Cranberry Orange Bread: A Bright, Tangy Delight

Cranberry Orange Bread is a perfect blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a soft, buttery loaf. It’s the ideal baked treat for cozy mornings or festive gatherings, offering a pop of flavor in every bite. The delicate glaze adds a sweet touch, making this bread irresistible.

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Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 1 orange (zest and juice)
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs (room temperature)
• ½ cup light cream or milk
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour + 1 tablespoon for dusting cranberries
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups cranberries

For the Glaze:

• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and lightly flour an 8×4-inch loaf pan to ensure easy release.
2. Zest and Juice Orange: Zest the orange and set the zest aside. Juice the orange to get 1 tablespoon of juice for the batter.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the cream and orange juice.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
5. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
6. Prep and Fold in Cranberries: Reserve 2 tablespoons of cranberries for topping. Toss the remaining cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour, shaking off excess. Gently fold them into the batter.
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the reserved cranberries on top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze: Remove the bread from the pan and transfer it to a cooling rack. Mix powdered sugar and milk to create a smooth glaze. Poke small holes in the loaf with a skewer or chopstick and pour the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

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Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Bread

• Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both work well. If using frozen, don’t thaw them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined; overmixing can make the bread dense.
• Extra Orange Flavor: Add a splash of orange extract to enhance the citrus notes.
• Glaze Alternatives: Replace milk with orange juice in the glaze for extra tanginess.

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This Cranberry Orange Bread is as delightful to eat as it is to make. The tart cranberries and bright orange zest bring bold flavors that are beautifully balanced with the sweet glaze. It’s a treat that feels special but is easy enough to make any day of the week!