Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf

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This Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf combines the tangy flavors of fresh orange and tart cranberries in a moist, tender bread that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet treat any time of day. The bright citrus notes and bursts of cranberries make every bite delightful, while the simple orange glaze adds a touch of sweetness that complements the bread’s natural flavors. With a quick preparation and bake time, this bread is an easy way to enjoy the fresh flavors of fall and winter.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar (150 grams)
  • ⅓ cup 2% milk
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (260 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups frozen cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for coating the cranberries)

For the Glaze:

  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1–2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberries
    Toss the frozen cranberries with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour in a small bowl. This helps prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking. Set aside.
  2. Make the Batter
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, orange juice, orange zest, and oil until well combined. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients
    In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Take care not to overmix, as doing so may result in a denser bread.
  4. Add Cranberries
    Gently fold the floured cranberries into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed without overmixing.
  5. Bake
    Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Carefully pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s spread evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. Prepare the Glaze
    In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed for a pourable consistency), orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  7. Glaze the Bread
    After the bread has cooled, generously drizzle the glaze over the surface. Allow the glaze to set for several minutes before cutting into slices.

Conclusion

This Zesty Cranberry Orange Loaf is a flavorful and aromatic bread that combines the sweetness of oranges with the tartness of cranberries, making it a delightful treat any time of day. The simple orange glaze adds a beautiful finishing touch that enhances the citrus notes. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a refreshing and satisfying slice of seasonal bliss.