Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

Okay, flavor adventurers, buckle up because I’m about to drop a serious flavor bomb on you! Get ready for the only Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze recipe you’ll ever need!

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze. It was at a holiday brunch, and honestly, I was expecting the usual boring pastries. But then… BAM! The tangy cranberries, the bright citrus, that perfect sweet glaze… it was a revelation! I knew right then that I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen.

Now, I’m not just talking about any Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze. This is the Cuba Queen version: bold, bursting with flavor, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing! It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into a celebration. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze represents everything I believe in: unapologetically delicious food that brings people together.

Forget boring bread. We’re talking about a Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze that will knock your socks off. I’ve been perfecting this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze for years, tweaking the ratios, and experimenting with different techniques. The result? A moist, tender, and unbelievably flavorful citrus cranberry loaf. Get ready to bake!

Let’s get this party started. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Get ready to make some serious Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze magic!

INGREDIENTS You Need for This:

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze ingredient list is SHORT but mighty!

All the ingredients you need to make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze, including flour, sugar, butter, eggs, cranberries, and oranges.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour: Don’t even think about using cake flour here. We need that gluten for structure.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Feel free to use a little brown sugar for a hint of molasses.
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is your leavening agent, so make sure it’s fresh!
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps balance the acidity of the orange juice.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted: The key is melted, not browned.
  • 2 large eggs: Adds richness and moisture to your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze.
  • ¾ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is always best, but store-bought will work in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest: This is where the real orange flavor comes from. Don’t skimp!
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: If using frozen, don’t thaw them.
  • For the Orange Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

You’ll find the best oranges and cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze at your local farmer’s market. Fresh is always best!

The secret to epic Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is using fresh orange zest. It makes all the difference! This easy quick bread is about to become a family favourite!

Here’s the Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze game-changer that will blow your mind: toast the cranberries before adding them to the batter. It deepens their flavor and prevents them from bleeding into the bread.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Ready to turn these ingredients into something magical? Let’s make some Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze!

  1. Get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. You don’t want a raw center! Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Trust me, you don’t want your bread sticking.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. No one wants a bite of pure baking soda! This is the base for your amazing citrus cranberry loaf.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest. This is where the wet ingredients come together. Get ready for flavor explosion!
  4. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix! Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough bread. We want tender, not chewy.
  5. Fold in the cranberries. Be gentle! You don’t want to crush them. If you took my advice from earlier and toasted your cranberries, they’ll be adding a wonderful depth of flavour!
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Make sure it’s nice and level. Nobody wants a lopsided Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze.
  7. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. In my kitchen, this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze takes exactly 62 minutes. But every oven is different, so keep an eye on it. Here’s where most people mess up their Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze – they pull it out too early!
  8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy. Patience is key!
  9. While the bread is cooling, prepare the orange glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to reach your desired consistency. This orange glaze for bread is the perfect finishing touch!
  10. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze should look golden brown and smell like a citrus dream!

Pro tip for Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze perfection: use a toothpick to poke holes in the top of the bread before glazing. This allows the glaze to soak in and create even more flavor!

While your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Don’t stress – your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is going to be incredible.

This is where your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze transforms into pure magic. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a loaf of pure deliciousness.

PRESENTATION:

Presentation is everything! Here’s how to make your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze look as good as it tastes.

Slice your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze into even slices and arrange them on a platter. Garnish with fresh orange slices and cranberries for a pop of color. Dust with a little extra powdered sugar for a festive touch. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze at brunch!

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze absolutely slays at dinner parties! Serve it alongside a cheese board or as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect ending to any meal.

For an extra touch of elegance, toast the slices of bread before serving. This will enhance the flavors and create a satisfying crunch. Toasting this cranberry bread recipe is an experience of its own.

Got leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste! Use the Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze to make French toast or bread pudding. Talk about a breakfast upgrade!

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is perfect for the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas or any special occasion. Its festive colors and bright flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve even experimented with seasonal variations, like adding chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist in the fall. A lemon zest would also add a delightful new dimension to the recipe!

FAQs:

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common challenges and solutions for making the perfect Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze.

  • Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?A: Yes, you can! But I recommend soaking them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter. This will rehydrate them and prevent them from drying out the bread. My Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze success depends on my ability to adapt!
  • Q: What if I don’t have orange juice?A: You can substitute with apple juice or milk. But the orange flavor will be less pronounced. Consider adding a little extra orange zest to compensate. Never miss a chance to amplify that delicious orange aroma!
  • Q: How do I know when my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is perfectly done?A: A wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again. But be careful not to overbake, or the bread will be dry. We’ve all made that mistake with our holiday bread recipe!
  • Q: Can I make this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze spicier?A: Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon to the batter for a little kick. I love experimenting with different flavor combinations.
  • Q: What if I don’t have X ingredient for my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze?A: Don’t panic! Baking is all about substitutions. If you’re missing an ingredient, do a quick search online for a suitable replacement. There’s always a solution! You are not alone if you have forgotten an ingredient before, we all have!
  • Q: Can I make this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze gluten-free?A: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may also need to add a little extra liquid to the batter to compensate for the lack of gluten. Finding the right gluten-free solution has been a journey for me!
  • Q: How do I store my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze?A: Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. I once kept some for nearly 2 months!

CONCLUSION:

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is more than just a recipe. It’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and the joy of baking. It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: creating unforgettable food experiences that bring people together.

My Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Power Tips:

  • Toast your cranberries before adding them to the batter for a deeper flavor.
  • Use fresh orange zest for the brightest citrus flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to avoid a tough bread.

I’ve created so many delicious variations of this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze over the years, including a chocolate chip version and a maple-glazed version. But the classic orange-glazed cranberry bread recipe always gets the biggest reactions. It also reminds me of my other citrus recipes, such as my maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes or my vegetarian chili with cornbread.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze reminds me of another flavor explosion, the Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze (VIDEO) – NatashasKitchen.com is a similar recipe. Another version of this recipe that also comes to mind is Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread – Sally’s Baking. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta! This also reminds me of another recipe, Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze | Swanky Recipes.

Finished Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze, sliced and displayed on a plate.

I’m so confident that you can make this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze and impress your friends and family. Get in the kitchen, get baking, and create some delicious memories!

Share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your creations. Let’s make this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze your signature dish!

 
Print

Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Close-up of a Slice of Cranberry Orange Bread

This Cranberry Orange Bread is bursting with festive flavors and topped with a sweet citrus glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful holiday treat, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to impress.

  • Author: Quinn
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 80 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, orange juice, eggs, and orange zest. Mix well.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to reach desired consistency.
  9. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
  10. Slice and serve.

Notes

For a richer flavor, toast the cranberries lightly before adding them to the batter. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

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