Cranberry Orange Bread: Burst of Sunshine with a Sweet Tangy Glaze (Quick & Easy!)

Imagine sunshine on a plate: vibrant cranberries nestled in fluffy orange-infused bread, drizzled with a sweet yet tangy glaze. This Cranberry Orange Bread isn’t just delicious, it’s effortlessly quick and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re whipping up a festive breakfast, a delightful brunch spread, or a satisfying afternoon snack, this recipe is your new go-to.

Here’s what makes this Cranberry Orange Bread special:

• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh cranberries and orange zest infuse the bread with a delightful citrusy tang, balanced by the sweetness of the glaze.
• Moist and Tender: Simple ingredients ensure a perfectly moist and tender crumb, making every bite a pleasure.
• Easy as Pie: This recipe comes together in just a few steps, making it ideal for busy bakers or beginners.
• Versatile Delight: Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or drizzle with your favorite yogurt for a complete meal.

Ready to bake up some sunshine? Gather your ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup milk (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)

For the Simple Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)

Let’s get baking!

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
2. Whisk dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream wet ingredients: In another bowl, cream together sugar and orange zest until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract and oil.
4. Combine wet and dry: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk and orange juice. Mix just until combined.
5. Fold in the cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed.
6. Bake and cool: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the bread cools, whip up the simple glaze:

1. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice: Start with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and add more as needed to reach a desired consistency (thick but pourable).

Time to enjoy! Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread and slice. Your Cranberry Orange Bread is ready to brighten your day.

Tips and Variations:

• For a deeper orange flavor, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Use frozen cranberries instead of fresh, no need to thaw!
• To prevent a sunken center, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature.
• This bread freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.

So go forth, bake, and enjoy the sunshine on your plate! Share your Cranberry Orange Bread creations with us using #SunshineBread. We can’t wait to see them!