Delightful Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Prepare to embark on a culinary journey filled with the vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange in our delightful Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze recipe. This moist and flavorful bread is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack. Bursting with zesty citrus notes and juicy cranberries, this bread is sure to become a favorite among friends and family. Join us as we explore the art of baking this irresistible treat step by step.
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed
For the Orange Syrup:
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/3 cup sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, ensuring it is well-coated to prevent sticking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Wet into Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Coat Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour until evenly coated. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the flour-coated cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the Orange Syrup: While the bread is baking, prepare the orange syrup by combining the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved, then remove from heat and set aside.
- Apply Glaze: Once the bread is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately brush the orange syrup over the top of the loaf while it is still warm. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Nuts: For added texture and flavor, consider folding chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts into the batter along with the cranberries.
- Citrus Variations: Experiment with different citrus fruits to create unique flavor combinations. Try using lemon zest and lemon juice for a tangy twist, or substitute grapefruit for a slightly bitter note.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version of this recipe, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this bread, you can replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour and the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Adjust the quantities as needed to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
- Low-Carb Option: For a lower-carb option, reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe or substitute it with a natural sweetener such as monk fruit or erythritol. You can also omit the orange syrup glaze to further reduce the carb content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw and rinse them before adding them to the batter.
Q: Can I make this bread in advance? A: Yes, you can bake the bread in advance and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the bread for longer storage and thaw it before serving.
In conclusion, our Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist and tender crumb, bursting with juicy cranberries and zesty orange flavor, this bread is sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence or a delightful afternoon snack, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic combination of cranberry and orange. So gather your ingredients and get ready to bake up a batch of this irresistible bread – your taste buds will thank you!
