Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry bread is soft, fluffy, and packed with fresh, tart cranberries that balance beautifully with the sweetness of the orange glaze. It’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of citrus and baking spices. Whether served warm out of the oven or enjoyed the next day, it’s a flavorful, eye-catching loaf that brings a little brightness to any season.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Bread:

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Granulated sugar
Orange zest
Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
Milk or buttermilk
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Fresh or frozen cranberries (halved or whole)

For the Orange Glaze:

Powdered sugar
Orange juice
Orange zest (optional for extra zing)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, combine sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingers to release the oils.
Add eggs, orange juice, milk, oil, and vanilla to the sugar mixture. Whisk until well combined.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the cranberries gently.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze. Drizzle over cooled bread and let set before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 1 standard 9×5-inch loaf (about 8–10 slices).
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

Use dried cranberries: Soak in hot water or orange juice for 10 minutes to soften before using.
Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor.
Make muffins: Use a muffin tin and bake for 18–22 minutes.
Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm touch.

Storage/Reheating

Store the bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap the loaf (unglazed) in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze before serving.
To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, no need to thaw—just toss them in a little flour before folding them into the batter to prevent them from sinking.

How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?

Avoid overmixing the batter and measure your flour correctly by spooning and leveling.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh orange juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch. Use fresh zest for brightness.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the bread is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a sweet, citrusy finish.

Why did my cranberries sink?

Toss cranberries with a bit of flour before adding to the batter to help suspend them evenly.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and oil instead of butter.

What’s the best way to zest an orange?

Use a microplane or fine grater, taking only the orange-colored part of the peel—avoid the bitter white pith.

Can I use a different fruit?

Yes, blueberries or chopped cherries are great substitutes, though the flavor will change.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and divide into two loaf pans. Bake both together, checking doneness with a toothpick.

How thick should the glaze be?

It should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add more juice or sugar to adjust consistency.

Conclusion

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a sweet-tart, vibrant loaf that brings together the festive flavors of citrus and cranberries in a simple, elegant bake. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or gifting during the holidays—or anytime you want a burst of brightness on your table. One slice, and you’ll see why this bread is a seasonal favorite worth repeating all year round.