If you’re in the mood for a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for the holidays, look no further than this Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze. It combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of orange, making it the ideal dish for breakfast, dessert, or a holiday brunch. The delicate sweetness of the glaze adds a gorgeous finishing touch that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step of making this easy yet impressive cranberry bread, including how to prepare the orange glaze that ties it all together. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a cozy, homemade snack, this cranberry bread will not disappoint.

What Makes This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Special?

Tart and sweet balance: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange glaze offers the perfect contrast of tartness and sweetness in each bite.
Perfect for any occasion: This bread works beautifully as a breakfast treat, a light dessert, or a special holiday snack. It’s incredibly versatile and delicious all year round.
Simple ingredients: You don’t need any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to whip up this easy recipe. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it a go-to for last-minute baking.
Moist texture: The bread itself is moist, soft, and filled with cranberry goodness, making it irresistible.
Orange glaze magic: The orange glaze not only adds shine but also gives a refreshing citrus punch that makes each slice even more delightful.

Ingredient Notes

Fresh cranberries: The star of this recipe! Fresh cranberries provide that essential tartness. You can substitute them with dried cranberries, but keep in mind the sweetness will be slightly different.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the foundation of the bread. For a healthier twist, you can swap in whole wheat flour.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar is used to balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can try using honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener.
Eggs: Eggs add structure and moisture to the bread. If you’re vegan, try a flax egg as a substitute.
Orange zest and juice: These add a burst of citrus flavor. Fresh orange zest is a must for the best flavor; bottled orange juice won’t have the same impact.
Butter or oil: Both work well to keep the bread moist. Use butter for a richer flavor or vegetable oil for a lighter option.
Baking powder & baking soda: These help the bread rise and achieve a light texture. Make sure they’re fresh for the best results.

How To Make Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Mix dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tsp of baking powder, 1/2 tsp of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
Mix wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice and 2 tsp of orange zest.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix. Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of fresh cranberries.
Bake. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare the orange glaze. While the bread is cooling, mix 1/2 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tbsp of orange juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bread for a beautiful, shiny finish.
Serve and enjoy! Slice your cranberry bread and enjoy it with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

Tip: If you like a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar until you achieve your desired consistency.

Storage Options

Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Refrigeration: If you want the bread to last a little longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Freezing: You can freeze the cranberry bread before glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it at room temperature and then glaze before serving.
Reheating: To enjoy it warm, microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

Add-ins: Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. You can also add 1/2 tsp of cinnamon for a touch of spice.
Cranberry-Orange Muffins: If you prefer muffins, simply spoon the batter into a muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes at the same temperature.
Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs, the butter with coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Just make sure to also use gluten-free baking powder.
Lemon Glaze: If you’re not a fan of orange, switch the orange juice and zest for lemon juice and zest for a different citrus flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw them before adding them to the batter.
How can I make the bread less sweet? If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter by 1/4 cup.
Can I make this bread in advance? Yes, you can make the bread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh? Fresh orange juice is recommended for the best flavor. Bottled juice will work but may not have the same bright taste.
Why is my bread dense? Overmixing the batter can lead to a denser bread. Be sure to mix gently and only until the ingredients are combined.
How do I know when the bread is done? Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready!

Conclusion

This Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Its sweet and tangy flavor, paired with the refreshing citrus glaze, makes it perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a festive treat, you won’t be disappointed. Give it a try today, and be sure to share your results with us!

Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze: A Festive Favorite

Author: Sofia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
For glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp orange juice

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, beat butter and sugar. Add eggs, orange juice, and zest.
Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
Pour into pan and bake for 55-60 minutes.
Cool, then drizzle with glaze.

Notes

Room temperature (2-3 days), Refrigeration (up to 1 week), Freezing (up to 3 months). Reheat individual slices as needed.