Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze

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Sure! Here’s a long, beautifully detailed recipe for Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze, complete with history, introduction, ingredients, instructions, methods, and even a poetic conclusion for all the lovers of this sweet, citrus-kissed treat. 🍊🍞🍒

🍊 Orange Cranberry Bread with Glaze 🍞

A Timeless Citrus-Cranberry Classic — Tart, Sweet, and Irresistibly Moist

📜 History & Origins

Orange and cranberry is a flavor combination rooted in North American culinary traditions. Cranberries, native to North America, have long been used by Indigenous peoples for food, medicine, and dye. Oranges, introduced via Spanish explorers, eventually found their way into countless recipes, with their sunny brightness providing the perfect contrast to the tart cranberry. This bread, which marries both, became especially popular during the 20th century as a festive baked good during winter holidays. Today, it’s a year-round favorite, offering comfort with every slice.

💌 A Love Letter to Citrus & Tartness

To the lover of zesty mornings and those who swoon for sweet, tangy desserts — this loaf is for you. Imagine waking up to a golden slice of soft, moist bread filled with ruby-red cranberries and kissed by orange zest. Topped with a luscious orange glaze, it’s a bite of sunshine and warmth.

🛒 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from 1 large orange)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¾ cup fresh orange juice (preferably from the same zested orange)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (adds tenderness and moisture)

Add-ins:

  • 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
  • Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
  • Optional: a touch of orange zest for extra zing

🍽️ Instructions & Method

1. Preheat & Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • Set aside.

3. Cream Butter & Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened butter, orange zest, and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Add Wet Ingredients

  • Stir in the orange juice, sour cream (or yogurt), and vanilla extract.
  • The mixture may look curdled — don’t worry! It will come together once the flour is added.

5. Combine

  • Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet using a spatula. Do not overmix.
  • Gently fold in chopped cranberries (and nuts, if using). The batter should be thick.

6. Bake

  • Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil around the 40-minute mark.

7. Cool

  • Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

🍊 Make the Orange Glaze

  • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and 2–3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable.
  • Drizzle generously over the cooled bread.
  • Optional: sprinkle with a bit of orange zest or crushed nuts for a gourmet finish.

❤️ For the Lovers of Citrus & Crumbs

This bread is:

  • Perfectly moist
  • Bursting with orange flavor
  • Balanced with tart cranberries
  • Dressed in a sweet citrus glaze
  • Delicious for breakfast, dessert, or a fancy brunch

Serve it with hot tea, coffee, or even a mimosa for an indulgent moment.

🌟 Conclusion: A Slice of Sunshine

Whether you’re a baker seeking your next favorite loaf or someone craving the comfort of sweet fruit and buttery crumb, this Orange Cranberry Bread is your go-to recipe. It’s a hug in loaf form — zesty, cozy, and lovingly glazed.

So to all the lovers of citrus, the admirers of tart cranberries, and the glazed dessert devotees — this one’s for you. 💛

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