Introduction and Quick Summary

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty flavor of oranges. This bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack throughout the day. Whether you are hosting a gathering or simply want to enjoy something sweet at home, this recipe will not disappoint. The sweet orange glaze adds a beautiful shine and an extra layer of flavor that complements the cranberries.

This recipe is easy to follow and requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. In just a few steps, you can create a moist and flavorful bread that fills your home with an irresistible aroma while baking. It’s an excellent choice for holiday celebrations or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or store it for later use.

Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to make this delicious Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread and get started on your baking adventure!

Main Ingredients

Flour

The base of our Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is all-purpose flour. You will need 2 cups of this ingredient to provide structure and stability to the loaf. It acts as a binder by holding all other components together while providing the necessary texture for bread.

Sugar

Granulated sugar plays a vital role in balancing flavors within this recipe. For this loaf, 1 cup of sugar is required. It not only sweetens the bread but also contributes to its moisture content. When baked, sugar caramelizes slightly and enhances the overall taste.

Baking Powder

Baking powder is essential for helping the bread rise. You’ll need 1 tablespoon to achieve a light and fluffy texture in each slice. This leavening agent reacts with liquids in your batter, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that puff up your bread during baking.

Salt

A pinch of salt (about ½ teaspoon) enhances flavors and balances sweetness in baked goods. While it may seem minimal, it significantly affects how all other ingredients come together by rounding out their flavors.

Eggs

You will need 2 large eggs for this recipe. Eggs serve as binders that help hold everything together while also adding moisture and richness to your loaf. They contribute to both structure and texture within the final product.

Fresh Cranberries

Fresh cranberries are what give this bread its signature tart flavor. You will require 1 cup of these berries, which should be rinsed and sorted before adding them into your batter. Their bright color adds visual appeal along with a burst of taste.

Oranges

Fresh oranges are key to making the glaze as well as adding zest to the batter itself. You’ll need both the juice (about ½ cup) and zest (from one orange) in this recipe. The citrus notes brighten up the flavors and complement cranberries nicely.

Unsalted Butter

Using ½ cup of unsalted butter adds richness and moisture to your Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread. Make sure it’s softened before mixing; this ensures even blending into your batter for optimal results.

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How to Prepare Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Before starting on your batter, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This allows for an even bake once your dough goes into the oven later on. While preheating, gather all necessary equipment including mixing bowls, measuring cups, a loaf pan lined with parchment paper, and an electric mixer if available.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour with 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk these dry ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed; this step is crucial as it ensures uniform rising during baking.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs until slightly frothy then add in the juice from half an orange along with its zest from one whole orange plus ½ cup softened unsalted butter that’s been brought to room temperature beforehand. Mix until smooth; incorporating air into this mixture helps create lightness in your final product.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures Together

Gently fold your wet mixture into your dry ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this could lead to tougher bread! Finally, gently fold in one cup of fresh cranberries ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter without crushing them too much which would alter their texture when baked.

Step 5: Fill Your Loaf Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan spreading evenly across its surface using spatula or spoon; make sure there are no air pockets left behind! Tap down gently against countertop allowing any trapped air bubbles escape before placing it into preheated oven!

Step 6: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes—check doneness by inserting toothpick into center; it should come out clean without any wet batter clinging onto it! If edges start browning too fast cover loosely with aluminum foil towards end if needed so top stays golden while inside cooks through completely!

Step 7: Prepare The Glaze

While waiting on cake cooling off prepare glaze by combining remaining juice from half an orange along with powdered sugar until smooth consistency reached—drizzle over cooled loaf once fully baked letting excess drip off edges creating glossy finish enhancing appearance!

Serving and Storing Tips

Serving Suggestions

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature! Slice thick pieces right after glazing letting everyone indulge in deliciousness fresh from oven; consider pairing slices alongside coffee or tea for delightful morning ritual! For added flair serve with whipped cream cheese spread infused with vanilla extract elevating flavors further giving guests something special during gatherings!

Storage Guidelines

To keep leftover Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread fresh longer store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap placed inside airtight container at room temperature away from direct sunlight! Properly stored it lasts around three days without losing moisture quality—but if desired freeze individual slices wrapped separately allowing quick grab-n-go options later on enjoying anytime without compromising taste freshness!

Mistakes to avoid

When making orange glazed cranberry bread, certain common pitfalls can affect the outcome of your loaf. One significant mistake is not measuring ingredients accurately. Baking is a science, and even slight deviations in quantities can alter the texture or flavor of your bread. Use a kitchen scale for better precision with dry ingredients like flour and sugar. For liquids, use measuring cups designed for wet ingredients.

Another mistake is overmixing the batter. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just blended. Overmixing can lead to tough bread due to gluten development. Stir gently until no dry pockets remain, ensuring moist and tender results.

Using old or expired ingredients is another issue that can compromise your orange glazed cranberry bread. Baking powder and baking soda lose their potency over time; always check expiration dates before using them. Fresh ingredients ensure your bread rises well and has vibrant flavors.

Additionally, neglecting to prepare your baking pan properly is a mistake that can lead to sticking or uneven cooking. Grease the pan with butter or non-stick spray, and consider lining it with parchment paper for an easy release after baking.

