Let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up during the holidays—this orange cranberry bread glaze! Wow, it’s such a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors that just makes your taste buds sing! I remember the first time I made this bread; my kitchen was filled with the fresh scent of oranges and cranberries, and I could hardly wait for it to come out of the oven. It’s such a joy to slice into that golden loaf and see the vibrant red cranberries peeking through. And let’s not forget the glaze! Drizzling that citrusy goodness on top takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this again and again, whether for a cozy brunch or as a thoughtful gift for friends and family!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped (or you can substitute with dried cranberries if needed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest (this really amps up the flavor!)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for getting that lovely golden crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything is well combined. It’s like a little party of dry ingredients!
- In another bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with the orange juice, vegetable oil, and grated orange zest. This is where the magic starts to happen—just imagine that vibrant orange aroma filling the air!
- Now, gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay; we want that bread to stay fluffy and tender.
- Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries, being gentle so they don’t break apart too much. You want those gorgeous bursts of tartness throughout your bread!
- Next, pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Make sure it’s evenly spread out for even baking.
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. I usually check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Once it’s baked to perfection, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set without getting soggy!
- And here comes the best part—once it’s completely cool, you can glaze it with that sweet citrus glaze you’ve been dreaming about!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—perfect for beginner bakers or anyone short on time!
- Ideal for the holidays, filling your home with that cozy, festive aroma.
- The delightful combination of sweet orange and tart cranberries is simply irresistible!
- Great for gifting—wrap it up in a cute package and watch your friends smile!
- You can enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. It’s versatile!
- The citrus glaze takes the flavor over the top, making each bite a treat!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries really make a difference in this recipe! They provide that perfect tartness and burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, dried cranberries work in a pinch, but the freshness is truly unbeatable.
- Don’t overmix the batter: This is key to keeping your bread fluffy and tender. Mix until just combined—trust me, a few lumps are totally fine. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we definitely don’t want that!
- Check for doneness properly: Use a toothpick to test the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs clinging to it but no wet batter. Remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it as it bakes!
- Let it cool: After baking, give your bread some time to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it set and prevents it from becoming soggy!
- Glaze it when cool: Make sure your bread is completely cool before drizzling on that delicious citrus glaze. It’ll soak in a bit and create a beautifully shiny finish!
Variations
- Add nuts: For a delightful crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans. They complement the cranberries beautifully!
- Spice it up: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor that screams comfort food!
- Chocolate twist: If you’re feeling adventurous, fold in some mini chocolate chips along with the cranberries for a sweet surprise in every bite!
- Glaze variations: Mix things up by adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of almond extract to your glaze. It adds an extra layer of flavor that you won’t want to miss!
- Citrus medley: Experiment with different citrus fruits! Lemon or lime zest can be swapped in for a bright twist, or you can combine them with the orange for a zesty explosion.
- Dried fruit mix: Use a mix of dried fruits like apricots or raisins instead of cranberries for a different take on the texture and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy this fabulous orange cranberry bread glaze! It’s truly versatile and pairs beautifully with so many things. Here are a few of my favorite serving ideas:
- With a warm cup of coffee: There’s nothing quite like enjoying a slice of this bread with your morning coffee. The sweet and tangy flavors complement that rich brew perfectly!
- As part of a brunch spread: Imagine this bread on a beautiful brunch table alongside some fluffy scrambled eggs and fresh fruit. It adds a lovely pop of color and flavor!
- Spread with cream cheese: For an indulgent twist, try slathering a little cream cheese on top of your slice. The creaminess balances the tart cranberries wonderfully!
- Tea time treat: This bread is also a delightful addition to your afternoon tea. Pair it with some herbal tea for a cozy, relaxing experience.
- With a side of yogurt: For a quick snack, enjoy a slice with some yogurt. The creaminess of the yogurt enhances the bread’s flavors!
- Gifting option: If you’re feeling generous, wrap a loaf up and gift it to friends or family. It’s perfect for sharing and will surely brighten someone’s day!
Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, I promise this orange cranberry bread glaze will bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for a single slice of this delicious orange cranberry bread glaze. Keep in mind that these numbers can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
This bread is not only a tasty treat but also a lovely balance of flavors and nutrients! Enjoy it as part of a balanced diet, and feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your dietary preferences!
FAQ Section
How should I store the orange cranberry bread?
I recommend storing your bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge, where it can last up to a week. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!
Can I freeze this bread?
Absolutely! This bread freezes beautifully. Just slice it first, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh for about 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can definitely use dried cranberries. Just make sure to reduce the sugar a bit since dried cranberries are sweeter. You could also try using blueberries or chopped apples for a different twist!
What’s the best way to enjoy this bread?
Oh, there are so many delicious ways! You can enjoy it plain, toasted with a bit of butter, or even paired with cream cheese for a richer treat. It’s also fantastic with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for a good gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add a bit yourself to help with the texture. Remember to check the baking time, as it might vary slightly.
Can I add more spices for extra flavor?
For sure! Feel free to add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy flavor. You can even try a pinch of ginger for a little extra zing!
What if my bread is too dry?
If your bread turns out a bit dry, it could be due to overbaking. Make sure to keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking. If it’s already dry, try serving it with a drizzle of glaze or a spread of butter to add some moisture back in!
For more delicious recipes, check out Classic Vanilla Sponge Cake or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup!
Imprimer
Orange Cranberry Bread Glaze: 7 Irresistible Tips for Success
- Temps Total: 75 minutes
- Rendement: 1 loaf 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A sweet and tangy bread featuring orange and cranberry flavors, topped with a citrus glaze.
Ingrédients
- 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 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, orange juice, oil, and orange zest.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before glazing.
Notes
- Store bread in an airtight container.
- Can substitute dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable.
- Adjust sugar for desired sweetness.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 60 minutes
- Catégorie: Baked Goods
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 28g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 3g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: orange cranberry bread glaze
