Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Introduction
There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about baking a fragrant loaf that fills the kitchen with citrus brightness and warm sweetness, and Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze captures that feeling perfectly.
This loaf is the kind of recipe that feels both homey and elevated at the same time.
Whether you’re preparing a holiday breakfast, a brunch centerpiece, or simply craving a cozy baked treat on a Sunday morning, Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze delivers flavor, texture, and aroma in ways that make it unforgettable.
What sets this recipe apart is the balance of fresh cranberries—which offer a juicy, tart burst in every slice—and the sun-kissed freshness of orange zest, syrup, and glaze.
These flavors don’t just complement each other; they enhance one another, resulting in a loaf that tastes bright and refreshing but still comforting.
The yogurt keeps the crumb moist and tender, the syrup infuses citrus throughout the bread, and the glaze adds a glossy, sweet finish.
Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is ideal for gifting, sharing, slicing, or savoring slowly with a warm beverage in hand.
Because it stays moist for days, transports well, and slices beautifully, Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze also works for potlucks, bake sales, or make-ahead holiday breakfasts.
Its versatility, simplicity, and irresistible flavor make it a go-to recipe for bakers of all levels.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is thoughtfully developed to create the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and structure. One of the key reasons Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze works so well is the combination of yogurt and oil, which produces an exceptionally tender crumb that doesn’t dry out.
Yogurt adds richness and slight tang, while oil helps maintain softness even after cooling.
The cranberries are lightly coated in flour before being folded into the batter, which prevents them from sinking and ensures they remain evenly distributed throughout the loaf.
This simple step guarantees that every bite of Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze has color, juiciness, and contrast.
Another major reason this recipe succeeds is the two-part orange flavoring process. First, you have the zest and juice baked into the loaf.
Then, while still warm, the bread is soaked with orange syrup, which infuses the crumb with citrus from inside out.
The final touch—the glaze—adds sweetness and shine. Together, these layers make Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze vibrant, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.
Even novice bakers can follow this method and achieve bakery-quality results at home.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
The ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze are simple and easy to find, yet they work together to create a loaf that feels special.
For the Loaf:
1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
1 cup sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or thawed frozen)
For the Orange Syrup:
1/3 cup fresh orange juice
1/3 cup sugar
For the Orange Glaze:
1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Having these ingredients prepped and measured ensures the entire baking process goes smoothly and allows you to enjoy the creation of Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze without stress.
How To Make This Recipe
This step-by-step guide will help you create Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze with confidence and ease.
Step 1: Prepare Your Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly, then dust with flour and tap out the excess.
Proper pan preparation ensures that Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze releases cleanly and maintains its beautiful shape.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl. Sifting aerates the mixture so your loaf bakes light and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and vegetable oil. This fragrant mixture forms the moist, flavorful base of Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ones, whisking gently to avoid overmixing. Overmixing can create a dense loaf, so mix only until combined.
Step 5: Prepare and Add Cranberries
In a separate small bowl, toss the cranberries with 1 tablespoon of flour. This prevents sinking. Gently fold the coated berries into the batter so they remain whole and evenly distributed in Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze.
Step 6: Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Make and Apply the Orange Syrup
While the loaf cools slightly, combine the orange juice and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from heat.
Use a toothpick to poke holes across the top and sides of the warm loaf, then brush generously with syrup. This infuses Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze with even more citrus flavor.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice until thick yet pourable. Drizzle over the cooled loaf, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the glaze harden for about 15 minutes before slicing into Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze.
Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success
To ensure your Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Use whole-milk yogurt for the richest texture. Low-fat yogurt may result in a drier crumb.
Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added; this keeps the loaf soft.
Flour the cranberries to prevent sinking and maintain visual appeal.
Use fresh orange zest—the oils add brightness that bottled extracts can’t match.
Let the syrup fully soak in to maximize moisture and citrus flavor.
Allow the glaze to harden before slicing, which makes for cleaner, more beautiful slices.
Cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.
Following these tips will ensure that Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze turns out moist, tender, and delicious every time you bake it.
How To Serving
Serving Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is simple because it’s delicious at nearly any temperature.
You can serve it warm, room temperature, or chilled depending on preference. The citrus notes shine most brightly at room temperature, while a slightly warm slice creates an extra-soft texture that many people love.
For clean presentation, use a sharp serrated knife to slice the loaf. Serve slices thick for brunch or thin for afternoon tea. No matter how it’s served, Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze always impresses.
Serving Suggestion
Here are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:
Pair slices with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Add a dollop of whipped cream for dessert-style presentation.
Serve alongside a breakfast spread with eggs, fruit, and yogurt.
Toast lightly and spread with butter for warm, cozy comfort.
These pairings complement the citrus and berry flavors beautifully, making Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze adaptable for many meals.
Time Required
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–55 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
This makes Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze perfect for mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.