Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Few baked treats capture the bright, festive flavor of the holidays quite like Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze. Bursting with tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest, this moist and buttery loaf is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting. Each slice delivers the ideal balance of sweet and tangy, topped with a smooth citrus glaze that makes it look as lovely as it tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

This bread is a delightful combination of flavors and textures — soft, buttery crumb, tangy cranberries, and a sweet orange glaze that ties it all together. It’s easy to make, beautifully festive, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
Here’s why home bakers love it:

• Vibrant citrus flavor from fresh orange juice and zest.
• Moist and tender texture thanks to sour cream or Greek yogurt.
• Family-friendly sweetness balanced by naturally tart cranberries.
• Perfect for gifting or serving at holiday brunches.
• Freezer-friendly for make-ahead baking.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

For the Bread

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Ingredient Notes

• Flour: Regular all-purpose flour works best. You can swap half with whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier texture.
• Butter: Unsalted butter gives a rich, classic flavor. For a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Sweetener: Granulated sugar provides structure and sweetness. You may substitute with coconut sugar for a slightly deeper flavor.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add vibrant bursts of tartness. If using frozen, do not thaw before folding into the batter.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Either option keeps the bread moist. Greek yogurt offers extra protein and a mild tang.
• Orange Zest & Juice: Freshly squeezed juice delivers a bright, natural flavor — bottled juice just can’t compete.
• Glaze: For a thicker finish, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner drizzle, use a touch more orange juice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. This ensures the bread releases cleanly and bakes evenly.

Step 2 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agent and keeps the bread light.

Step 3 – Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy. This step traps air, helping the bread rise and stay soft.

Step 4 – Add Eggs and Flavorings

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then stir in orange zest, orange juice, vanilla extract, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). The batter should be smooth and creamy with a lovely citrus aroma.

Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense, so stop once the flour disappears.

Step 6 – Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in fresh cranberries using a spatula. The batter will be thick, but that’s perfect for supporting the juicy berries.

Step 7 – Bake

Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 8 – Cool and Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Once completely cool, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the top for a glossy, sweet finish.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use room temperature ingredients to help the batter mix evenly.
2. Don’t overmix once you add the flour — this keeps the crumb tender.
3. Fresh cranberries work best, but if using frozen, toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent bleeding.
4. Cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting into the bread.
5. Double the recipe to make one loaf for now and one for freezing or gifting.
6. Zest first, then juice your oranges — it’s easier to zest before cutting them open.

Flavor Variations

• Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts for crunch.
• Lemon Cranberry Bread: Substitute lemon juice and zest for a bright twist.
• Glazed Cranberry Almond Loaf: Add almond extract and top with sliced almonds.
• White Chocolate Cranberry Bread: Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips for a dessert-style loaf.
• Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves: Bake in small pans for perfect edible gifts.

Serving Suggestions

• Slice and serve with a pat of butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
• Pair with coffee or hot tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Include slices on a holiday brunch board with muffins, fruit, and cinnamon rolls.
• Wrap in parchment and twine for a homemade food gift during the holidays.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then glaze before serving for a freshly baked look.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

FAQ About Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but for best texture, soak dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes first. Fresh cranberries provide a juicier bite and brighter flavor.

How do I keep my bread from being too dense?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Creaming the butter and sugar properly also adds lightness.

Can I make this recipe into muffins?

Absolutely! Spoon the batter into lined muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes. You’ll get about 12 muffins with the same wonderful flavor.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute. You can also use plain yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of melted butter or oil for richness.

How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using half whole wheat flour, substitute coconut sugar, or reduce the glaze slightly. You can also add a handful of chopped nuts or seeds for extra nutrients.

Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices)
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A moist and buttery loaf bursting with tart cranberries and fresh orange zest, finished with a sweet citrus glaze — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting during the holidays.

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Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add orange zest, orange juice, vanilla, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt).
5. Fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined.
6. Gently fold in cranberries with a spatula.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool completely.
10. Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled bread.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing. Do not overmix after adding flour to keep the crumb tender. Allow the loaf to cool completely before glazing for the best texture and presentation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Oven-Baked
• Cuisine: American

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Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is a bakery-style loaf you’ll want to bake all season long. Its combination of tart cranberries, citrus brightness, and soft crumb makes it perfect for mornings, desserts, and special gatherings. Simple, flavorful, and visually stunning, it’s a true holiday favorite that never fails to impress.