This vibrant orange cranberry bread blends zesty citrus with plump, tart cranberries for a burst of flavor in every bite. Its moist, dense texture makes for a delightful treat, while the sweet orange glaze adds a glossy finish. Perfect for celebrations or a cozy snack, it promises a satisfying and memorable tasting experience.

Jump to Recipe

I was really excited to try this Cranberry Orange Bread recipe because its dense, moist texture and tangy-sweet flavor got me hooked right away. I used 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to give it a good base.

The combination of 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar made it rich and satisfying, while the 2 large eggs at room temperature helped keep each bite light and airy. I also mixed in 1/3 cup fresh orange juice and the zest of one large orange which really tied the whole flavor together.

The 1 cup fresh cranberries add that perfect tart kick. Top it off with a sweet glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar and a couple of tablespoons of fresh orange juice for an extra burst of flavor.

This bread is a fall and holiday treat, offering you a nice balance of nutrients and irresistible taste.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because its incredibly moist and full of flavor from the fresh orange juice and zest. I also like how the cranberries give each bite a fun burst of tangy sweetness that makes the loaf feel really special. I feel like its really easy to follow the instructions even if youre a beginner and the whole process feels rewarding. I also appreciate that the sweet orange glaze drizzled all over the top adds a perfect extra touch that makes this bread feel like a treat every time I make it.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

All-purpose flour gives the bread its structure and provides plenty of carbohydrates.
Unsalted butter adds moisture and rich flavor, making the bread tender and delicious.
Granulated sugar sweetens the mix and aids in browning, though it is high in calories.
Fresh orange juice delivers a tangy citrus kick that brightens up the overall flavor.
Fresh cranberries provide tart bursts and vitamin C while adding a slight crunch.
Powdered sugar glaze offers a sweet finishing touch and a smooth creamy texture.

Ingredient Quantities

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs at room temperature

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Zest of one large orange

1 cup fresh cranberries

For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar

For the glaze: 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.

3. In a large bowl, cream the 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the 2 large eggs one at a time, then stir in the 1/3 cup fresh orange juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and the zest of one large orange.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined – don’t overmix!

6. Gently fold in 1 cup fresh cranberries, making sure to get them evenly distributed throughout the batter.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

9. While the bread is baking, make the glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice until smooth.

10. Once the bread is done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, remove it to a wire rack, and drizzle the sweet orange glaze over the top while it’s still warm. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Loaf pan (greased before use)
3. Medium bowl
4. Whisk
5. Large bowl
6. Electric mixer or a strong whisk for creaming the butter and sugar
7. Spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Toothpick
10. Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Can I substitute any ingredients if I dont have them?

Yep, for example if you dont have fresh orange juice, you can use bottled juice but the zing might not be as strong.

Do I really need room temperature eggs?

Yeah, room temp eggs help mix things up smoother so let them sit out for about 30 minutes.

How do I keep the bread from turning out soggy?

Just be sure to measure accurately and dont overmix your batter, that usually does the trick.

Can I use frozen cranberries in place of fresh ones?

Yes, but defrost them and drain off any extra water so your batter doesnt get too runny.

Can the glaze be made ahead of time?

Sure, mix it up and store it in the fridge. Just stir it well before you drizzle it on your bread.

How do I store leftover bread?

Keep it in an airtight container at room temp for a couple of days, or wrap tightly and chill it for longer freshness.

Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe Substitutions and Variations

All-purpose flour: Try swapping with whole wheat flour if you’re feeling adventurous, but note that whole wheat can absorb more liquid so you might need a little extra.
Unsalted butter: If you dont have butter lying around, use equal amounts of margarine or a mild coconut oil for a similar fat content.
Granulated sugar: Honey can be used instead, just do a little less overall liquid since honey adds extra moisture. (Usually about 3/4 cup honey for every cup of sugar wins the race.)
Fresh orange juice: If fresh oranges arent available, grab a bottle of 100% orange juice (though it may not pack quite the same punch).
Fresh cranberries: Frozen cranberries can work if you let ’em thaw properly before mixing to avoid extra water in your batter.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is properly softened and your eggs are at room temperature. This really helps the mixture come out light and fluffy, so try not to rush this step.
2. When you stir in the cranberries, be gentle. Overmixing can break them up and cause the color and texture to change in the loaf.
3. Keep a close eye on the baking time. Every oven is a little different so testing with a toothpick around the 50-minute mark can save your bread from being overdone.
4. For the glaze, if it seems too thick, add a little more orange juice until it’s just right. This trick makes sure you get that perfect shiny finish on top.