Imagine sinking your teeth into a moist, tangy-sweet bread that combines the vibrant zest of oranges with the rich, tart burst of cranberries. This Cranberry Quick Bread with Orange Glaze isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary moment of pure deliciousness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a weekend kitchen adventurer, this recipe promises to elevate your baking game and impress everyone from family to unexpected guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, vegetable oil, egg, and orange zest until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be slightly thick and lumpy.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together in a small bowl until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the orange glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally run down the sides.
- Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: This helps create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter and ensures better rising.
- Don't overmix the batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dense bread.
- Check for doneness early: Start testing with a toothpick around 40 minutes to prevent over-baking.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a tablespoon of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients.
- If using fresh cranberries instead of cranberry sauce, chop them finely and toss in a little flour to prevent sinking.
- Let the bread cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from becoming too runny.
- Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain moisture for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 25mg
