Easy Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze: A Comforting Win!

Okay, friend, let’s chat about something that brings a little sunshine to even the busiest week – Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze! I remember the first time I attempted this bread. I was feeling frazzled, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I needed something… anything… that felt a little bit like a win. I saw a recipe for a citrus cranberry bread, and the idea of that bright, tangy flavor combination just called to me.

The results? A loaf that was devoured in under 24 hours, sticky fingers, and a chorus of “More, please!” It wasn’t perfect that first time; I definitely over-mixed the batter (oops!), but the smiles it brought to my family made it a total comfort food win.

This homemade cranberry orange bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a sanity-saving, cozy hug in bread form. It’s become a staple in our house. The best part? It’s simpler than you think. If you’re a busy mom searching for simple comfort food that delivers big smiles, you’re in the right place. Let’s get baking!

Here’s what you’ll need for this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze comfort adventure. Trust me, this list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: This is the base of our beautiful bread.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Gives the bread a lovely lift.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of molasses.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist.
• 2 large eggs: Binds everything together.
• 1 cup orange juice: The star of our citrus flavor! If you don’t have fresh orange juice on hand, store-bought works too.
• 1 tablespoon orange zest: Don’t skip this! It amps up the orange flavor like crazy.
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Adds a tart and juicy burst.
• For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar: For that sweet, pretty drizzle.
  • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice: To make the glaze the perfect consistency.

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store! This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive. A comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime? I always keep frozen cranberries on hand, so I can whip this up whenever the craving hits. My family gets extra comfort when I add a splash of orange extract to the batter! It really punches up that citrus flavor.

Alright, fellow comfort seekers, let’s dive into making this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze! I’m going to walk you through it like we’re in the kitchen together.

1. Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. I find that a light coating of cooking spray followed by a dusting of flour works best to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed, giving your homemade cranberry orange bread the best texture.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest. Make sure everything is well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
5. Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries. This is where I used to struggle with my Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze – learn from my experience! Be gentle, so you don’t crush the cranberries.
6. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze usually takes about 55-65 minutes to bake. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
7. Bake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze should smell amazing by now!
8. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze looks a little cracked on top; that’s totally normal!
9. Make the Glaze: While the bread is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
10. Glaze and Enjoy: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

While your Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! It’s those little moments that make all the difference.

Okay, so the Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is baked, cooled, and glazed. Now, how do we devour it? Our family has a few favorite ways to enjoy this comforting treat.

The kids devour this comforting Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze when I serve it with a simple side of scrambled eggs for breakfast. The sweetness of the bread pairs perfectly with the savory eggs. It’s also fantastic with a smear of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream. For a simple snack, I’ll slice it up and serve it alongside some yogurt or a few clementines.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a winner at potlucks and holiday gatherings. Presentation-wise, I like to add a few extra orange slices on the serving platter to make it look extra inviting.

If we happen to have any leftover Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze (which is rare!), I love to cube it up and use it in bread pudding. You can also toast slices and top them with a little butter and cinnamon sugar for a quick and easy breakfast. Last year I tried a seasonal variation by adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the batter during the holidays. It was a hit! And every time I make this for friends, they ask for the recipe. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

Here are some common questions I get asked about this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze, answered like I’m helping a fellow mom over coffee!

A: Absolutely! It’s got substance from the flour and eggs, and the cranberries add a bit of fiber. I often pair it with a protein like eggs or yogurt to make it a more complete meal.

A: I get it! Try cutting a small slice and calling it “orange sunshine bread.” Sometimes a fun name can make all the difference. You can also leave out the cranberries in a small portion for them to try.

A: Yes! It keeps well for several days at room temperature or you can freeze it for longer storage. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.

A: You can, but the texture will be different. Dried cranberries are chewier. I would soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter to plump them up a bit.

A: I haven’t tried it myself, but you could experiment with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the texture.

A: You can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Remember, sugar does contribute to the bread’s moisture, so reducing it too much might make it a little dry.

A: Apple juice or pineapple juice would work in a pinch. They’ll give it a slightly different flavor, but still a nice sweetness.

A: Toss the cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps them stay suspended in the bread.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is a winner because it brings a burst of sunshine to our table, no matter how chaotic things get. It’s a simple way to show my family I care, even when I’m juggling a million things. And let’s be real, that glaze? It’s pure happiness. I hope this holiday cranberry bread becomes a comforting staple in your home too!

My Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Comfort Hacks:

• Zest It Up: Don’t skimp on the orange zest! It makes a huge difference.
• Freezer Friendly: Double the batch and freeze one loaf for later.
• Glaze Game Strong: Make extra glaze for dipping!

Family-Tested Variations:

• Chocolate Chip Cranberry Orange Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the batter. My son loves this version!
• Nutty Cranberry Orange Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. My husband prefers this version.
• Spiced Cranberry Orange Bread: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the batter.

Remember, friend, baking should be fun and stress-free. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Add your favorite spices, swap out ingredients, and adjust it to your family’s taste.

I hope this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze brings as much joy to your family as it does to mine. Happy baking, and remember, you’ve got this! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my Maple Glazed Chicken with Sweet Potatoes. If you are looking for something else with orange, try these Christmas Cookies with Orange Juice. Or if you want a handheld breakfast alternative, try these Cranberry Orange Scones.

Cranberry Bread with Orange Glaze (VIDEO) – NatashasKitchen.com is a great place to get more baking tips. I encourage you to try this satisfying Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze and share the love! The recipe from The Best Glazed Cranberry Orange Bread – Mel’s Kitchen Cafe is another one I have heard great things about, so feel free to give that one a try too. Another fantastic source for the best glazed orange bread is Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread – Sally’s Baking. Let me know what you think of this comforting Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze!