Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze: A Burst of Bright Flavor in Every Slice

First off — thank you for stopping by. Whether you’re here because you love baking, need a vibrant loaf for brunch, or just want something a little festive for your coffee break, I’m so happy to share this one with you.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is one of those recipes that never fails to deliver. It’s easy, it’s stunning, and it tastes like sunshine with a side of sparkle — sweet, tangy, and topped with a citrusy drizzle that brings it all together beautifully.

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🍊 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-bowl, no mixer needed — minimal effort, max reward
• Perfectly balanced flavor — bright orange + tart cranberry = bakery-level bite
• Freezer-friendly — make one now, stash one for later
• Moist, fluffy texture — thanks to fresh juice and melted butter
• Versatile — perfect for breakfast, dessert, or gifting

Whether you’re baking for a holiday table or just for yourself, this loaf is always a good idea.

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😍 What It Tastes Like

Every bite of this bread bursts with contrast: the tang of cranberries, the citrusy punch of orange zest, and the soft, sweet crumb underneath a light, zippy glaze.

It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it’s just rich enough without being heavy. Think of it as the perfect bridge between a muffin and a cake — with enough elegance to impress and enough ease to enjoy often.

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🌟 Benefits of Cranberry Orange Bread

• Vitamin C boost from fresh orange juice
• Antioxidants galore from cranberries
• No artificial flavors — just fresh fruit goodness
• Simple pantry + fridge ingredients
• Naturally festive for holidays or gifting

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, halved (don’t use dried unless rehydrated)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• ¾ cup fresh orange juice
• ⅓ cup melted butter (or neutral oil)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Simple Glaze:

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp fresh orange juice

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🧰 Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Citrus zester and juicer
• 9x5" loaf pan
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
• Wire cooling rack

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🔄 Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

• Greek yogurt or sour cream – add 2 tbsp for extra moisture
• Dried cranberries – soak in orange juice before using
• Chopped walnuts or pecans – stir in ½ cup for added crunch
• Orange extract – add a drop for extra citrus oomph
• Maple glaze – swap out orange juice for maple syrup in the glaze

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👩‍🍳 How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread

Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5" loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl (or directly into the dry, if you prefer), whisk together orange juice, melted butter, egg, and vanilla.

Step 4: Combine

Add wet ingredients into dry, stirring just until combined. Fold in the cranberries gently to avoid smashing them.

💡 Tip: If using frozen cranberries, toss them in a spoonful of flour first — it helps prevent sinking.

Step 5: Bake

Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay).

🔁 If the top is browning too quickly, tent with foil during the last 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Cool & Glaze

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice for the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled loaf, let set for a few minutes, and slice away!

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🍽 What to Serve It With

• A hot cup of coffee or spiced tea
• A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt
• On a holiday platter with cookies, muffins, and fruit
• With brunch eggs and bacon — sweet and savory heaven!
• Toasted with a pat of butter the next morning (yes, please!)

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💡 Pro Baking Tips

• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
• Don’t overmix – it leads to dense bread
• Toss fresh cranberries in flour to prevent sinking
• Let the glaze fully set before wrapping for storage or gifting
• Make it into mini loaves or muffins – just reduce the bake time!

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🧊 Storage & Freezing Instructions

• Room temp: Wrap tightly and store up to 3 days
• Fridge: Store up to 1 week, tightly wrapped
• Freezer: Freeze whole or sliced for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge

🎁 This bread freezes beautifully — make ahead and gift later!

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ℹ️ Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 standard loaf
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled orange juice?
Yes, but fresh juice + zest will give the best flavor.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Definitely — neutral oils like canola or avocado oil work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Add an extra egg for structure if needed.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — it doubles well and makes two standard loaves.

Do I have to glaze it?
Nope! It’s delicious on its own, but the glaze adds that final sweet-citrusy kiss.

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🥰 In Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is proof that a little zest and a handful of cranberries can transform a humble loaf into something extraordinary. It’s cozy, vibrant, and just the right balance of sweet and tart.

Make it for the holidays. Make it for your neighbor. Make it for yourself on a random Tuesday. However you enjoy it — I hope it brings a bit of brightness to your day.