Let’s dive into a delightful recipe that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, all wrapped up in a moist and tender bread. Introducing Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze—a perfect treat for any occasion, be it breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
I first stumbled upon this recipe during a particularly cold winter’s day. The fresh cranberries were bursting with color at the market, and the scent of oranges filled the air. I decided to bring these two flavors together, and the result was nothing short of magical. The bread emerged from the oven golden brown, speckled with vibrant red cranberries, and the aroma of orange zest filled the kitchen. When I drizzled the sweet, simple glaze over the top, it added just the right touch of sweetness. Each bite was a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and citrusy goodness.
This bread has become a staple in our household, especially around the holidays. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings and a wonderful homemade gift for friends and neighbors. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, and the flavors only get better the next day.
Quick Overview: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary
Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze combines tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors in a moist, tender loaf. Topped with a sweet, simple glaze, this bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. Easy to make and even better the next day, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
A Family Favorite: An Exciting Story
One holiday season, I decided to make this bread as gifts for my neighbors. The smell of fresh cranberries and orange zest filled my home, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a slice before wrapping the rest. As I delivered the loaves, my neighbors’ faces lit up with delight. The bread quickly became a tradition, and now, every year, they eagerly await their holiday gift. It’s heartwarming to see how a simple homemade treat can bring so much joy to others.
Why This Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze?
Bursting with Flavor: Fresh cranberries and orange zest create a delightful balance of tart and sweet.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a breeze.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for breakfast, snacks, dessert, or as a homemade gift.
Moist and Tender: The perfect texture that stays delicious for days.
How to Make Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Simple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if needed.
- Glaze the Bread:
- Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips For Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
- Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- Orange Zest: For the best flavor, use fresh orange zest.
- Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch.
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh or frozen cranberries are not available, use dried cranberries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes and drained.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this bread gluten-free.
Make a Healthier Version
- Sugar: Substitute half of the granulated sugar with coconut sugar or use a sugar substitute.
- Butter: Use coconut oil or a light cooking oil instead of butter.
- Flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat flour.
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes, you can make it a day in advance. The flavors meld and improve as it sits.
Can I freeze this bread? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use bottled orange juice? Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
What can I use instead of cranberries? Diced fresh or dried cherries can be a great substitute.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sinking? Toss the cranberries in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
Can I use a different glaze? A simple lemon glaze or a vanilla glaze can also work well.
Is this bread suitable for vegans? Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use a plant-based butter alternative.
What can I serve with this bread? It’s delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of butter.
How can I make it more festive? Add a handful of white chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for extra holiday cheer.
What’s the best way to zest an orange? Use a microplane grater to finely zest the orange, avoiding the bitter white pith.
Can I make this in muffin form? Yes, divide the batter into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate to extend freshness.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Course: Cake, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
For the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup melted butter
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
For the Simple Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Directions
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Simple Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice if needed.
- Glaze the Bread:
- Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