Finally, don’t skip the cooling process. Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure and prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Tips and tricks

To achieve perfect orange glazed cranberry bread, consider these helpful tips and tricks. First, enjoy using fresh cranberries if possible; they offer a tangy burst that complements the sweetness of the glaze beautifully. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen ones work as well but do not thaw them before mixing into the batter.

Incorporate zest from oranges into your batter for an extra layer of flavor. The bright citrus notes enhance the overall taste profile of your bread while also contributing to its aroma during baking.

Another tip involves letting your batter rest before baking. Allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes lets the flavors meld together and improves texture. This simple step can make a noticeable difference in your finished product.

Don’t forget about adjusting baking times based on your oven’s performance. Ovens vary in temperature accuracy; keep an eye on your bread as it bakes, checking for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached, it’s ready.

Lastly, consider adding nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrition. Walnuts or pecans pair exceptionally well with cranberries, delivering crunch and a richer flavor profile.

Suggestions for Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

When preparing orange glazed cranberry bread, there are several suggestions that can improve your experience and results significantly. First, try experimenting with different types of flour. While all-purpose flour works well, substituting half of it with whole wheat flour can add depth of flavor while also increasing fiber content without compromising texture.

Pairing spices like cinnamon or nutmeg with cranberries elevates the taste profile without overpowering its natural flavors. Just a pinch of either spice can provide warmth and complexity that makes each slice more enjoyable.

Consider varying the sweetness level according to personal preference; if you prefer less sweetness in your glaze or batter, reduce sugar gradually until you reach a balance you love. Remember that cranberries themselves are tart; adjusting sugar will require careful testing to maintain harmony between sweetness and tartness.

Experimenting with glazes also offers room for creativity; instead of traditional sugar glaze, try incorporating cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist or even yogurt-based glazes for a lighter option that retains moisture without overwhelming sweetness.

Lastly, think about serving ideas once prepared—orange glazed cranberry bread pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee at brunch gatherings but also makes an excellent gift when wrapped beautifully in cellophane.

FAQs

What is orange glazed cranberry bread?

Orange glazed cranberry bread is a sweet baked good featuring fresh cranberries infused with zesty orange flavor topped with an orange glaze made from powdered sugar and juice. This delightful loaf balances tartness from cranberries with sweetness from the glaze while offering aromas reminiscent of citrus fruits during baking.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes! Dried cranberries can be used as a substitute when fresh ones aren’t available; however, they may alter texture slightly since they lack moisture content found in fresh fruit. To rehydrate dried cranberries before mixing them into dough, soak them briefly in warm water or orange juice for about fifteen minutes before draining well.

How long does orange glazed cranberry bread last?

When stored correctly at room temperature in an airtight container, freshly baked orange glazed cranberry bread should last three to five days before losing freshness significantly due to moisture evaporation over time unless refrigerated where it may stay good up until one week but could dry out faster than expected due to cold storage conditions affecting texture directly leading towards staleness quicker than typical room temp conditions would allow!

Can I freeze orange glazed cranberry bread?

Absolutely! Freezing this delicious treat is possible—wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil before placing them inside freezer bags labeled clearly so you’ll know exactly what’s inside later! When ready to enjoy again simply thaw overnight in refrigerator then let reach room temperature prior serving!

Is there a gluten-free version available?

A gluten-free version of orange glazed cranberry bread is achievable by substituting regular flour with gluten-free flour blends designed specifically for baking purposes such as almond flour or coconut flour mixed alongside xanthan gum which helps mimic elasticity giving similar results compared traditional recipes containing wheat-based options allowing everyone including those avoiding gluten still partake deliciously!

What can I serve with orange glazed cranberry bread?

This scrumptious loaf pairs wonderfully alongside various accompaniments like cream cheese spread enhancing each bite’s richness while balancing tartness perfectly! You might also enjoy serving slices alongside herbal teas coffee beverages particularly during brunch gatherings adding comfort through warmth embracing flavors harmoniously throughout gatherings bringing friends family together!

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting perfect orange glazed cranberry bread requires attention to detail while avoiding common mistakes such as inaccurate measurements or overmixing batters during preparation stages ensuring successful outcomes every time! Incorporating helpful tips such as using fresh ingredients enhances both flavor profiles aroma creating delightful experiences upon tasting each slice enjoying nuances brought forth through various suggested adaptations explored above tailored uniquely suited preferences personal enjoyment levels alike! Storing leftovers appropriately extends shelf life maintains freshness longer allowing indulgence times beyond initial bake day itself! Whether shared among friends served during special occasions our delicious creation remains versatile suitable year-round providing joy warmth continuing traditions inviting new memories forming along way through culinary adventures shared deliciously together!

Delicious Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread Recipe

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• Author: Amine El Ouarti
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (8-10 slices) 1x

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Description

This moist and tangy Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty sweetness of orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a festive treat!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice
• 1/2 tsp orange zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix melted butter, orange juice, and eggs.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the cranberries.
5. Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Make the Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
7. Glaze the Bread: Let the bread cool, then drizzle with the orange glaze.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor, but frozen works well too.
• For extra texture, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
• Store leftover bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more orange juice or powdered sugar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 240 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 4g