Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss

Name: Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze: 6 Steps to Pure Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
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 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp orange zest; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2 tbsp orange juice (for glaze)

October 15, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite holiday treat: orange cranberry bread with a sweet, luscious glaze! The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with that perfect zing of fresh orange paired with the tartness of cranberries—it’s like a burst of sunshine and cheer! I love making this bread during the holidays, filling my kitchen with the warm, inviting aromas that just scream festive. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like sharing this delightful loaf with friends and family, and watching their faces light up with every slice. You’re going to love it!

orange cranberry bread glaze - detail 1

Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze

2 cups all-purpose flour – this is the base of your bread, giving it that lovely structure.
1 cup fresh cranberries – they add that delightful tartness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness.
1 cup sugar – this balances the tart cranberries and adds lovely sweetness to the bread.
1/2 cup orange juice – fresh is best! It infuses the bread with a bright, citrusy flavor.
1/4 cup vegetable oil – for moisture and to keep the bread nice and tender.
2 eggs – these help bind everything together and give the bread a fluffy texture.
1 tsp baking powder – this is your leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
1/2 tsp baking soda – a little extra lift for that perfect crumb.
1/2 tsp salt – just a pinch to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
1 tsp orange zest – this adds an extra punch of orange flavor that you’ll absolutely love!
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) – sweet and smooth, it’s the finishing touch that makes it irresistible.
2 tbsp orange juice (for glaze) – mix this with the powdered sugar to create a deliciously drippy glaze.

How to Prepare Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the bread rise properly and bake evenly. You don’t want to put your batter in a cold oven; it can lead to uneven baking. So, set that temperature and let the oven warm up while you prepare the rest!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, grab your all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well combined. This step is key! You want to ensure that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the flour to help your bread rise beautifully. A good mix here sets the stage for a fluffy loaf!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, in another bowl, crack in your eggs and add the fresh orange juice, vegetable oil, and that lovely orange zest. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. You’re looking for a nice, creamy consistency here—think of it like a thick smoothie! This mixture is going to bring all that delightful moisture and flavor to your bread.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Time to bring it all together! Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything is combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; we want to keep that bread nice and tender. Once your batter is mixed, toss in those fresh cranberries and fold them in gently. You should have a thick batter that’s studded with bright pops of cranberry!

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Pour your delicious batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. This helps it bake uniformly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Ooh, the smell that fills your kitchen is just heavenly while it bakes—trust me, you’ll be counting down the minutes!

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once your bread is baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. It’s crucial to let it cool completely before glazing—this helps the glaze set nicely instead of sliding off. For the glaze, simply mix the powdered sugar and orange juice until it’s smooth and drippy. Once the bread has cooled, drizzle that sweet glaze over the top, and you’re ready to enjoy a slice of heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—whip this up in just about 15 minutes of hands-on time!
Delightful flavor—each bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tart, thanks to the fresh cranberries and zesty orange.
Perfect for holiday gatherings—this bread is sure to impress family and friends, making it a festive favorite.
Versatile—enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or a dessert. It’s fantastic any time of day!
Simple ingredients—no fancy stuff here! You probably have everything you need right in your pantry.
Beautiful presentation—the glaze adds a lovely finish that makes your bread look as good as it tastes!
Great for sharing—slice it up and watch everyone’s faces light up with joy!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your orange cranberry bread turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips that I swear by:

Use fresh cranberries: If you can find them, fresh cranberries are the way to go! They have a vibrant flavor that really shines in this bread. If they’re out of season, don’t worry—dried cranberries work just fine, but be sure to soak them in a bit of orange juice for extra moisture.
Room temperature ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your eggs and any other cold ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them blend more nicely into the batter.
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want that light, fluffy texture!
Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test! Insert it into the center of the bread, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
Let it cool: Resist the urge to glaze your bread while it’s still warm! Let it cool completely on a wire rack so the glaze sets beautifully instead of sliding off.
Adjust the glaze: If you like your glaze sweeter, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar. Want it a little tangier? Just add a splash more orange juice! Customize it to your liking!
Store properly: Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to wrap it well!

With these tips, I promise your bread will turn out delicious every time. Happy baking!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a quick note before you dive into this delicious orange cranberry bread! Nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the ingredients you use and the brands you choose. The estimates I’m sharing here are based on average values for the ingredients listed, so keep in mind they might not be exact for your specific loaf.

For reference, each slice typically contains about 180 calories, with around 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, and 32 grams of carbohydrates. The sugar content is usually around 15 grams per slice. Remember, these numbers are just a ballpark, so feel free to adjust your ingredients and enjoy your baking experience without a worry!

FAQ About Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze

How should I store the orange cranberry bread?
Keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried cranberries will work just fine. Just make sure to soak them in a little orange juice for about 15 minutes before folding them into your batter. This helps them plump up and adds a nice moisture boost!

What if I don’t have orange juice?
If you’re out of orange juice, you can substitute it with an equal amount of apple juice or even a splash of lemon juice for a different twist. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor a bit!

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum, or add a little to help with the texture. Your bread will still be delicious!

What are some variations I can try?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You could add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch, or even mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Spice it up with a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg, or try incorporating other fruits like blueberries or raspberries!

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Sure thing! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over your bread to get that smooth consistency back.

How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The best way is to do the toothpick test! Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven. If it’s still wet with batter, give it a few more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful orange cranberry bread with its sweet glaze, let’s talk about how to enjoy it to the fullest! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

With a cup of tea or coffee: Nothing beats the combination of warm bread and a cozy beverage. A nice cup of herbal tea or a rich coffee pairs perfectly with the citrusy flavors of the bread.
As part of a brunch spread: Slice it up and serve alongside other brunch favorites like quiches, fruit salads, or even a savory frittata. It adds a lovely sweet touch to your brunch table!
With cream cheese or butter: Spread a little cream cheese or a pat of butter on a warm slice for an extra layer of richness. The creaminess complements the tart cranberries beautifully!
Served with yogurt: Top a slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a deliciously creamy contrast. Add some fresh fruit on the side for a lovely presentation!
As a dessert: Enjoy it as a light dessert after dinner. It’s sweet enough to stand alone, or you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat!

Whichever way you choose, I promise this orange cranberry bread will shine on your table, bringing smiles and warmth to everyone who enjoys it! Happy tasting!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.