Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Looking for the best Cranberry Orange Bread recipe ever? This yogurt bread is packed with cranberry and orange flavor and it is perfect for the holidays. Use as a special breakfast or lunch, this bread makes a great addition to any meal.

Why We Love Cranberry Orange Bread

Delicious For Breakfast Or Dessert – I could honestly enjoy a slice of this bread for breakfast or dessert, and sometimes mid-afternoon for a snack!

Perfect For The Holiday Season – This delicious sweet bread is a delicious combination of sweet oranges and slightly tart cranberries, and is one of my favorite recipes to make when cranberries are in season. This treat is always welcome on a holiday table, and is a great recipe when you are making treats for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Use Those Seasonal Cranberries – Cranberries are only in stores for a short amount of time! You can freeze extras while they are fresh and in season to make this delicious bread all year long.

Sweet Glaze Makes This More Of A Treat – The sweet glaze is packed full of orange flavor and truly makes this loaf feel extra special.

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

For the Orange Glaze:

1 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions:

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom and sides of one 9 x 5-inch loaf pans; dust with flour, tapping out excess.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla and oil.

Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.

In a separate bowl, mix the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, and fold them very gently into the batter.

Step 3:

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing loaf to a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.

Step 4:

While the loaf is cooling, make the orange syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Stir together the orange juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes.

Remove from the heat; set aside.

Step 5:

Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the warm loaf.

Brush the top and sides of the loaf with the orange syrup.

Let the syrup soak into the cake and brush again.

Let the loaf cool completely.

Step 6:

To make the orange glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of the orange juice.

The mixture should be thick but pourable.

Add up to another tablespoon of orange juice if the mixture is too stiff.

Pour the orange glaze over the top of each loaf and let it drip down the sides.

Let the orange glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and rinse them before adding them to the batter.

Can I use a different type of citrus zest instead of orange zest?

If you prefer a different citrus flavor, you can experiment with using lemon zest or even a combination of different citrus zests to add a unique twist to the bread.

How long does the bread stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the bread can stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to prolong its freshness, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I omit the glaze?

The glaze adds an extra touch of sweetness and flavor to the bread, but if you prefer a less sweet option or want to reduce the overall sugar content, you can omit the glaze or use it sparingly.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

To make the bread gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking.

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for substituting in recipes.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a different type of flour?

If you prefer a different type of flour, you can experiment with substitutes such as whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly.

Can I freeze the bread?

Yes, you can freeze the cranberry orange bread for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a freezer bag, and it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.