Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavors of orange. This moist and flavorful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee. Here’s a detailed recipe to help you create this delicious bread, along with a zesty orange glaze for added sweetness.
Ingredients for Cranberry Bread:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup room temperature milk
- Zest of 1 large orange (divided)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 6 Tbsp softened unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 room temperature large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries)
Ingredients for Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (adjust for desired consistency)
- 1 tsp reserved orange zest
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare Cranberries:
- In a small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with 1/2 tablespoon of flour until evenly coated. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine the room temperature milk with the freshly squeezed orange juice. Add half of the orange zest (reserve the other half for the glaze).
- Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs:
- Add the room temperature eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and orange juice mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in Cranberries:
- Gently fold in the flour-coated cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Instructions for Orange Glaze:
- Prepare Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, freshly squeezed orange juice, and reserved orange zest until smooth and combined. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
- Glaze the Bread:
- Once the bread has cooled completely, drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the top of the bread.
- Serve:
- Slice the cranberry bread and serve. Enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cook’s Notes:
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming with sugar.
- Do not overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense bread texture.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen cranberries, but thaw and pat them dry before tossing with flour.
Variations:
- Cranberry Walnut Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Orange Cranberry Bread Muffins: Turn this recipe into muffins by dividing the batter into greased muffin tins and adjusting the baking time accordingly.
- Lemon Glaze: Substitute lemon zest and lemon juice for the orange in the glaze for a tangy twist.
FAQs:
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
- Fresh cranberries are recommended for this recipe as they provide a juicy burst of flavor. If using dried cranberries, rehydrate them in warm water before tossing with flour.
- How do I store Cranberry Bread?
- Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Can I omit the orange glaze?
- Yes, you can serve the bread without the orange glaze if desired. It’s delicious on its own or with a spread of butter.
- Can I make this bread ahead of time?
- Yes, you can bake the bread ahead of time and glaze it before serving. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
- Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
- Yes, you can adjust the amount of granulated sugar according to your taste preference. The orange glaze adds sweetness, so you can reduce the sugar in the bread slightly if desired.
Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze is a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of cranberries and orange in a moist and tender loaf. Whether you’re baking it for breakfast, brunch, or a holiday gathering, this bread is sure to be a hit. With its vibrant colors and refreshing citrus notes, it’s a perfect treat to share with family and friends. Enjoy baking and savoring this delightful cranberry bread!
