Ultimate Moist Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Orange Glaze

Introduction

This ultimate moist cranberry orange bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a bright, zesty orange flavor. Finished with a sweet orange glaze, it’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a festive treat anytime.

The image shows a loaf cake on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. The cake is cut to reveal a soft, yellow inside mixed with bright red berry pieces spread evenly throughout. The top layer is covered with a smooth, white glaze that drips slightly down the sides, with small red berry bits scattered on the glaze. The cake's texture looks moist and crumbly, and it sits in a neat, rectangular shape. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
Zest of 2 large oranges
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
For the glaze: 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can do this by hand or with a hand mixer.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix the batter.
Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if using.
Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
Step 8: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: While the bread cools, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Add more juice, a half teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Step 11: Drizzle the orange glaze over the cooled bread before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra burst of flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries work just as well—just don’t thaw them before folding into the batter.
Toast the walnuts lightly before adding to enhance their flavor and crunch.
Try substituting pecans for walnuts for a different nutty taste.
Use blood orange juice and zest for a deeper, richer orange flavor in the glaze and bread.

Storage

Store the cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to one week. To refresh the bread, warm slices briefly in a toaster or microwave. The glazed bread also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

A loaf cake with a golden brown crust is shown on a white rectangular plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The cake is sliced, showing moist yellow inside with scattered red berry pieces throughout. A thick white glaze drips down the top and sides of the cake, with small red fruit bits sprinkled on top. The texture looks soft and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries, but reduce the granulated sugar slightly as dried fruit is sweeter. Also, soak dried cranberries briefly in warm water or orange juice to plump them before adding.

Is it necessary to use freshly squeezed orange juice?

Fresh orange juice provides the best bright and natural flavor, but you can use bottled orange juice in a pinch. Avoid juice with added sugar or preservatives for the best results.