Orange Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Introduction

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a delightful combination of tangy citrus and tart cranberries, perfect for any season. Moist and tender thanks to Greek yogurt and melted butter, it features a bright orange glaze that adds a sweet finishing touch.

Ingredients

• 1 large orange, zested and juiced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen/dried cranberries)
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the sides with baking spray or butter and flour.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, eggs, and granulated sugar until the eggs are fully beaten and the mixture is smooth.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense batter.
4. Step 4: Fold in the orange zest and cranberries carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. If desired, scatter a few extra cranberries on top for added texture and appearance.
6. Step 6: Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
7. Step 7: Transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before glazing.
8. Step 8: To make the glaze, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, and confectioner’s sugar in a bowl. Adjust the amount of juice or sugar to reach your preferred glaze consistency.
9. Step 9: Spoon the orange glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use dried cranberries soaked in hot water for 30 minutes if fresh or frozen are unavailable.
• For extra orange flavor, add a drop of orange oil to the batter.
• Substitute lemon juice with orange juice if you prefer a sweeter citrus note.
• Brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after baking for a softer crust.

Storage

Store the orange cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or toaster oven before serving to restore softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries directly without thawing?

It’s best to thaw frozen cranberries and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter to prevent extra moisture, which can affect the bread’s texture.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few dry crumbs, the bread is done. If wet batter sticks to the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again.

Orange Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 142 reviews

This Orange Cranberry Bread is a moist, soft, and flavorful loaf combining the zesty brightness of fresh orange with tart cranberries. Made with Greek yogurt and melted butter, this bread has a tender crumb and a delightful citrus glaze that enhances its festive appeal, making it perfect for holidays or any time you crave a sweet, fruity treat.

• Author: Jeannette
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large orange, zest and juice
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar

Fruits

• 1 cup fresh or thawed cranberries (or 1 cup rehydrated dried cranberries)

Orange Glaze

• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, melted butter, lemon juice, vanilla extract, eggs, and granulated sugar until the eggs are fully beaten and the mixture is smooth.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and to avoid lumps.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to avoid a gummy texture.
4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Gently fold in the fresh or thawed cranberries and the zest from the orange, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
5. Prepare Loaf Pan and Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with baking spray or grease and flour the pan. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Optionally, scatter extra cranberries on top for decoration. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Bread: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes, before adding the glaze.
7. Make the Orange Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh orange juice, orange zest, and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more sugar or juice as desired.
8. Glaze and Serve: Spoon the orange glaze over the semi-cooled bread evenly. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving for a delicious finish.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor, but frozen (thawed and drained) or rehydrated dried cranberries work as well.
• Do not overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the bread tender and soft.
• You can increase orange flavor by adding a drop of orange oil in the batter if available.
• Let the bread cool sufficiently before glazing to prevent glaze from melting and running off.
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread.

Keywords: orange cranberry bread, cranberry bread, orange zest bread, holiday bread, citrus bread, moist bread, Greek yogurt bread, quick bread