Delightful Cranberry Orange Bread with Sweet Glaze

Searching for the ultimate Cranberry Orange Bread recipe? This yogurt-based loaf is bursting with cranberry and orange flavors, making it a perfect treat for the holidays. Whether for breakfast or lunch, it’s a delightful addition to any meal.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed)

For the Orange Syrup:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

How to Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Sweet Glaze

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and oil. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
5. While the loaf cools, prepare the orange syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine the orange juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside.
6. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides of the warm loaf. Brush the syrup generously over the top and sides, allowing it to soak in. Brush again and let the loaf cool completely.
7. For the orange glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl. The mixture should be thick yet pourable; add more juice if necessary. Pour the glaze over the loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread as a sweet treat any time of the year!