Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread
There’s something undeniably comforting about baking a loaf of Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread. This scrumptious treat emerges from the oven with a golden crust, emanating the heady aroma of citrus and warm spices. Each slice is a delightful balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the vibrant cranberries punctuated by the zesty burst of orange. Not only is this bread easy to whip up, but it also provides a sense of nostalgia that makes it perfect for sharing. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this decadent bread will leave you craving more.
What makes this recipe truly special is how quickly it’s made. In less than an hour, your kitchen can become a bakery filled with mouthwatering scents and delicious vibes. It’s perfect for kids eager to help and adults looking to relive cherished memories. This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is not just food; it’s an experience, and I promise you won’t want to skip it.
Are You Ready for a Slice of Happiness?
When was the last time you enjoyed a slice of bread that made your heart sing with joy? Maybe you remember a family gathering where your grandmother’s special recipe would bring everyone together, or perhaps it’s that time you indulged in a bakery treat that left you dreaming of the next bite. This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is all about those sweet moments—each slice is a ticket to blissful nostalgia. Are you ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to an unforgettable experience?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just a feast for the tastebuds; it’s a lovely addition to your recipe collection that checks all the boxes:
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Easy Prep: Minimal fuss means you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying life.
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Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for brunches, holiday gatherings, or cozy family nights, this bread is sure to impress everyone.
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Minimal Ingredients: With simple staples often found in your pantry, this recipe won’t break the bank.
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Hearty Flavor: The combination of orange and cranberries creates a delightful medley that tantalizes your palate.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons orange juice
Each ingredient is selected for its role in creating the perfect loaf, enhancing texture and flavor. The cranberries provide vibrant bursts of tartness that contrast beautifully with the sweet glaze, while the zesty orange adds a refreshing brightness to every bite.
Timing
Making Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a delightful blend of quick and indulgent. You’ll have a delicious loaf ready in just about an hour, packing in the pleasure without the lengthy preparation time you might expect from an impressive dessert.
Step-by-Step
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Preheat Oven to 350°F: Set the stage for the warm, inviting aroma that will fill your kitchen.
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Prepare the Loaf Pan: Spray a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray for easy release.
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Create the Streusel: In a bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until small pea-sized crumbs form. Place this mixture in the refrigerator while preparing the bread.
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Bread Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the 2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture forms the backbone of your bread.
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Whisk the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until combined. Then, add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest for a rich flavor profile.
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Combine Flour Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Don’t be overzealous; a few lumps are just fine!
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Add Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and optional nuts to add extra texture.
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Pour into Loaf Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
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Add Streusel Topping: Sprinkle the chilled streusel mixture over the top of the batter for that lovely crunch.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check the bread halfway through; you may need to cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
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Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
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Make the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together confectioners sugar and orange juice until smooth, then drizzle it over your cooled bread.
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Slice and Serve: Cut a warm slice and enjoy the gooey goodness of the glaze melding with the tender loaf.
Bringing this recipe to life is not just about the end product, but also about enjoying the intoxicating scents and textures along the way.
Nutritional Information
A typical slice of Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is around 250 calories, depending on portion size. While indulging in a little sweetness is delightful, be mindful of how it fits into your daily nutritional needs.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make this recipe a bit lighter, consider swapping out regular flour for whole wheat flour, using unsweetened applesauce instead of some butter, or experimenting with low-calorie sweeteners. Almond milk can replace buttermilk for a dairy-free option, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy this fabulous treat!
Serving Suggestions
Picture this: a warm slice of Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a heavenly dessert experience that’s both comforting and refreshing. Perfect for cozy holiday gatherings, brunches with friends, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion!
Common Mistakes
Be cautious of the following pitfalls when baking your bread:
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Overbaking: This will lead to dry bread rather than the moist texture you desire. Keep an eye on the timer!
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Texture Issues: Mixing too much can create a tough loaf. Gently fold your ingredients until just combined.
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Messes: Prepare for clean-up by organizing and measuring ingredients beforehand, minimizing chaos in your kitchen.
Storing Tips
For those who can’t finish an entire loaf, don’t fret! You can slice the bread and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze. Just reheat in the microwave or toaster for a quick treat!
Tempting You to Bake It ASAP
With its enchanting blend of flavors and delightful texture, it’s hard to resist the allure of Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread. This recipe captures the magic of baking, making it perfect for cozy moments at home. Whether for a simple afternoon snack or an elaborate holiday spread, fans of all ages will adore it. So why wait? Preheat your oven, gather those ingredients, and let that magical bread take shape!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly and save you some prep time. -
What can I use instead of buttermilk?
You can use a mix of milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to substitute for buttermilk. -
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-friendly version. -
How can I add more flavor to the glaze?
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract to enhance the glaze’s taste. -
Can this recipe be doubled for gatherings?
Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans for twice the delight.
Enjoy creating this amazing loaf and let it bring joy to your kitchen and table!
Print
Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread
- Total Time: 60-75 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting loaf of Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread that balances sweet and tart with a delightful citrus aroma.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup confectioners sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5 inch loaf pan with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until small pea-sized crumbs form. Refrigerate.
- In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Then add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and optional nuts.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the chilled streusel mixture over the top of the batter.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, checking halfway through to cover loosely with foil if necessary.
- Let the bread cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together confectioners sugar and orange juice for the glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled bread.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
For a lighter version, consider using whole wheat flour and swapping some butter for applesauce. Storing tips: wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze. Heat in microwave or toaster when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
