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Ultra Moist Cranberry Orange Bread with Zesty Orange Glaze

A moist slice of cranberry orange bread topped with a thick white glaze and whole cranberries.
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You can make this ultra moist cranberry orange bread using simple ingredients. It balances tart cranberries with bright orange zest and finishes with a sweet orange glaze, making it perfect for holiday baking or brunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (full fat recommended for moisture)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or a sturdy whisk to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This step is key for texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Stir in the yogurt, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until just combined.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just incorporated. Do not overmix the batter.
  7. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if using.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
  9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with foil after 40 minutes.
  10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Add more juice, a half teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  12. Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the zesty orange glaze over the top. Slice and serve this breakfast bread idea.

Notes

  • Using fresh cranberries provides the best tart burst, but frozen cranberries work well; do not thaw them before adding them to the batter.
  • For an extra rich loaf, substitute the butter with 1/2 cup of melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though the texture will be slightly different.
  • If you want a stronger citrus flavor, add 1 teaspoon of orange extract along with the vanilla extract.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://completelyyummy.com/cranberry-orange-bread-recipe/