CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD WITH SIMPLE GLAZE – Delicious & Homemade
Introduction
Looking for a delicious recipe that’s both easy and impressive? This CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD WITH SIMPLE GLAZE is exactly what you need! With its perfect blend of flavors and simple preparation, this dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Let’s get started on creating this tasty masterpiece!
Of course! Cranberry Orange Bread is a classic, festive quick bread that’s bursting with bright, tangy flavor. This recipe is moist, tender, and topped with a simple, zesty glaze that takes it over the top.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
This recipe is straightforward and results in a beautifully dense-yet-tender crumb, packed with juicy cranberries and fresh orange flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 55-65 minutes | Cool Time: 1+ hour | Total Time: About 2.5 hours | Yields: 1 standard loaf (9×5 inch)
Ingredients
For the Bread:
· 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour
· 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
· 1 ½ tsp Baking Powder
· ½ tsp Baking Soda
· 1 tsp Salt
· 1 large Egg, at room temperature
· ¾ cup (180ml) Orange Juice (freshly squeezed is best! – from about 1-2 large oranges)
· 2 tbsp Orange Zest (from about 1 large orange)
· ⅓ cup (80ml) Vegetable Oil or melted Butter, cooled slightly
· 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
· 1 ½ cups (150g) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
· Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
For the Simple Orange Glaze:
· 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar
· 2-3 tbsp Orange Juice
· 1 tsp Orange Zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
· Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper.
· Zest and juice your oranges first. This is the key to the fantastic flavor!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
· In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
· In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg. Then, add the orange juice, orange zest, oil (or melted butter), and vanilla extract. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
· Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently mix just until combined. A few streaks of flour are okay! Do not overmix; this is crucial for a tender crumb.
· Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using) until they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Bake
· Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly to the corners.
· Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).
· Tip: If the top is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Cool Completely
· Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edges and carefully invert it to remove it from the pan. Place the bread right-side-up on the wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This is important! If you glaze it while it’s warm, the glaze will just melt and slide off.
Step 7: Make the Glaze and Finish
· Once the bread is completely cool, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and the orange zest. Add more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
· Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Pro-Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Bread:
· Don’t Overmix! Overmixing the batter develops gluten, leading to a tough, dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated.
· Room Temperature Egg: Using a room-temperature egg helps it incorporate more evenly into the batter. To quickly bring an egg to room temp, place it in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
· Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both work well. If using frozen, do not thaw them, as they will bleed color into the batter. Toss them in a tablespoon of flour from your measured amount to help prevent them from sinking.
· The Zest is Key: The orange zest is where the powerful, aromatic orange oil resides. Don’t skip it! It provides a much deeper flavor than the juice alone.
· Storage: Store the glazed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It also freezes beautifully (without the glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil.
Enjoy this wonderfully tart and sweet bread with a cup of coffee or tea! It’s a perfect holiday treat or a delightful weekend baking project.
Conclusion
Congratulations on making this delicious CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD WITH SIMPLE GLAZE! We hope you and your loved ones enjoyed every bite of this flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for sharing with family and friends, and we’re confident it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
🍽️ Looking for more amazing recipes? Browse through our collection of delicious dishes on YumPost! From quick weeknight dinners to impressive desserts, we have something for every taste and occasion.
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