As I pulled the warm loaf from the oven, the tangy scent of freshly zested oranges and tart cranberries enveloped my kitchen like a cozy hug. This Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread is my go-to recipe for the bustling holiday season, designed for celebrating special moments or simply enjoying a quiet morning at home. With a moist texture and a vibrant drizzle that glistens like sunlight, it effortlessly brings cheer to any table. Not only is it a delightful centerpiece for breakfast and brunch, but it also serves as a festive treat to share with loved ones. Plus, the recipe is incredibly versatile—feel free to use frozen cranberries for a year-round indulgence! Curious to discover the simple steps that lead to this delightful masterpiece? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Bread a Must-Try? Deliciously Moist: Each slice delivers a tender, moist texture that’s irresistible, perfect for brightening your day. Vibrant Flavor: The symphony of tangy cranberries and zesty orange creates a refreshing balance that dances on your taste buds. Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this bread is simple enough for any home cook to master without fuss. Versatile Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast delight, a brunch centerpiece, or a festive dessert, even using frozen cranberries for year-round enjoyment. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy weekend brunch, your guests will rave about this stunning loaf! For a delightful addition to your holiday menu, you must check out our Cranberry Balsamic Roast or complement this bread with a dish like Roasted Orange Chicken. Enjoy the flavors of the season! Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Ingredients • Let’s gather the key ingredients for this delightful treat! For the Batter Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; substitute with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. Orange Zest – Provides aromatic citrus notes; ensure you zest fully before juicing the orange. Large Eggs – Acts as a binder and moisture source; use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for a vegan option. Unsalted Butter (Melted) – Contributes richness and moisture; can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Sunflower Oil – Adds moisture; substitute with any neutral oil like canola. Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor; swap for almond extract for a unique twist. Milk (Room Temperature) – Adds moisture; can replace with almond or soy milk for a dairy-free option. Sour Cream (Room Temperature) – Improves texture and moisture; Greek yogurt can serve as a substitute. All-Purpose Flour – Forms the structure of the bread; for gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents to help the bread rise; always check to ensure they’re fresh. Salt – Balances flavor; keep as is for optimal seasoning. For the Cranberry Compote Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Adds tart flavor; ensure they’re not thawed for even baking. Granulated Sugar (for Compote) – Sweetens the compote; adjust the amount to taste. Cinnamon – Adds warmth; it’s optional for those who prefer a spicier profile. For the Glaze Powdered Sugar – Provides sweetness for the glaze; can substitute with monk fruit sweetener for lower calories. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice – Adds acidity and flavor; use lemon juice for a different citrus twist. Gather these ingredients to create your luscious Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread that will surely impress your family and friends! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Step 1: Make Compote In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of frozen cranberries, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries soften and begin to burst, about 8-12 minutes. Remove from heat and gently crush the berries with a fork. Allow the compote to cool completely while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Step 2: Preheat Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. This Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread will bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust, so ensure the oven is preheated before placing the pan inside. Step 3: Prepare Batter In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and the zest of one medium orange. Rub them together with your fingers until fragrant, then stir in 2 large eggs, whisking until fully blended. Gradually add in ½ cup melted unsalted butter, ¼ cup sunflower oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup sour cream, and ¼ cup milk, mixing until the batter is smooth and creamy. Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined; be careful not to over-mix to maintain the tender texture of the Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread. Step 5: Add Cranberries Once your batter is combined, fold in 1 cup of whole cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Take ¾ cup of the batter, and mix it with the cooled cranberry compote to create a colorful swirl. This step adds a delightful pop of flavor to your bread and enhances its visual appeal. Step 6: Layer the Batter Spoon half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly. Next, layer the cranberry batter on top, spreading it gently. Finally, add the remaining plain batter on top of the cranberry layer, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Use a knife to swirl the batters together for a marbled effect. Step 7: Bake Bake the Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread in your preheated oven for 40-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Step 8: Make Icing While the loaf cools, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice and any remaining cranberry compote until smooth. This tangy glaze will add a shiny, sweet finish to the bread. Step 9: Glaze and Serve Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the icing over the top, letting it run down the sides for an inviting look. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing your delightful Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread. Enjoy each moist, flavorful slice as a special treat at breakfast, brunch, or dessert! Expert Tips for Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Avoid Over-Mixing: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir until your batter is just combined for a light, airy loaf. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature for better incorporation, resulting in a more even texture in your Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread. Cool Before Icing: Let the loaf cool completely before drizzling with glaze to ensure the icing sets nicely without running off. Check Cranberries: Use fresh or frozen cranberries without thawing to maintain their shape and tartness during baking for optimal flavor. Enhance the Flavor: Don’t hesitate to tweak the spices—add a dash of nutmeg or ginger for an extra warmth that complements the citrus beautifully! How to Store and Freeze Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Room Temperature: Store the loaf wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its moist texture. Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out. Freezer: To freeze, wrap the Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw the loaf overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat slices in the microwave or oven for a few minutes until warm and cozy! What to Serve with Zesty Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread There’s nothing quite like the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your home, calling to be enjoyed alongside these tasty companions. Classic Cream Cheese: Spread it generously on a warm slice to enhance the rich flavors, adding a silky texture and tangy twist. Citrus Salad: A fresh salad featuring segments of orange, grapefruit, and a honey-lime dressing complements the bread’s zesty notes and adds brightness to the meal. Maple-Glazed Bacon: The savory, sweet crunch of crispy bacon with a maple glaze amplifies the sweetness of the bread, making for a dynamic breakfast or brunch offering. Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer creamy yogurt with crunchy granola and fresh fruit for a delightful contrast of textures, making it a refreshing contrast to the moist bread. Spiced Chai Tea: Serve this aromatic tea alongside your slices, as its warm spices beautifully harmonize with the citrus and cranberry flavors. Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent treat, drizzle dark chocolate over your slices or serving platter for a luxurious and unexpected pairing. Each of these options not only elevates your Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread but also transforms your meal into a cozy occasion for friends and family! Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Variations Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own—let your creativity shine through! Nutty Addition: Incorporate ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the moist texture of the loaf. Berry Swap: Replace cranberries with blueberries for a sweeter take, giving the bread a completely different fruity twist that’s equally delightful. Cinnamon Spiced: Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a cozy warmth that enhances the holiday spirit. Zesty Glaze: Swap out the orange juice in the glaze for lemon juice for a zesty variation that adds a refreshing brightness to each slice. Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of regular milk for a completely dairy-free version that maintains luscious moisture. Vegan Version: Substitute the eggs with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce and use plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream to make it vegan-friendly! Chocolate Drizzle: For a sweet twist, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top instead of the orange glaze for a richer dessert-like treat that will delight chocolate lovers. Savory Option: Try adding a pinch of rosemary or thyme for a unique savory note that complements the sweet berries, turning the bread into a gourmet experience! With so many fun ways to explore this recipe, you’re sure to discover a favorite! If you enjoy flavorful meals as well, don’t miss out on our scrumptious Cranberry Balsamic Roast or try the juicy and vibrant Roasted Orange Chicken. Make Ahead Options These Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread preparations are perfect for busy home cooks who love to streamline their meal planning! You can make the cranberry compote up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the bread batter can be mixed up to 24 hours ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply allow the batter to come to room temperature before adding the cranberries and swirling in the compote, then follow the final baking instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy a deliciously moist loaf with minimal effort during your bustling week! Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best cranberries for this recipe? When selecting cranberries, look for firm, bright berries that are a deep red color. Avoid any cranberries that are soft or show dark spots; these are signs of overripeness. Fresh cranberries can be found in the grocery store during the fall and winter months, while frozen cranberries are available year-round and work perfectly in this Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread. How should I store my Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread? Store your bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and moist. Alternatively, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just remember to wrap it well to prevent it from drying out! Can I freeze the Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread? Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrapping helps protect against freezer burn. Your bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and warm it up in the oven or microwave for a cozy treat! What if my bread turns out dense instead of moist? A dense loaf often results from over-mixing or using cold ingredients. Be sure to mix the batter just until combined, as over-mixing activates gluten, leading to a tougher texture. Also, let your eggs, milk, and sour cream come to room temperature for better blending, which helps achieve that lovely moist texture in your Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread. Can I adjust the sweetness level of the glaze? Yes, you can certainly customize your glaze! For a sweeter finish, simply add more powdered sugar until you reach your desired taste. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet glaze, start with less sugar and gradually mix in more orange juice until you find the balance that suits your palate. Deliciously Moist Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread to Brighten Your Day This Glazed Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful combination of zesty oranges and tart cranberries, perfect for any occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 10 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Batter1 cup Granulated Sugar Substitute with brown sugar for deeper flavor1 tbsp Orange Zest Zest fully before juicing2 large Eggs Use ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for vegan option½ cup Unsalted Butter Melted; can use coconut oil for dairy-free¼ cup Sunflower Oil Substitute with any neutral oil like canola1 tsp Vanilla Extract Swap for almond extract for a unique twist¼ cup Milk Room temperature; can replace with almond or soy milk½ cup Sour Cream Room temperature; Greek yogurt can serve as a substitute2 cups All-Purpose Flour For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend2 tsp Baking Powder Check to ensure it’s fresh½ tsp Baking Soda Check to ensure it’s fresh½ tsp Salt Balances flavorFor the Cranberry Compote2 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Ensure they're not thawed¾ cup Granulated Sugar Adjust the amount to taste1 tsp Cinnamon OptionalFor the Glaze1 cup Powdered Sugar Substitute with monk fruit sweetener for lower calories2 tbsp Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice Use lemon juice for a different twist Equipment 9x5-inch loaf panmedium saucepanLarge mixing bowlseparate bowlWhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium saucepan, combine frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Heat over medium-low until cranberries soften and begin to burst, about 8-12 minutes.Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar and orange zest. Rub together until fragrant, then stir in eggs, whisking until blended.Gradually add melted butter, sunflower oil, vanilla extract, sour cream, and milk, mixing until smooth.In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gently fold into the wet mixture until just combined.Fold in whole cranberries, then mix ¾ cup of the batter with the cooled cranberry compote.Spoon half of the plain batter into the prepared loaf pan, layer the cranberry batter on top, then add the remaining plain batter.Bake for 40-50 minutes, checking for doneness with a skewer.Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with orange juice and any remaining cranberry compote.Once the loaf has cooled, drizzle the icing over the top. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 40mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesAvoid over-mixing for a light, airy loaf. Use room temperature ingredients for better incorporation. Let the loaf cool completely before icing. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
