Cranberry Orange Loaf with Glaze — A Festive Burst of Citrus

Introduction to Cranberry Orange Loaf

Embrace the holiday spirit with this vibrant cranberry orange loaf with glaze. This delightful bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a perfect treat for festive gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed, this loaf is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

Soft, moist, and bursting with fresh cranberries and orange zest — this cranberry orange loaf is a holiday favorite that tastes like Christmas morning!

🕒 Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Bake Time: 50–55 minutes

• Cooling Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Servings: 8–10 slices

🧂 Ingredients

For the Loaf

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• 1½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk or plain yogurt

• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)

• 2 tablespoons orange juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tablespoon flour)

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons orange juice

• ½ teaspoon orange zest (optional for stronger flavor)

🔪 Directions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients
   In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
   Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
   Stir in orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla.

4. Combine Mixtures
   Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
   Mix until just combined — do not overmix.

5. Fold in Cranberries
   Gently fold in the floured cranberries to evenly distribute them in the batter.

6. Bake
   Pour into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Glaze
   Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth and slightly thick.
   Drizzle over the cooled loaf and allow it to set before slicing.

💡 Pro Tips

• Tossing cranberries in flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom.

• Substitute lemon for orange for a fresh twist.

• For extra shine, brush the top with warm orange syrup before glazing.