There’s something truly magical about baking, isn’t there? The aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen can instantly lift your spirits. Today, I’m thrilled to share my orange cranberry bread glaze recipe, which is a delightful fusion of tangy cranberries and zesty oranges. It’s like a burst of sunshine on a gloomy day! Each slice is moist and flavorful, and that sweet glaze on top? Oh wow, it’s the cherry on the cake—err, bread! Trust me, whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or serving it at a gathering, this bread will become a favorite in no time. Let’s dive into this delicious adventure together!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (washed and roughly chopped)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2-3 oranges)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because you want that oven nice and hot when your bread goes in!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended. This helps to ensure even rising later on.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of fresh orange juice, and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Make sure everything is combined nicely; you want a smooth mix to give your bread that lovely texture.
- Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—lumps are just fine!
- Next, fold in the 1 cup of fresh cranberries and 1 teaspoon of orange zest. This is where the magic happens! The cranberries add a pop of flavor and color, and the zest will brighten everything up.
- Grease a loaf pan (I usually use a 9×5-inch one) and pour your beautiful batter into it, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Now, pop that loaf pan into your preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If it’s still gooey, give it a few more minutes.
- Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove.
- After that, gently remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, we can whip up the glaze!
- For the glaze, simply mix the 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice in a bowl until smooth. Drizzle this delicious glaze over the cooled bread, and oh my goodness, it’s going to look divine!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy to whip up—perfect for those busy mornings!
- The flavor is absolutely phenomenal; the sweet and tart balance of cranberries and oranges is to die for!
- This bread is versatile; it’s perfect for breakfast, a delightful snack, or even as a dessert!
- It makes a stunning centerpiece for gatherings or brunches, and everyone will be asking for the recipe!
- Best of all, that sweet orange cranberry bread glaze takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful orange cranberry bread. Remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect:
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 3g
This bread is not just delicious; it’s also a satisfying treat that fits nicely into a balanced diet. Enjoy it guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this orange cranberry bread glaze. Just make sure to add them straight from the freezer without thawing to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
You’ll know the bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you see a little batter sticking to it, give it a few more minutes in the oven. It’s better to check a couple of times than to overbake!
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes! This bread stores wonderfully. You can make it a day in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The flavors even get better as it sits!
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don’t have orange juice on hand, you can use apple juice or even a splash of lemon juice mixed with water. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly!
How can I store leftovers?
To keep your orange cranberry bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your orange cranberry bread glaze turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and real orange juice make a world of difference in flavor! If you can, squeeze your own orange juice for that vibrant taste.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. A few lumps are totally fine! Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Every oven is a little different, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark. If it’s not set yet, give it an extra 5-10 minutes, but keep a close eye on it!
- Cool it right: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it hold its shape and makes it easier to slice later on.
- Storage matters: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to making the most incredible orange cranberry bread glaze that everyone will love!
Variations
One of the best things about this orange cranberry bread glaze is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to suit your taste or to use what you have on hand. Here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Mixed Berries: Swap out the cranberries for a mix of blueberries and raspberries for a delightful berry twist! The sweetness of the blueberries pairs beautifully with the orange flavor.
- Spiced Orange Cranberry: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor. This is especially nice during the fall and winter months!
- Apple Cinnamon: Toss in some diced apples along with the cranberries for added moisture and sweetness. A dash of cinnamon will enhance the flavor even more!
- Coconut Orange Bread: Mix in 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut for a tropical touch. The coconut adds a chewy texture that complements the orange nicely.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add a cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist! The chocolate melts just right, creating a gooey surprise in each slice.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. They add a lovely texture that balances the softness of the bread.
Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination! Each variation brings its own unique flair to the orange cranberry bread glaze, making it a delightful treat every time you bake it.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious orange cranberry bread fresh, it’s important to store it properly. Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This helps lock in moisture and keeps it from drying out. You can store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, but if you want to keep it longer, I recommend freezing it!
To freeze, simply slice the bread into individual portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can grab just the right amount whenever you’re craving a slice of that sweet goodness! It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a piece, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
For reheating, you can pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds if you like it warm. Or, if you prefer a bit of crispiness, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. The glaze will soften a bit, and the bread will regain its lovely texture, making it taste as good as fresh-baked!
Print
Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze: 5 Reasons to Indulge Today
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious orange cranberry bread topped with a sweet glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, orange juice, and vegetable oil.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries and orange zest.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- Great for breakfast or as a snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: orange cranberry bread glaze
