The Best Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe with Fresh Citrus Glaze2025
Nothing says comfort and celebration quite like the aroma of fresh-baked bread wafting through your kitchen, especially when it’s bursting with tart cranberries, vibrant citrus zest, and topped with a silky orange glaze. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is more than just a seasonal treat—it’s a nostalgic, bakery-style loaf that’s perfect year-round. Whether it’s a holiday brunch, a cozy winter morning, or a thoughtful edible gift, this recipe has you covered.
From its tender crumb to the juicy cranberry bites and the delicate citrus glaze, every slice offers a harmony of flavor, texture, and warmth. With pantry staples and a foolproof method, even beginner bakers can achieve a professional result. This article walks you through every detail, from ingredients and variations to storage and nutrition—designed with both the home cook and search engines in mind.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread
Before diving into the how-to, here’s why this loaf deserves a place in your recipe collection:
- Bursting with Flavor: Sweet and tangy balance thanks to fresh orange zest, juice, and whole cranberries.
- Easy to Make: Simple method and common ingredients.
- Versatile: Enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, tea time, or as a gift.
- Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: That drizzle of glaze gives it a gorgeous, glossy finish.
- Adaptable: Works with fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries, plus lots of optional mix-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the components into two parts: the bread and the glaze.
🥖 For the Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder – Gives rise.
- ½ tsp baking soda – Activates with acidic ingredients for extra lift.
- ½ tsp salt – Balances sweetness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the loaf just enough.
- 1 tbsp orange zest – Adds vibrant citrus flavor (use a microplane).
- ¾ cup buttermilk – Adds moisture and a slight tang.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Keeps the crumb soft and moist.
- 2 large eggs – Bind everything together and help with rise.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth of flavor.
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries – Juicy pops of tartness throughout.
📝 Pro Tip: If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them first. It helps prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
🍊 For the Orange Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
📝 Pro Tip: Adjust the juice to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be pourable but not watery.
Substitution Guide
No buttermilk? No problem. Here are alternatives:
- DIY Buttermilk: Mix ¾ cup milk with 2 tsp lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Yogurt or Sour Cream: Use ¾ cup plain yogurt or sour cream thinned with a splash of milk.
Other substitutions:
- Vegetable oil → Canola oil or melted butter
- Cranberries → Dried cranberries (use 1 cup, soaked in warm water or orange juice for 10 min)
- Orange zest → Lemon zest (for a twist!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this foolproof recipe from start to finish:
🔪 Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures your bread releases cleanly after baking.
🥣 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
🍊 Step 3: Combine Sugar and Orange Zest
In a medium bowl, mix the granulated sugar and orange zest. Use your fingers to rub them together—this releases natural oils and boosts flavor.
🧈 Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
To the sugar-zest mixture, add:
- Buttermilk
- Oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth and combined.
🧁 Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently using a spatula or wooden spoon. Don’t overmix—stop when there are no streaks of flour left.
🍒 Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries
Fold in cranberries with a light hand. Reserve a handful to press on top before baking. This gives your loaf a picture-perfect finish.
📝 Pro Tip: Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour first to prevent them from sinking.
🔥 Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top and press in the reserved cranberries. Bake for 50–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
📝 Pro Tip: If the top browns too fast, cover loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.
❄️ Step 8: Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then remove and let it cool fully on a wire rack before glazing.
🍊 Step 9: Make the Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar and fresh orange juice until smooth. Drizzle generously over the fully cooled bread. Let it set before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry orange bread is delicious warm or at room temperature. Try these pairings:
- ☕ With coffee or a cinnamon latte
- 🍵 Alongside herbal tea like chamomile or orange spice
- 🧈 Toasted with a pat of butter for breakfast
- 🍨 Served with vanilla ice cream for dessert
Storage Tips
Make your loaf last longer with these tips:
🏠 Room Temperature
Wrap tightly in plastic or store in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for up to 3 days.
❄️ Refrigerator
Store for up to 7 days. Bring to room temp before eating.
🧊 Freezer
Wrap unglazed loaf in plastic, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice)
Estimated based on 10 slices:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbs: 42g
- Sugar: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
📝 Note: Exact values may vary depending on ingredients and serving sizes.
Variations to Try
🍋 Lemon Cranberry Loaf
Swap orange zest and juice for lemon. Add a lemon glaze for a zippy twist.
🍫 Cranberry Orange Chocolate Chip
Add ½ cup mini dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
🌰 Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
🧁 Make it Muffins!
Scoop into muffin tins and bake for 18–22 minutes at 350°F. Makes 12 muffins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1 cup dried cranberries. Soak in warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to soften.
Q2: Can I skip the glaze?
Absolutely. The bread is still flavorful on its own.
Q3: What’s the best way to zest an orange?
Use a microplane or fine grater. Only zest the outer orange layer, avoiding the white pith.
Q4: Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend with xanthan gum.
Q5: Why did my cranberries sink?
Toss them in a bit of flour before folding into batter.
Troubleshooting Guide
| Issue | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Bread too dense | Overmixed batter | Mix gently until just combined |
| Glaze too runny | Too much juice | Add more powdered sugar |
| Top is too brown, inside underbaked | Oven too hot / placed too high | Bake on center rack, tent with foil |
| Loaf sticks to the pan | No parchment or greasing | Always grease + use parchment |
Final Thoughts: Bake Joy Into Every Slice
Cranberry Orange Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s an experience. A warm loaf shared with family, a thoughtful homemade gift, or a moment of comfort with your morning coffee. This easy, adaptable, and bakery-worthy treat proves that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable.
Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a sweet homemade moment, this recipe brings joy, color, and flavor to every season.
