Introduction
Elevate your holiday baking with this vibrant Glazed Cranberry Orange Loaf. This recipe combines zesty citrus notes with tart cranberries, creating a moist, gourmet-quality dessert that is perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy afternoon tea.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tbsp orange zest
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup melted butter or vegetable oil
1 large egg, room temperature
For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a separate bowl, combine the egg, melted butter, orange juice, and orange zest.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined (do not overmix).
Toss the cranberries in a teaspoon of flour, then fold them into the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
How to Make
Allow the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack before applying the glaze to ensure a smooth finish.
Whisk the powdered sugar and orange juice together until the glaze is thick but pourable.
Drizzle the glaze generously over the top of the loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides as seen in image_3.png.
Top with a few extra dried cranberries or orange zest for a professional presentation.
Variations
Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup of choppedwalnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture.
White Chocolate: Fold in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile.
Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flax egg and use melted coconut oil instead of butter.
Tips
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your egg and juice are at room temperature to prevent the melted butter from curdling.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter only until the streaks of flour disappear to keep the loaf light and airy.
Prevent Sinking Fruit: Tossing cranberries in a little flour before adding them prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal per slice
Total Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Healthy Benefits
Vitamin C Boost: Fresh orange juice and zest provide a natural source of Vitamin C to support immune health.
Antioxidant Rich: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that help fight inflammation.
Heart Health: Using vegetable oil or heart-healthy fats can make this a smarter treat choice.
Conclusion
This Glazed Cranberry Orange Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether you are serving it at a holiday brunch or gifting it to a neighbor, its beautiful appearance and bright flavor make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.