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Cranberry Orange Bread

This festive quick bread combines tart cranberries with bright orange flavor in a moist, buttery loaf. Finished with orange glaze, it's perfect for holiday baking.

Featured in Fresh-Baked Comfort.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:59 GMT
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A sliced loaf cake topped with white icing and fresh cranberries, displayed on a white plate with halved oranges in the background. Pin it
A sliced loaf cake topped with white icing and fresh cranberries, displayed on a white plate with halved oranges in the background. | zestplate.com

Looking for an easy homemade holiday treat? This Cranberry Orange Bread is pure winter magic! My homemade version is packed with tart cranberries and fresh orange flavor, topped with the most amazing citrus glaze. This easy recipe makes your whole house smell like Christmas, and it's perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting!

What You'll Need

  • The Base: Soft butter makes this easy recipe extra rich.
  • Sweet Stuff: Regular sugar for the perfect homemade sweetness.
  • Fresh Flavors: Real orange juice and zest make this recipe pop.
  • Fresh Eggs: Room temp for this homemade bread.
  • The Good Milk: Half-n-half makes it super moist.
  • Extra Touch: Vanilla deepens these easy flavors.
  • Dry Mix: Regular flour and baking powder for lift.
  • Star Players: Fresh or frozen cranberries for this homemade treat.
  • Glaze Magic: Just powdered sugar, milk, and orange juice.

Let's Start Baking

Get Ready
For this homemade bread, line your 9x5 pan with parchment - makes it so easy to lift out later!
Mix It Up
Start this easy recipe by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy. Add your orange zest, eggs, and wet ingredients, then fold in the dry stuff gently.
Layer of Love
This homemade version gets extra special - pour half the batter, add cranberries, then repeat. Makes every slice gorgeous!
Baking Time
Pop it in at 350°F. This easy recipe takes about an hour - your house will smell amazing!
Final Touch
Let your homemade bread cool completely before adding that dreamy orange glaze.

My Best Tips

For perfect homemade bread every time: Measure your flour carefully for this easy recipe - spoon it into the cup and level it off. Don't overmix your batter - just until everything comes together. Sometimes I dust this homemade version with powdered sugar instead of glaze. And if you use a smaller pan, just bake it a bit longer!

Keep It Fresh

Your homemade bread stays good wrapped tight at room temp for a few days. This easy recipe keeps even longer in the fridge - about a week! Want to freeze your homemade loaf? Wrap it well and it'll keep for two months. Just thaw overnight when you're ready for a slice.

A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. Pin it
A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. | zestplate.com

Fresh vs. Frozen Berries

This easy recipe works great with either fresh or frozen cranberries. For my homemade version, I just toss frozen berries right in - no need to thaw! Just remember your easy bread might need an extra few minutes in the oven with frozen berries.

What Makes This Special

This homemade bread is pure holiday joy! The mix of tart cranberries and sweet orange in this easy recipe is just perfect. It looks so pretty on a holiday table, and that homemade glaze makes it extra special. Everyone always asks for this recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, add them frozen but expect slightly longer bake time.

→ What is half-n-half?

Equal parts whole milk and heavy cream. Found near cream in stores.

→ Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, dust with powdered sugar instead for simpler finish.

→ Why line pan with parchment?

Makes removing loaf easier and prevents sticking.

→ Will 8x4 pan work?

Yes, but loaf will be taller and need few extra minutes baking time.

Orange Cranberry Bread

A buttery loaf cake studded with fresh cranberries and bright orange zest, topped with sweet orange glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Breads & Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
02 1 cup granulated sugar.
03 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest.
04 2 large eggs.
05 3/4 cup half-n-half.
06 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla.
07 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
08 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder.
09 1/2 teaspoon salt.
10 1 cup cranberries, divided.
11 1 cup powdered sugar.
12 1 tablespoon whole milk.
13 1 tablespoon orange juice.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F and line 9x5 loaf pan with parchment.

Step 02

Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 03

Add zest, eggs, half-n-half, and vanilla, mixing well.

Step 04

Beat in flour, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 05

Pour half batter in pan, add half cranberries.

Step 06

Add remaining batter and top with remaining cranberries.

Step 07

Bake 1 hour until toothpick comes clean.

Step 08

Cool in pan 1 hour before removing.

Step 09

Whisk glaze ingredients until smooth.

Step 10

Pour glaze over cooled bread and let set.

Notes

  1. Can use frozen berries.
  2. Make ahead friendly.
  3. Perfect holiday bread.
  4. Beautiful presentation.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5 loaf pan.
  • Electric mixer.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (butter, half-n-half).
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat (flour).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 5 g