Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe

Cranberry Orange Bread is a delightful treat that perfectly combines the tartness of cranberries with the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges. Topped with a simple orange glaze, this bread is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a special snack.

Ingredients:

For the Loaf:

1. 1 ½ cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
2. 2 teaspoons baking powder
3. ½ teaspoon kosher salt
4. 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
5. 1 cup sugar
6. 3 large eggs
7. 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
8. ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
9. ½ cup vegetable oil
10. 1 ½ cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed

For the Orange Syrup:

1. ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2. ⅓ cup sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

1. 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2. 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Directions:

Making the Loaf: Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups flour, baking powder, and kosher salt.

Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold the vegetable oil into the batter, making sure it’s all incorporated.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the cranberries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of flour, and then fold them into the batter.

Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Making the Orange Syrup:

Step 7: While the bread is baking, cook the ⅓ cup orange juice and ⅓ cup sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is clear. Set aside.

Step 8: When the bread is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and place on a baking rack over a sheet pan.

Step 9: While the bread is still warm, pour the orange syrup over it. Allow the bread to cool completely.

Making the Orange Glaze: Step 10: In a bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice. Mix until smooth.

Step 11: Pour the glaze over the cooled bread.

 

Serving Suggestions: Slice and serve the Cranberry Orange Bread as is, or accompany it with a cup of tea or coffee.

Tips:

1. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them completely as they may become too mushy.
2. You can add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture.
3. Ensure your ingredients like yogurt and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10-15 minutes

 

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approximately 300-350 per slice.
• Protein: Approximately 4-5 grams per slice.
• Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg per slice, depending on the amount of salt used.

Conclusion: Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful and vibrant treat that's perfect for enjoying the flavors of the season. The tart cranberries and citrusy orange make a wonderful combination, while the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. This bread is sure to be a hit whether you're serving it at a holiday event or simply savoring a slice at home.