Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet, tangy, and utterly delightful treat, this Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is the perfect choice. It’s a crowd-pleaser, great for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack. The combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange glaze will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice (adjust for desired consistency)
• 1/2 tsp orange zest

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Gently fold in the cranberries.

2. Bake the Bread

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Make the Orange Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more juice (for a thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).

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Glaze the Bread

1. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
2. Let the glaze set for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

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Pro Tips for Success

• Fresh Cranberries Are Best: If you use frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter to prevent streaking.
• Zest Before Juicing: Always zest your orange before juicing to make the process easier.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense bread. Mix just until combined for a tender crumb.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature butter, eggs, and buttermilk ensures a smooth batter and even baking.

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Serving Suggestions

Pair this delicious bread with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. It also makes a fantastic gift during the holiday season—just wrap it in parchment paper and tie it with a festive ribbon!

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Enjoy this Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread as a taste of the holidays or whenever you’re craving a sweet, citrusy treat. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!