CRANBERRY ORANGE BREAD WITH SIMPLE GLAZE

Indulge in the ultimate homemade delight with our Cranberry Orange Bread recipe, a perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. This easy-to-make bread is not just a feast for your taste buds but also a great addition to your collection of baking recipes. Ideal for holiday seasons or as a special weekend treat, this recipe combines the zestiness of fresh oranges and the tartness of cranberries, creating a delectable and moist bread that’s sure to impress. Topped with a simple yet irresistible orange glaze, this bread is a fantastic option for breakfast, brunch, or as a dessert. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this Cranberry Orange Bread is a must-try. Get ready to bake your way to perfection with this delightful recipe that’s not only delicious but also a great choice for those looking for high-quality, home-baked goods.

Ingredients

For the Bread:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
2. 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
4. 1/2 teaspoon salt
5. 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
6. 3/4 cup orange juice
7. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
8. 1 cup granulated sugar
9. 2 large eggs
10. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11. 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
12. 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

For the Glaze:

1. 1 cup powdered sugar
2. 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Orange Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the orange zest with the orange juice.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the flour mixture and orange mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Add Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).
7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze:

1. Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
2. Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.