Introduction

This Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Citrus Glaze is the perfect holiday gift, bursting with festive flavor. The moist, tender loaf is packed with tart cranberries and bright orange zest, all topped with a sweet, tangy glaze. It’s simple to make and fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma. For another seasonal dish featuring cranberries, try the Autumn Harvest Grain Salad with Cranberries Recipe.

Ingredients

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze fills your kitchen with the bright, cheerful aroma of fresh citrus and sweet berries, promising a moist, tender crumb and a vibrant, tangy finish.

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for cranberries)
• 1/4 cup milk (room temperature)
• Zest of 1 large orange (divided: 1 tsp reserved for glaze)
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry)
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency)
• 1 tsp orange zest (reserved from above)

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	55 minutes
Total Time	1 hour 10 minutes

Context: This Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze is ready in about 20% less time than many traditional quick bread recipes, thanks to its straightforward mixing method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Ingredients

Zest and juice the orange first, ensuring you have at least ¼ cup of fresh juice. Measure out all dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar—into separate bowls. This mise en place ensures a smooth mixing process and prevents overworking the batter later.

Step 2 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted (and slightly cooled) butter, sugar, eggs, orange zest, and fresh orange juice until fully combined and slightly frothy. The mixture should be smooth and emulsified, which helps create a tender crumb in your Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze.

Step 3 — Mix Dry into Wet

Gradually add the pre-mixed dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Use a spatula and fold gently until just combined; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing is the enemy of a soft, quick bread and will lead to a tough texture.

Step 4 — Fold in Cranberries

Toss fresh or frozen cranberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed. For extra flavor, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts or white chocolate chips at this stage.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a greased and parchment-lined 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 55–65 minutes. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter).

Step 6 — Cool Completely

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack. It must cool completely before glazing—at least 1–2 hours. Glazing a warm loaf will cause the icing to melt and soak in rather than creating a beautiful, zesty crust.

Step 7 — Prepare the Citrus Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, the remaining orange juice, and a pinch of the reserved zest. Adjust consistency by adding more juice (for thinner glaze) or sugar (for thicker). The glaze should be pourable but not runny.

Step 8 — Glaze and Serve

Drizzle or spread the zesty citrus glaze evenly over the fully cooled loaf. Let it set for 15–20 minutes before slicing. For clean slices, use a sharp serrated knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze!

Nutritional Information

Calories	~280 kcal
Protein	~4 g
Carbohydrates	~48 g
Fat	~9 g
Fiber	~2 g
Sodium	~220 mg

Note: These values are estimates for one slice of Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary.

Healthier Alternatives

This classic Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some simple ingredient swaps to suit different dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

• Protein-Packed Flour — Replace half the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a nuttier, more satiating loaf.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Swap the granulated sugar for a monk fruit blend or erythritol to reduce the carb count while keeping the sweet, citrusy flavor.
• Dairy-Free Moisture — Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, and substitute the milk with almond or oat milk for a rich, dairy-free version.
• Gluten-Free Base — Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend to create a tender crumb that everyone can enjoy.
• Reduced-Sodium Option — Simply omit the salt called for in the dry ingredients; the citrus and cranberries provide plenty of bright flavor.
• Whole Grain Boost — Substitute half the white flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber and a heartier, slightly nutty taste.
• Egg Substitute — For an egg-free Cranberry Orange Bread, use a flax egg or commercial egg replacer to maintain the bread’s structure.
• Reduced-Sugar Glaze — Make the zesty citrus glaze with powdered erythritol or a light drizzle of orange juice mixed with a touch of honey instead of confectioners’ sugar.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair a warm slice of this Cranberry Orange Bread with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Serve it as a festive holiday breakfast or brunch centerpiece alongside scrambled eggs and crispy bacon.
• Transform it into an elegant dessert by toasting slices and serving them with a dollop of vanilla bean whipped cream or mascarpone.
• Pack slices for a bright, portable snack on hikes, picnics, or in lunchboxes.
• For a special occasion, plate individual slices drizzled with extra glaze and garnished with a twist of orange zest and fresh cranberries.
• Enjoy it as a sweet counterpoint to a savory cheese board featuring sharp cheddar or creamy brie.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze is wonderfully versatile, equally at home on a cozy morning table or as the star of a celebratory spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using old baking powder or soda. Fix: Test them before mixing to ensure your Cranberry Orange Bread rises properly.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter until it’s tough. Fix: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients until just combined for a tender crumb.
• Mistake: Adding frozen cranberries directly to the batter. Fix: Thaw and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture and sinking.
• Mistake: Zesting too deep into the white pith. Fix: Use a fine grater on the orange’s outer skin only for bright, not bitter, flavor.
• Mistake: Under-baking due to a wet center. Fix: Use a toothpick test; it should come out clean, not sticky with batter.
• Mistake: Pouring glaze on a hot loaf. Fix: Let the bread cool completely so the Zesty Citrus Glaze sets without melting off.
• Mistake: Skimping on the orange juice in the glaze. Fix: Use fresh juice for a potent citrus punch that defines this recipe.
• Mistake: Slicing the bread while it’s still warm. Fix: Wait at least an hour for the structure to set, preventing a gummy texture.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the Cranberry Orange Bread completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days at or below 40°F (4°C).
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag. This Cranberry Orange Bread can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: To refresh a slice, warm it in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) if previously refrigerated.

For best texture, apply the zesty citrus glaze just before serving, especially if you plan to freeze the bread.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze is a perfect blend of sweet, tart, and bright flavors. We hope you love baking it as much as we do! If you enjoyed this loaf, you might also like our Cranberry Orange Cake Recipe or Orange Delight Scones Recipe. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Citrus Glaze?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Do not thaw them before adding to the batter, as this prevents them from bleeding too much color. Toss the frozen cranberries in a little flour from the recipe to help them distribute evenly.

How should I store this bread to keep it fresh?

Once the zesty citrus glaze has fully set, store the Cranberry Orange Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this recipe without the glaze?

Absolutely. The Cranberry Orange Bread is delicious on its own. If you prefer a less sweet option or want to enjoy it for breakfast, simply omit the zesty citrus glaze. The bread will still be moist and flavorful.