Cranberry Orange Bread with glaze is the perfect festive treat that brings a burst of flavor to any holiday gathering. This delightful bread features juicy fresh cranberries, a moist crumb, and a zesty orange flavor that dances on your palate. Ideal for gift-giving or enjoying with a cup of tea, this bread is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread with
This recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread with glaze is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of orange, creating a harmonious balance of flavor. Second, the moist crumb ensures each slice is delectable. Additionally, this bread is straightforward to make, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It’s a great way to incorporate seasonal ingredients, and you can easily customize it with nuts or even chocolate chips. With each bite, you’ll enjoy a taste of the holidays, making it a perfect choice for festive occasions. This is truly the best cranberry orange bread recipe!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread with
Gather these items:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cranberries)
- 1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 large orange (divided: most for batter, 1 tsp reserved for glaze)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 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)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or more to adjust consistency)
- 1 tsp reserved orange zest
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: Toss the fresh cranberries with 1/2 tablespoon flour to coat evenly. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, orange juice, and the majority of the orange zest (reserve 1 tsp for the glaze).
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Step 5: Carefully fold the floured cranberries into the batter to evenly distribute.
- Step 6: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and the reserved orange zest. Adjust the juice quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Step 10: Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread with
Keep these in mind:
- This bread makes a great holiday gift.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- For added texture, consider adding chopped nuts to the batter. Walnuts or pecans work well.
- Make sure to measure your flour correctly to avoid a dense loaf. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with
Enjoy this Cranberry Orange Bread with glaze as a delightful breakfast or snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for a decadent treat. Additionally, consider using slices to create a festive French toast or bread pudding during the holidays.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Bread with
To store your Cranberry Orange Bread with, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature. For a warm slice, pop it in the toaster or microwave for a few seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Orange Bread with
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Orange Bread with?
The secret lies in not overmixing your batter after adding the flour. This ensures that your bread remains light and fluffy. Additionally, using fresh cranberries gives the best flavor and texture.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Bread with ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make this bread a day or two in advance. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Orange Bread with?
Common mistakes include overmixing the batter and not properly measuring the flour. Make sure to spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid a dense loaf.
Variations of Cranberry Orange Bread with You Can Try
There are plenty of fun variations you can try with this recipe. Consider adding a handful of chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or swapping out some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour for a healthier option. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can stir in some chocolate chips. For a festive touch, try using dried cranberries or orange zest to enhance the flavors.

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try our Salted Caramel Cookies or Orange Black Marble Bread. You can also explore Frankenstein Cupcakes for a fun holiday dessert!
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Delicious Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a delightful holiday treat featuring juicy fresh cranberries and a moist, tender crumb. Enhanced with bright orange zest and juice, this sweet bread offers a perfect balance of tart and citrus flavors. The orange glaze adds a shiny, flavorful finish making it ideal as a festive homemade Christmas gift or a comforting seasonal snack.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cranberries)
- 1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
- Zest of 1 large orange (divided: most for batter, 1 tsp reserved for glaze)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 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)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or more to adjust consistency)
- 1 tsp reserved orange zest
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Toss the fresh cranberries with 1/2 tablespoon flour to coat evenly. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the milk, orange juice, and the majority of the orange zest (reserve 1 tsp for the glaze).
- Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Carefully fold the floured cranberries into the batter to evenly distribute.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 1/2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, and the reserved orange zest. Adjust the juice quantity to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This bread makes a great holiday gift. <li.Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 326
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 56 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
