This Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a moist, fragrant, and perfectly sweet loaf that brings together the tartness of cranberries and the fresh citrusy flavor of orange. The soft texture, combined with a light drizzle of simple glaze, makes it a bakery-worthy treat you can easily make at home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this bread is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved)
- ½ cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
- For the Glaze: ½ cup powdered sugar and 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in orange juice and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts gently using a spatula. The batter will be thick.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled bread before serving.
