Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with our Moist Cranberry Orange Bread, a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. This recipe is a copycat version of a beloved bakery favorite, elevated with an abundance of juicy cranberries and a luscious orange glaze. Perfect for gifting or enjoying at home, this loaf stays moist for days, making it an ideal homemade Christmas gift idea.
We’re obsessed with cranberry recipes during the holidays, and this Cranberry Orange Bread is a must-try. Pair it with our Sugared Cranberries or Cranberry Bundt Cake for a festive spread that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Cranberry Bread Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup milk, room temperature
- Zest of 1 large orange, divided
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry
- 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries)
Orange Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency)
Preparation
How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread
- Prep: Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter a 6-cup loaf pan (8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches), dust with flour, and tap out excess.
- Whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Combine milk, zest of 1 orange (reserve 1 tsp for glaze), and orange juice in a measuring cup. Set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until combined. Beat in eggs until well incorporated.
- Add flour mixture in 2 parts, alternating with milk mixture, mixing on low speed until just incorporated. Fold in cranberries tossed with 1/2 Tbsp flour.
- Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350˚F until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Glaze: Mix powdered sugar with reserved orange zest and juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled bread.
Enjoy this Cranberry Orange Bread as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert. It’s a versatile recipe that’s sure to become a holiday staple!