Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our incredible Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze!
This isn’t just any ordinary bread – it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen in your kitchen.
Did you know that cranberries are one of only three fruits native to North America? How cool is that?!
We’re taking this tart superfruit and pairing it with zesty orange to create a loaf that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Trust me, once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll be making it all year round.
Let’s dive in and discover how to make this showstopper of a bread!
The Perfect Blend of Tart and Sweet
When it comes to flavor combinations, cranberry and orange are a match made in heaven. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweet, citrusy notes of the orange, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to beat.
Fresh cranberries are the star of this show, offering a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of color throughout the bread.
While you can use dried cranberries in a pinch, fresh ones really take this recipe to the next level. They provide a juicier texture and a more intense flavor that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
But let’s not forget about the glaze – oh, the glaze! This sweet and tangy topping is what transforms our humble loaf into a true dessert masterpiece. It adds an extra layer of orange flavor and a beautiful sheen that’ll make your mouth water before you even take a bite.
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, remember:
- Don’t be shy with the orange zest – it’s key to that vibrant citrus flavor.
- Taste your cranberries before adding them. If they’re extra tart, you might want to add a touch more sugar to the batter.
- Let the flavors meld. This bread actually tastes even better the day after baking!
Essential Ingredients for Your Cranberry Orange Bread
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious loaf:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but trust me, it’s amazing!)
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect loaf. The flour provides structure, while the sugar sweetens and helps with browning. Baking powder and soda give the bread its lift, and the salt enhances all the flavors.
When it comes to oranges, go for navel oranges if you can. They’re sweet, seedless, and perfect for baking. And don’t skip the zest – that’s where all the intense orange flavor lies!
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version, or substitute the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg for a vegan loaf.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Ready to get baking? Let’s do this!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!
- Gently fold in the cranberries. They might try to sink, but don’t worry, that’s normal.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Remember, every oven is different, so start checking your bread around the 55-minute mark. You want it golden brown and fully cooked, but not dry!
Crafting the Irresistible Orange Glaze
While your bread is cooling, it’s glaze time! Here’s how to make that drool-worthy topping:
- In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the orange zest.
- If it’s too thick, add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach a pourable consistency.
- Once your bread is completely cool, drizzle that glorious glaze all over the top. Let it drip down the sides – that’s part of the charm!
For some fun variations, try adding a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze, or sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Orange Bread
Congratulations, you’ve just made a masterpiece! Now, how to serve and store it?
This bread is fantastic slightly warm or at room temperature. Slice it thick for a hearty breakfast treat, or cut thinner slices for an elegant addition to your brunch spread. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea, and I won’t tell if you sneak a slice for dessert!
To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, pop it in the fridge for up to a week.
Want to freeze it? No problem! Wrap the fully cooled, unglazed bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.
Troubleshooting Common Baking Issues
Even the best bakers sometimes run into issues. Here are some quick fixes:
- Dry bread? You might have overbaked it. Next time, check it earlier or lower the oven temperature slightly.
- Dense loaf? Make sure you’re not overmixing the batter. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
- Sunken middle? Your oven might be too hot. Use an oven thermometer to check the actual temperature.
- Cranberries all at the bottom? Toss them in a bit of flour before adding to the batter to help them stay suspended.
Remember, baking is part science, part art. Don’t be discouraged if it’s not perfect the first time – that’s just an excuse to make (and eat) more bread!
There you have it, folks – the secret to creating the most amazing Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze!
This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, perfect for cozy weekend mornings or as a delightful holiday gift.
Remember, the key is in the balance of flavors and that irresistible glaze.
Happy baking!
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze
Ingredients
For the Bread:
- 2 cups 250g all-purpose flour
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- ¼ cup 57g unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup 180ml fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 cups 200g fresh cranberries
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup 120g powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter, egg, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are okay!
- Gently fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the bread is cooling, make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the orange zest. Add more orange juice if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.