Cranberry Orange Loaf with Sweet Glaze

Introduction

When I first baked this Cranberry Orange Loaf, I wasn’t sure how well the tart cranberries and zesty orange would come together. But the result was pure magic! The loaf is incredibly moist, with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. The addition of the fresh orange glaze gives it an irresistible citrusy finish that ties the whole loaf together. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and it became an instant favorite in our house. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or a festive treat, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. The best part? It’s easy to make and fills your kitchen with the most inviting, citrusy aroma.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Loaf

• Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart cranberries paired with the citrusy orange create a delightful combination that isn’t too sweet or too tart.
• Moist and Tender: The addition of butter, milk, and eggs ensures that this quick bread stays soft and moist, even as it cools.
• Fresh Orange Glaze: The homemade orange glaze is the finishing touch that elevates this loaf, adding a sweet and tangy shine on top.
• Simple to Make: This recipe doesn’t require any special baking skills or tools. It’s an easy, no-fuss treat that can be baked in under an hour.
• Festive and Versatile: The bright flavors of cranberry and orange make this loaf perfect for the holidays, but it’s delicious all year round. Serve it at brunch, as a snack, or for dessert, and it will never disappoint.

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Ingredients

For the loaf:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ¼ cup (61 g) whole milk, room temperature
• ¼ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 ½ cups (187.5 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen (unthawed), divided

For the glaze:

• 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream together the butter and granulated sugar until smooth. This will form the base for your loaf’s tender texture.

Step 3: Add the Eggs

• Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to ensure the eggs are fully incorporated, giving the loaf structure and moisture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• In a small bowl, combine the milk, orange juice, and orange zest. This mixture will bring the citrus flavor into the batter and help with the loaf’s moistness.

Step 5: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

• In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the flour mixture and the milk mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed with the hand mixer until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser loaf.

Step 7: Fold in Cranberries

• Using a spatula, gently fold in 1 cup of cranberries. Be careful not to crush the berries, as they should remain whole to create pockets of tartness throughout the loaf.

Step 8: Assemble and Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
• Scatter the remaining ½ cup of cranberries evenly over the top for an extra pop of color and flavor.
• Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. If the top of the loaf begins to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil halfway through baking.

Step 9: Cool the Loaf

• Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

• Once the loaf is cool, prepare the glaze by whisking together the confectioners’ sugar and orange juice in a medium bowl until smooth.
• Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful, sweet finish.

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Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories (this can vary depending on slice size and glaze usage)

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Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 50-55 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

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How to Serve

• As a breakfast bread: Serve slices of this cranberry orange loaf with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful morning treat.
• For dessert: The sweet glaze and bursts of cranberry make this loaf an excellent dessert option, especially when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• At holiday gatherings: The festive colors and flavors make this loaf perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any holiday celebration.
• With a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone: For an added indulgence, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or mascarpone for a creamy, rich contrast to the tart cranberries.
• As a gift: Package slices of the loaf in a decorative box or bag to give as a thoughtful homemade gift to friends or family during the holidays.

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Additional Tips

1. Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor: While frozen cranberries work well, fresh cranberries provide the brightest flavor and color in the loaf.
2. Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense loaf. Mix until just combined to keep the texture light and airy.
3. Make the glaze thinner or thicker: Adjust the amount of orange juice in the glaze depending on your desired consistency. Add more juice for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker glaze.
4. Add nuts for extra texture: If you like a little crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.
5. Make it dairy-free: For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter and the milk with a non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk.

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FAQ

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
   Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Just fold them in gently to avoid turning the batter purple.
2. Can I make this loaf in advance?
   Yes, you can make the loaf a day or two ahead of time. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
3. How do I store leftover loaf?
   Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week.
4. Can I make mini loaves?
   Yes, you can divide the batter into mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time. Mini loaves will bake for around 25-30 minutes.
5. Can I make this without the glaze?
   While the glaze adds a nice sweetness and shine, you can certainly skip it if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
6. How can I make this loaf sweeter?
   If you prefer a sweeter loaf, you can increase the amount of sugar in the batter to 1 cup (200 g), but be careful not to overpower the tartness of the cranberries.
7. Can I use bottled orange juice?
   Freshly squeezed orange juice will give the loaf the best flavor, but if you must, bottled juice will work in a pinch.
8. How can I make this loaf more moist?
   If you find the loaf too dry, you can add an extra tablespoon of butter or a bit more milk to the batter.
9. Can I use a different fruit?
   Yes! You can substitute cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, but be mindful that the flavor will change.
10. What can I do if the loaf is over-baking?
    If the loaf starts to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time to prevent burning.

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Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and citrusy flavors, making it an ideal treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, it’s sure to impress. With its moist texture, burst of fresh cranberries, and vibrant orange glaze, this loaf will quickly become a go-to recipe in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the delicious combination of cranberry and orange, and savor every bite of this

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