Don’t skip it!

How to Make Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get baking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious loaf of cranberry bread in no time. I promise, it’s worth it!

Preparing the Cranberry Bread Batter

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to combine all our ingredients to make that yummy batter.

Preheat and Prep

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Don’t forget this step – you want a nice, hot oven ready for your bread! While the oven’s heating, grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This helps the bread come out cleanly. Trust me, you don’t want it sticking!

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisking helps to get rid of any lumps and evenly distribute the ingredients. No one wants a mouthful of baking powder, yuck!

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, egg, orange juice, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined. This is where that lovely orange scent really starts to come out!

Mix Wet and Dry

Now, pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until *just* combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing can make the bread tough. You want it nice and tender, remember? A few streaks of flour are okay.

Add Cranberries

Gently fold in the chopped cranberries. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where that pop of tartness comes from!

Baking the Cranberry Bread

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake our masterpiece.

Pour and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If it’s still wet, bake it a little longer!

Cool and Release

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it set and prevents it from crumbling when you take it out of the pan. Patience, my friend!

Making the Orange Glaze

While the bread is cooling, let’s whip up that amazing orange glaze.

Whisk Glaze Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. I like mine fairly thick, but you do you!

Glazing the Cranberry Bread

The final touch! This is what makes the bread extra special.

Drizzle and Enjoy

Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. And then… ENJOY! You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Want to take your cranberry bread to the next level? Here are a few tips that I’ve learned over the years. Trust me, these make a difference!

Don’t Overmix the Batter

Seriously, resist the urge to keep stirring! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your bread tough and chewy. We want tender and moist, remember? Just mix until everything is *barely* combined.

Use Fresh Orange Zest

Okay, this one is a game-changer. That little bit of fresh orange zest adds SO much flavor! It’s brighter, more fragrant, and just overall better than anything you can get from a bottle. Promise!

Cool Completely Before Glazing

Patience, my friend! If you glaze the bread while it’s still warm, the glaze will melt right off and you’ll end up with a sticky mess. Let it cool completely so the glaze sets up nicely.

Adjust Glaze Consistency

The perfect glaze is all about personal preference. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, whisk in a little more powdered sugar. You got this!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Okay, so life happens! Maybe you’re out of something or just want to try something different? No problem! Here are a few swaps you can make in this recipe. Baking is flexible, I promise!

Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries work great, so use whatever you have! If you’re feeling adventurous, try using blueberries or raspberries instead. Just make sure they’re roughly the same size as cranberries.

Orange Juice

Fresh orange juice is always amazing, but if you’re short on time, store-bought is totally fine. You can also use mandarin or even grapefruit juice for a slightly different, but still yummy, flavor.

Vegetable Oil

Don’t have vegetable oil? No worries! Canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even a light olive oil will work. Just avoid anything too strongly flavored.

All-Purpose Flour

Want to make this gluten-free? Easy! Just swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement blend, though, so you don’t have to adjust any other ingredients.

Storing Your Homemade Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Okay, so you’ve baked this amazing loaf… now what? Here’s how to keep it fresh (if it lasts that long!).

Room Temperature Storage

The best way to store leftover cranberry bread is in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps it nice and moist! It’ll usually last for 2-3 days this way… but honestly, it’s usually gone way before then at my house!

Freezing Instructions

Want to keep it even longer? No problem! Just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and pop it in the freezer. It’ll keep for up to 2 months! When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it overnight at room temperature. Easy peasy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about this recipe.

Can I use dried cranberries?

You *can*, but fresh or frozen are definitely better! If you only have dried cranberries, soak them in warm water (or orange juice!) for about 30 minutes before using. This will plump them up a bit. You might also need to reduce the amount of orange juice in the batter by a tablespoon or two since the dried cranberries won’t add any moisture.

Can I add nuts to the Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze?

Absolutely! I love adding chopped walnuts or pecans. About 1/2 cup is perfect. Just fold them into the batter along with the cranberries. They add a nice crunch!

How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking?

Ah, the dreaded sinking cranberries! The trick is to toss them with a tablespoon or two of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them “grip” the batter and stay suspended. Works like a charm!

Can I make this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze in a muffin tin?

Totally! Just fill the muffin cups about 2/3 full and bake for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on them, as muffin tins cook faster!

How long does Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze last?

Stored properly (in an airtight container), this bread will last for about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. See my storing tips above!

Nutritional Information for Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze (Disclaimer Only)

Disclaimer

Okay, quick note: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on the brands you use and how big you slice it. So, don’t take these numbers as gospel!

Enjoy Your Delicious Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze!

Rate and Share

Okay, friends, go bake some cranberry bread! And if you love it as much as I do, pretty please rate the recipe and share it with your friends! Happy baking!