There is something truly heartwarming about baking a loaf that feels like a hug at first bite. This Homemade Cranberry Bread With Fresh Orange Glaze Recipe is exactly that—a delightful blend of tart, sweet, and citrusy flavors wrapped in a moist, tender crumb with a shiny, fresh orange glaze that brightens every slice. Whether you’re treating yourself on a quiet morning or sharing with friends during the holidays, this bread promises a burst of fresh cranberry pops and that unmistakable zing from real orange zest and juice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this cranberry bread couldn’t be easier, and each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating its perfect flavor and texture. You’ll find that these pantry staples come together into something truly special, marrying sweetness with a little citrus brightness and that beloved tartness from fresh cranberries.
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to keep the bread light and fluffy, making every bite tender yet sturdy enough to hold those juicy cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder: Make sure it’s fresh to guarantee a good rise and a soft crumb.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar: This balances out the tart cranberries perfectly and can be adjusted slightly to suit your sweetness preference.
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt: A pinch to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 2 large Eggs: They add richness and help bind the bread, giving it that satisfying structure.
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil: This keeps the bread wonderfully moist, avoiding that dry texture some quick breads get.
- 0.5 cup Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is absolutely worth it—it gives a vibrant, natural citrus aroma.
- 1 zest Orange: Zest packs in a concentrated orange flavor that brightens the whole loaf.
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries: Rinse and pick through them for the freshest, firmest berries that give that signature tang.
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that adds a sweet, delicate finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons Milk: This thins the glaze just right for a beautiful drizzle.
How to Make Homemade Cranberry Bread With Fresh Orange Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Before you even start mixing, get your oven ready by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). Greasing your loaf pan or lining it with parchment paper prevents any sticking and helps achieve perfect edges on your bread.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your sifted flour, fresh baking powder, sugar, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed from the start, giving you consistent flavor and rise throughout the bread.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, and vibrant orange zest. This mixture is where the moisture and citrus magic begin.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ones until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender, so stop when you see no more dry flour.
Step 5: Add the Fresh Cranberries
Now, carefully fold in the fresh cranberries so they’re evenly scattered but not crushed. This delicate step ensures each slice bursts with those juicy, tart berries.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.
Step 7: Cool and Glaze
Let the bread cool in the pan for around 10 to 15 minutes before moving it to a wire rack. While the loaf cools completely, mix your powdered sugar with milk to form a smooth glaze, then drizzle generously over the bread. The fresh orange glaze adds a shiny, sweet citrus finishing touch that’s hard to resist.
How to Serve Homemade Cranberry Bread With Fresh Orange Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is a lovely way to add extra flavor and make your bread look irresistible. Consider sprinkling a few fresh cranberries on top of the glaze right after drizzling so they stick as it sets. A bit of extra orange zest or a sprig of mint can also add color and freshness.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee or a delicate tea, making it perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. For a brunch spread, serve alongside creamy ricotta or mascarpone cheese—spreading a little on each slice balances the tartness with mellow richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, slice the bread thickly and serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or honey butter. You can also cut into cubes and toast lightly to bring out an extra layer of nutty aroma—fantastic for turning into festive bread pudding or a sweet casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade bread will keep beautifully at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the fresh orange glaze from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this treat later, slice the cooled bread and freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw a slice or two when a craving strikes, keeping freshness intact for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked warmth, simply pop frozen slices into a toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds. If you’re reheating a whole loaf, wrap it in foil and warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding too much moisture, which can affect the bread’s texture.
Is there a substitute for vegetable oil?
Absolutely! You can use melted butter or a neutral oil like canola. Just keep the amount the same to maintain the bread’s moist crumb.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze a few hours early and store it covered in the refrigerator. Stir well before drizzling to smooth out any thickening.
How do I know when the bread is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf; when it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your bread is ready. If batter sticks, bake a little longer and test again in 5-minute increments.
Can I add nuts or other fruits to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch, and a handful of chopped dried apricots or raisins can add extra sweetness and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Cranberry Bread With Fresh Orange Glaze Recipe is more than just a simple quick bread. It’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors that come together to create a comforting yet exciting treat. Whether you bake it for yourself or as a gift, it’s sure to bring joy and warmth to any occasion. So preheat your oven, invite the aroma of fresh orange and cranberries into your kitchen, and enjoy every delicious slice!
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Homemade Cranberry Bread With Fresh Orange Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Homemade Cranberry Bread with Fresh Orange Glaze is a delightful and moist bread bursting with fresh cranberries and a zesty orange flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet snack, it’s topped with a smooth orange glaze that adds a lovely citrus finish.
Ingredients
Bread Ingredients
- 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (Sifted for light texture.)
- 1 tablespoon Baking Powder (Ensure it’s fresh.)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust based on sweetness preference.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 2 large Eggs (Provides richness.)
- 0.5 cup Vegetable Oil (Keeps bread moist.)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Orange Juice (Use fresh for best flavor.)
- 1 zest Orange (Adds vibrant flavor.)
- 2 cups Fresh Cranberries (Rinse and remove bruised ones.)
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar (For glaze.)
- 2 tablespoons Milk (Adjust for glaze consistency.)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the bread.
- Prepare loaf pan: Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt evenly.
- Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, then add vegetable oil, fresh orange juice, and orange zest, mixing well.
- Combine ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add cranberries: Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully to distribute evenly without crushing.
- Fill loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top for even baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes; check doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center—it should come out clean.
- Cool bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze: Mix powdered sugar and milk together until smooth to create the fresh orange glaze.
- Apply glaze: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and allow it to set before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your moist and flavorful Homemade Cranberry Bread with Fresh Orange Glaze!
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries and remove any bruised ones for the best flavor and texture.
- Sifting the flour helps to make the bread lighter and fluffier.
- Adjust sugar quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Ensure baking powder is fresh for proper rising.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the milk slightly; for a thinner glaze, add a little more milk.
- You can substitute milk in the glaze with orange juice for extra citrus flavor.
