Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
If you’re craving a bright, zesty treat that bursts with flavor and warmth, this Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze is exactly what you need. The loaf perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sunny, citrusy notes of orange, all wrapped in a moist, tender crumb. Topped off with a glossy, sweet glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence, this loaf is a showstopper for breakfast, tea time, or even dessert. Each bite is like a cozy celebration of autumn and winter flavors rolled into one irresistible loaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and ensures your Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze turns out just right. Every component plays its own special role in creating that perfect texture, tangy sweetness, and inviting aroma.
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the loaf, providing structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully for a tender crumb.
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside the baking powder to create just enough lift.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar: Adds a mild sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Bursts of citrus oil infuse the batter with fresh, fragrant notes.
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed): Delivers natural sweetness and moisture, making each bite juicy.
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the loaf moist and tender without heaviness.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the texture.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: For that signature tart pop; if frozen, don’t thaw to avoid sogginess.
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): The sweet canvas for the orange glaze that finishes the loaf.
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze): To create a smooth, pourable glaze with a citrus zing.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. This little step guarantees your loaf will pop right out after baking without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. These dry ingredients set the stage for a loaf that rises perfectly and has a light, airy crumb.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, orange zest, fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, and egg until everything is fully blended. This mixture brings moisture, sweetness, and that signature citrus aroma, tying the loaf’s flavor together.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything is combined. The key here is not to overmix, which keeps the loaf tender. Then gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point will be pure joy!
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, whisk together powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the consistency to your liking — thinner for drizzling, thicker for spreading.
Step 7: Finish with a Sweet Glaze
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf. This finishing touch adds that irresistible shine and extra layer of sweet citrus flavor that makes this a true Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze standout.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze
Garnishes
For a festive touch, sprinkle a few fresh cranberries and some extra orange zest on top after glazing. Adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dusting of powdered sugar also creates a beautiful presentation that’s perfect for sharing.
Side Dishes
This loaf pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a delightful morning treat or afternoon snack. Try serving it alongside creamy yogurt topped with honey and toasted almonds for a balanced, refreshing pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the loaf and arrange the pieces on a pretty platter with little bowls of whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for guests to spread as they please. You can also transform slices into mini sandwiches by spreading cream cheese and layering with a few fresh cranberries.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay delicious for up to three days, perfect for enjoying multiple treats without losing moisture.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag to avoid freezer burn. Keep it frozen for up to two months, so you can enjoy the bright flavors anytime you want a quick, sweet snack.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked freshness, thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave for 15-20 seconds works well if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze?
Absolutely! Using frozen cranberries is convenient and just as tasty. Just be sure not to thaw them before folding into the batter to prevent the loaf from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe?
You can swap vegetable oil for melted butter or even coconut oil for a slightly richer flavor. Keep the quantity the same for best results in keeping the loaf moist.
Is it okay to use bottled orange juice instead of freshly squeezed?
While freshly squeezed orange juice gives the best natural brightness, good-quality bottled orange juice can work in a pinch. Just choose one without added sugars or preservatives for best flavor.
How long does the glaze stay fresh on the loaf?
The sweet glaze is best eaten within a day or two. If storing leftovers, keep the loaf covered to prevent the glaze from drying out or becoming sticky.
Can I make this loaf gluten-free?
Replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking is possible, but results may vary. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze a try because it’s one of those recipes that brings sunshine into the coziest days. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange is endlessly comforting, and the sweet glaze adds just the right touch of sparkle. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or yourself, this loaf is a delightful way to share a little joy one slice at a time.
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Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Loaf is a delightful balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor, all wrapped up in a moist, tender cake. Topped with a sweet orange glaze, it makes a perfect breakfast treat, snack, or dessert that’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 0.33 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
Main Flavorings
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, vegetable oil, and the large egg. Mix well until fully combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb. Carefully fold in the cranberries to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Prepare Batter for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly for uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the loaf is fully cooked.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps prevent sogginess.
- Make the Glaze: While cooling, prepare the sweet orange glaze by mixing powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and drizzle-able. Adjust thickness by adding more juice or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze and Serve: Once the loaf has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Slice and serve to enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors.
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with light olive oil or melted coconut oil for different flavor profiles.
- For an extra burst of citrus, sprinkle a little additional orange zest over the glaze before it sets.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This loaf can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before glazing.
- Adjust the glaze consistency as preferred—thicker glaze will create a sweeter topping; thinner glaze will soak more into the loaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of loaf)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry orange loaf, orange glaze, cranberry bread, citrus loaf, sweet glaze loaf, holiday bread, breakfast loaf
