Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful baked good that perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing citrus flavor of oranges. Whether you’re a baking enthusiast or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a fantastic choice for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing your loved ones. With a moist and flavorful loaf topped with a glossy glaze, it’s a treat that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
Ingredients
To create this delectable Cranberry Orange Bread, gather the following ingredients:
For the Loaf:
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon |
| Baking powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Plain whole-milk yogurt | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Grated orange zest | 2 teaspoons |
| Pure vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
| Cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed | 1 1/2 cups |
For the Orange Syrup:
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Freshly squeezed orange juice | 1/3 cup |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup |
For the Orange Glaze:
| INGREDIENTS | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Confectioners’ sugar, sifted | 1 cup |
| Fresh orange juice | 2 to 3 tablespoons |
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a larger bowl, whisk together the plain whole-milk yogurt, sugar, eggs, grated orange zest, pure vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, whisking until well combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: In a separate bowl, gently mix the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Carefully fold the cranberries into the batter.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Prepare Orange Syrup: While the loaf is baking, make the orange syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together freshly squeezed orange juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Continue to cook for an additional 3 minutes, then set aside.
- Add Orange Syrup: Once the loaf is out of the oven, use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides. Brush the orange syrup over the loaf, allowing it to soak in. Repeat the brushing process.
- Apply the Glaze: To make the orange glaze, whisk together sifted confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a small bowl. The glaze should be thick yet pourable. Pour the glaze over the loaf, letting it drip down the sides.
- Allow to Set: Let the orange glaze harden for about 15 minutes before serving.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying to enjoy. The combination of cranberries, orange zest, and the luscious glaze creates a symphony of flavors that will impress your taste buds and leave you craving more. Whether served as a snack, dessert, or even as a thoughtful gift, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
