Orange Cranberry Bread with Zesty Orange Glaze

Dive into the world of baked goods with this delectably moist and flavorful Orange Cranberry Bread, topped with a zesty orange glaze. This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the vibrant taste of orange to create a loaf that’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful dessert. Let’s bake a bread that’s sure to brighten your table and impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Bread:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1.5 tablespoons orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest

Instructions:

Making the Bread:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
   • Let’s get started by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures that your dish will cook evenly and thoroughly. Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the bread after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and orange zest until the sugar is fragrant. Add the all-purpose flour and baking powder to the bowl, and whisk until well combined.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly. Mix in the melted butter, buttermilk, orange juice, and vanilla extract until everything is well incorporated.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
   • Slowly incorporate the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until they are just blended together. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture in the final dish. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender crumb.
5. Fold in the Cranberries:
   • Gently fold the roughly chopped cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly.
6. Bake:
   • Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread emerges clean, indicating that it’s thoroughly baked.
7. Cool:
   • After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before applying any glaze or additional toppings. This ensures that the bread sets properly and maintains its texture.

Making the Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and pourable.
2. Glaze the Bread:
   • Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it run down the sides. Let the glaze sit undisturbed until it sets before slicing the bread. This ensures that the glaze adheres properly and adds a delicious finishing touch to your creation.

This Orange Cranberry Bread with its bright and tangy flavors is a treat for the senses. The sweet-tart cranberries complement the citrusy orange in every bite, and the luscious orange glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness that makes this bread irresistible. Enjoy this delightful loaf as a special treat that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to any occasion.