Ah, the joy of baking! There’s just something magical about the aroma of fresh bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? This orange cranberry bread glaze is not just any bread; it’s a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange that’ll leave your taste buds dancing. Trust me, the first time I made it, my kitchen felt like a cozy café, and the whole family couldn’t get enough! It’s perfect for those chilly mornings, holiday gatherings, or even as a sweet surprise for a friend. You’ll want to slice into this bread while it’s still warm, letting that sweet, zesty glaze drip down the sides. Oh, and just wait until you see the smiles it brings to everyone’s faces when they take that first bite. Seriously, it’s a game changer!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our delicious bread.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries – for that delightful tartness!
- 1 cup sugar – to balance the flavors and sweeten things up.
- 1/2 cup orange juice – fresh is best for a bright, zesty flavor.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil – to keep the bread moist and tender.
- 2 large eggs – for binding everything together beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest – adds an extra punch of citrusy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – to help our bread rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – works together with the baking powder for that fluffy texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – a pinch to enhance all the lovely flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar – for our sweet, irresistible glaze.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze) – to give the glaze that lovely citrusy kick.
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven nice and toasty! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is key because it ensures that our bread bakes evenly from the start, giving it that perfect rise and golden crust. You don’t want to put your batter in a cold oven—it’ll mess with the texture!
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk these together until they’re well blended. This step is super important because it helps evenly distribute the leavening agents, which means your bread will rise beautifully. Plus, it’s a great way to get rid of any lumps before adding in the wet ingredients!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, let’s mix the wet ingredients! Whisk together the orange juice, vegetable oil, eggs, and orange zest until it’s all smooth and combined. The fresh orange zest really amps up the flavor, so don’t skip it! It’s like a burst of sunshine in your bowl.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your bread tender and fluffy. A few lumps are totally okay; we’re looking for a batter that’s just mixed, not a perfectly smooth one!
Add Cranberries
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in those fresh cranberries. Use a spatula and lift the batter from the bottom, turning it over to incorporate the cranberries without breaking them apart. You want those lovely bursts of tartness in every slice!
Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Oh, that smell! It’s going to be hard to wait for it to cool.
Prepare the Glaze
While the bread is cooling, let’s whip up that sweet glaze! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until it’s smooth and drizzly. You want it to be pourable, so you can adjust with a little more juice or sugar as needed.
Drizzle the Glaze
Once your bread is completely cool, it’s time to add that gorgeous glaze. Just drizzle it over the top, letting it flow down the sides a bit. It’s like a little finishing touch that takes this bread from good to wow! Now you’re ready to slice and serve—enjoy every bite of your delicious creation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready to bake in just 15 minutes!
- Delightful flavor combination of sweet orange and tart cranberries.
- The sweet orange cranberry bread glaze adds a perfect finishing touch.
- Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy brunches with friends and family.
- Moist and tender texture makes it a crowd-pleaser.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- Great as a gift—wrap it up and share the joy with loved ones!
- Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
- It fills your home with an irresistible aroma while baking.
Tips for Success
To make sure your orange cranberry bread glaze turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and orange juice are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures everything combines evenly.
- Fresh Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries if you can! They pack the best flavor and that lovely burst of tartness. If you only have frozen ones, just be sure to thaw and drain them first.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it light and fluffy!
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if your bread is done. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs. If not, pop it back in for a few more minutes.
- Cool Completely: Allow your bread to cool completely before adding the glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting and running off the sides too much, ensuring a beautiful finish!
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for longer freshness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix things up! You can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of spice like cinnamon for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one slice of this delicious orange cranberry bread glaze. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
So, whether you’re enjoying it as a sweet snack or a breakfast treat, you can savor every slice knowing it’s not just tasty but also has some wholesome goodness packed in!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter. Frozen cranberries can work well, but fresh ones give that extra burst of flavor and texture!
How do I store leftover orange cranberry bread?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll last about a week. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before storing!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just cool it completely, wrap it tightly, and store it. When you’re ready to enjoy, slice it up and drizzle that sweet glaze on top!
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
If you don’t have vegetable oil on hand, you can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option. Both will keep your bread moist and delicious!
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
Great question! You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. If it’s too wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven. The aroma will be enticing, so it’ll be hard to wait!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Feel free to fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You can also mix in chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon for a fun twist on the classic flavor!
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the bread! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to enjoy it!
Print
Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious orange cranberry bread topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, combine orange juice, oil, eggs, and orange zest.
- Blend the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool.
- In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar and orange juice to create the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Can substitute lemon juice for a different flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: orange cranberry bread glaze
