Description
This Cranberry Orange Loaf combines the zesty flavor of oranges with the tartness of fresh cranberries, creating a moist and flavorful bread. A simple orange glaze drizzled on top adds a touch of sweetness, making it an irresistible treat for any time of day.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the loaf:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 3/4 cup (180ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
For the glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan and Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Add the orange zest and whisk to combine.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the orange juice, milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a dense loaf.
- Fold in Cranberries:
- Gently fold the halved cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil halfway through baking.
- Cool:
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Loaf:
- Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top.
- Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a nuttier flavor, consider folding in ยฝ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.
- If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them; just fold them into the batter as is.
- This loaf can be stored at room temperature, wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.