There’s something magical about the combination of orange and cranberry that just brightens my day! The moment I take a bite of this orange cranberry bread, I’m transported to a cozy kitchen filled with the warm aroma of citrus and tart berries. It’s sweet, it’s tangy, and it’s utterly irresistible! I love making this bread for holiday gatherings, but honestly, I whip it up any time I need a little pick-me-up. The glaze on top is the cherry on the cake—or should I say the icing on the bread? It adds a delightful touch that makes each slice so special. Trust me, once you try this orange cranberry bread glaze, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to your kitchen and a smile to everyone who gets to enjoy a slice!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful orange cranberry bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your bread.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Make sure they’re fresh for that tart burst of flavor.
- 1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works too!
- 1 cup sugar: This adds sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- 1/2 cup butter, softened: You want it soft for easy mixing.
- 2 eggs: These help bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: For an extra punch of citrus flavor.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the bread rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder for a perfect texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: A little salt brings out all the flavors.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze that makes this bread shine.
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze): Just enough to make the glaze smooth and delicious.
How to Prepare Instructions
Getting this orange cranberry bread ready is a piece of cake—well, bread! Here’s how to do it:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when the time comes to bake!
- In a medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until combined. This helps ensure everything rises beautifully.
- In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. It should be a lovely pale yellow.
- Now, beat in the eggs, orange juice, and orange zest into the butter mixture until everything is well blended. The scent is absolutely intoxicating!
- Next, carefully combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Then, gently fold in those fresh cranberries—don’t overmix, or the bread could turn out dense!
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula if needed.
- Bake for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
- Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, mix the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until it’s smooth and glossy. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bread, and watch it soak in!
And there you have it! Your orange cranberry bread is ready to be devoured. Enjoy every slice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for any skill level.
- The combination of sweet and tangy flavors is absolutely delightful.
- Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness that pairs beautifully with the orange.
- The glaze takes it over the top, making every slice extra special.
- It’s a versatile recipe that’s great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert!
Tips for Success
To nail that perfect orange cranberry bread glaze, here are my top tips! First, don’t skip the orange zest; it really amps up the flavor and makes a noticeable difference. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not melted—this helps create that light, fluffy texture. When you’re mixing the wet and dry ingredients, remember to fold in the cranberries gently. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and nobody wants that!
Another key tip? Let the bread cool completely before glazing. If it’s still warm, the glaze will just melt away instead of sitting pretty on top. And trust me, a thick, glossy glaze is what you’re aiming for! Finally, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is a little different, and you want that toothpick to come out clean. Happy baking!
Variations
One of the best things about this orange cranberry bread is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the cranberries for blueberries or chopped apples for a different fruity twist. You could also add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warm, spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the orange.
If you want to get creative with the glaze, consider mixing in some lemon juice or even a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. You could also drizzle some melted chocolate on top for a decadent touch that’s sure to impress! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for each slice of this delightful orange cranberry bread:
- Calories: 180
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fiber: 1g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your baking with this flavorful treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious orange cranberry bread is super simple! Once it’s completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. You can also place it in an airtight container. This bread stays tasty at room temperature for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge where it’ll last for about a week.
If you’re ready to enjoy a slice after it’s been stored, you can gently reheat it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overdo it, or it might get a bit tough! You could also warm slices in a toaster oven for that delightful crispy edge while keeping the inside soft. Enjoy every bite—this bread is best when it’s just a little warm!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to add them straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent excess moisture.
How can I make this bread gluten-free?
If you want to make a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. It should work just fine, but keep an eye on the baking time as it may vary slightly.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use apple juice or a combination of lemon juice and water for a different but still delicious flavor.
How do I know when the bread is done?
The best way to check is by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your orange cranberry bread is ready to come out of the oven!
Can I add nuts to the bread?
Of course! Chopped walnuts or pecans can be a fantastic addition, giving your bread a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor. Just fold them in when you add the cranberries!
Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze That Will Delight Your Day
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 1 loaf 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A sweet and tangy bread infused with orange and cranberry flavors, topped with a delightful glaze.
Zutaten
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar together.
- Add eggs, orange juice, and orange zest to the butter mixture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before glazing.
- To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Store leftover bread in an airtight container.
- This bread can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 60 minutes
- Kategorie: Baking
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 180
- Zucker: 12g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 7g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 26g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 40mg
Keywords: orange cranberry bread glaze
