Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze: A Zesty Delight

Brighten Up Your Day with the Perfect Blend of Tart Cranberries and Zesty Oranges

When the craving for a delightful, fruity bread hits, look no further than this Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze. It’s a burst of flavor in every bite, combining the tartness of cranberries with the zesty goodness of oranges. The addition of a simple glaze takes this bread to the next level of deliciousness. Let’s dive into making this citrusy treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or anytime you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Orange Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
• Zest of 2 oranges
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Simple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest:

1. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and the zest of 2 oranges into the dry mixture. Ensure that the cranberries are coated with the flour mixture; this will prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients:

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed orange juice, melted unsalted butter, eggs, and pure vanilla extract.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix. A few lumps are okay.

6. Bake to Perfection:

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.

7. Cool the Bread:

1. Allow the Cranberry Orange Bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Simple Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice. Adjust the amount of juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.
2. Optionally, add the zest of 1 orange to the glaze for an extra burst of flavor.

9. Glaze the Bread:

1. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes.

10. Slice and Serve:

1. Slice the Cranberry Orange Bread and serve it as a delightful treat with your favorite hot beverage.

Tips:

• You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
• If you’re a fan of nuts, consider adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Variations:

• For an extra citrusy twist, you can substitute some of the orange juice in the glaze with lemon juice.
• Make it a Cranberry Orange Nut Bread by adding a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.

Cook’s Note:

This Cranberry Orange Bread is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a delightful addition to your morning routine or afternoon tea. The simple glaze adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy zing that elevates this bread to a whole new level. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it on your own, it’s a treat that captures the essence of citrus season. Happy baking!