Name: Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup milk (room temperature); Zest of 1 large orange (divided); 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry); 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency); 1 tsp orange zest (reserved from the orange above)

There's something so cozy about a slice of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe. The tangy burst of cranberries paired with bright orange zest keeps this bread both refreshing and comforting—a perfect treat for any time you need a little pick-me-up or a festive touch on your table.

Four slices of yellowish cake with red cranberry pieces inside are stacked on a dark rough surface with white icing drizzled on top. There are whole red cranberries scattered around the cake on the surface. To the right is a sliced orange showing its bright orange inside. The texture of the cake looks soft and moist with crumbs around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first bite, this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe will win you over with its soft crumb and zesty sweetness. I remember the first time I made it for holiday guests—they couldn’t stop asking for the recipe, and honestly, it’s pretty simple to whip up even on a busy day.

Juicy cranberries: They add pops of tartness that beautifully balance the sweet orange glaze.
Moist texture: Thanks to the butter and orange juice, this bread stays tender and doesn’t dry out quickly.
Fresh orange zest: It’s what lifts this bread from ordinary to extraordinary by bringing out lively citrus notes.
Perfect for gifting: This loaf keeps well for days, making it a thoughtful homemade present during the holidays.

The image shows two slices of a moist yellow cake with bright red cranberries scattered throughout. The cake layers are thick and soft with a lightly browned crust. A thick white creamy glaze is spread unevenly on top and between the layers, slightly dripping down the sides. The cake is placed on a white marbled textured surface with some crumbs around it, adding to the fresh and homemade look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe lies in its thoughtfully paired ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating a moist, flavorful loaf with the perfect balance of sweet and tart. When shopping, fresh cranberries and a good-quality orange make all the difference for depth and brightness.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder in a neat pile, a pinch of salt scattered delicately, a small white ceramic bowl with milk, fresh whole large orange with a thin strip of zest, a small white bowl filled with freshly squeezed orange juice, a few generous pats of softened unsalted butter, a heap of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a cluster of fresh ripe cranberries, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base for a tender crumb that holds the fruit well.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness and orange notes.
Milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist without weighing it down.
Orange zest: Freshly grated zest gives a vibrant citrus aroma and flavor.
Orange juice: Adds moisture and a natural tang to deepen the taste.
Unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a velvety texture.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while helping with browning.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind ingredients and add structure.
Fresh cranberries: The star ingredient, bursting with tartness that contrasts beautifully with sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze for smooth sweetness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this bread depending on the season—sometimes swapping cranberries for fresh blueberries or adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch. Feel free to experiment; you can't go wrong!

Variation: Once, I added a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter which gave it a warm, cozy depth—perfect for chilly mornings.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep and zest your orange

I always start by zesting one large orange, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith. I divide this zest—most goes in the batter, and I reserve a teaspoon for the glaze. Next, I squeeze fresh juice from that same orange. Fresh is key here; the juice brightens everything up perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. A quick tip: sift these if possible to keep the bread light and avoid clumps.

Step 3: Cream the butter and sugar

Using softened butter makes this step a breeze. I beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy—that fluffy texture helps give the bread a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add eggs, orange zest, and juice

Next, I add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, I stir in the orange zest and juice to infuse it with that amazing citrus aroma.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually, I fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. I like to alternate with a bit of milk to keep the batter smooth and easy to mix. Overmixing is a no-no here to keep the texture tender.

Step 6: Toss cranberries with flour

Before folding cranberries into the batter, I toss them lightly with a bit of flour—that little trick keeps them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Step 7: Bake until golden and fragrant

I pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. You'll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell heavenly by then!

Step 8: Whip up the orange glaze

While the bread cools, I mix powdered sugar, reserved orange zest, and freshly squeezed orange juice to create a smooth glaze. I adjust the juice to get the perfect drizzling consistency—thick enough to coat but thin enough to drip.

Step 9: Glaze and enjoy!

Once the bread is slightly cooled, I pour the glaze on top, letting it cascade down the sides. The glaze adds a lovely glossy sweetness with an extra zing that complements the cranberries so well.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few simple tricks really make a difference in getting the best Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe every time. These save you from common pitfalls and elevate the loaf to something special.

Use fresh cranberries: Frozen ones get too mushy when baked, so stay fresh for that perfect burst of tart flavor.
Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep the bread tender and avoid a dense loaf.
Reserve orange zest for the glaze: It intensifies that citrus flavor and adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Let the bread cool before glazing: Otherwise, the glaze melts away and you lose that lovely shine and flavor layer.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

cranberry orange bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing slices with a sprinkle of extra orange zest and a few whole cranberries to echo the flavors inside. Sometimes I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look, especially around the holidays.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for breakfast, and I’ve also enjoyed it alongside creamy soups and salads for a light lunch. It holds its own whether you’re having a casual snack or a festive brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I slice the loaf, wrap pieces individually in parchment paper, and tie them with twine and a sprig of fresh rosemary or an orange slice. It feels rustic and personal—a hit every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature, and it stays moist for about 3 days—perfect for snacking or an extra breakfast treat.

Freezing

This bread freezes beautifully! I slice it first, then stash slices in a freezer bag, separating them with parchment paper. They thaw quickly for a ready-made snack whenever you need.

Reheating

I like to warm slices in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds to refresh their softness—sometimes adding a tiny dab of butter to make it extra decadent.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

While you can use frozen cranberries, I recommend fresh for the best texture and flavor. Frozen ones tend to release more water, which can make the bread soggy.

How do I prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom?

Toss your cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter. This simple trick helps keep them evenly distributed throughout the bread.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend intended for baking. Just be sure to check if any adjustments are needed based on your flour’s instructions.

How thick should the orange glaze be?

Aim for a drizzle-able consistency: thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still able to drip down the sides of the bread. Adjust with a little extra juice or powdered sugar as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe has become a favorite in my kitchen because it’s both simple and special—a loaf that feels like a warm hug in bread form. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, gifting it to a loved one, or just indulging yourself, it’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll love how fresh cranberries and bright citrus can transform a humble quick bread into something truly memorable.