Introduction
Imagine the delightful aroma of freshly baked cranberry orange bread wafting through your kitchen, filling every corner with warmth and sweetness. This easy cranberry orange loaf recipe is a perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavors, topped with the best glazed cranberry bread that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this homemade cranberry orange bread glaze recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our cranberry orange bread with icing is a versatile and flavorful treat that is sure to please your taste buds. This gluten-free cranberry orange bread recipe can be easily adapted to suit various dietary preferences, making it a go-to option for vegans as well. The low sugar cranberry orange bread is a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy any time of the day.
Its moist texture, bursting with cranberries and orange zest, makes it the perfect companion for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. This cranberry orange nut bread is a festive addition to your holiday table, bringing a burst of color and flavor to your Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
For this cranberry orange bread machine recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– Fresh or frozen cranberries
– All-purpose flour
– Sugar
– Baking powder and baking soda
– Salt
– Orange zest and juice
– Eggs (or a suitable egg substitute for a vegan version)
– Butter (or oil for a dairy-free option)
– Vanilla extract
You can also add chopped pecans or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to the specified temperature and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, melted butter or oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries and any nuts, being careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for the specified time until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cranberry orange bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
– To prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter.
– For a vegan version of this recipe, you can use a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer.
– Adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste preferences – the tartness of the cranberries pairs well with a slightly sweeter bread.
– Store any leftover bread in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and moisture.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this cranberry orange bread recipe to suit your preferences:
– Swap the cranberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries.
– Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
– Experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry orange bread with almond glaze is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or a glass of mulled cider for a cozy winter treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh cranberries provide a burst of tartness, you can rehydrate dried cranberries in warm water or orange juice before using them in this recipe.
Q: How long does this cranberry orange bread stay fresh?
A: When stored properly in an airtight container, this bread can stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or longer in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
Indulge in the joy of baking with this delightful cranberry orange bread for Christmas or any special occasion. The combination of tangy cranberries, citrusy orange, and a hint of sweetness in this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Try this moist cranberry orange bread recipe with fresh cranberries today and experience a burst of flavors in every bite.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
A delightful and flavorful cranberry orange bread that combines the tartness of cranberries with the zesty taste of oranges, creating a moist and delicious treat. Perfect for any time of day, this bread is a festive addition to holiday tables.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 eggs (or egg substitute for vegan version)
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or oil for dairy-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter or oil, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
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Combine wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in cranberries (tossed in flour) and nuts.
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Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

