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Cranberry Orange Bread

Featured in Delicious Homemade Bread and Muffin Recipes.

This cheerful loaf blends sharp cranberry flavor with a hint of citrusy orange in a buttery, rich bread. The sweet glaze takes it to the next level, making it an ideal holiday choice!

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:54:41 GMT
A delicate bread loaf sliced open, topped with glossy icing and cranberries, surrounded by orange halves on a white plate. Pin it
A delicate bread loaf sliced open, topped with glossy icing and cranberries, surrounded by orange halves on a white plate. | chefmelt.com

Need a simple festive snack you can whip up at home? This Cranberry Orange Loaf is winter wonder in bread form! My version bursts with tangy cranberries and zesty orange, finished with an irresistible citrus drizzle. The simple steps fill your home with holiday scents, and it works for morning bites, after-dinner treats, or as a thoughtful handmade present!

Ingredients Rundown

  • The Foundation: Unsalted butter at room temp gives this loaf its richness.
  • Sweetener: Granulated sugar provides just enough sweetness.
  • Zippy Additions: Fresh squeezed orange juice and grated peel create that bright taste.
  • Protein Boost: Eggs not straight from the fridge for better mixing.
  • Rich Liquid: Half-and-half creates that can't-resist softness.
  • Flavor Enhancer: A splash of vanilla rounds everything out.
  • Pantry Basics: All-purpose flour plus baking powder for the perfect rise.
  • Main Attraction: Cranberries (grab them fresh or frozen).
  • Topping Mix: Confectioners' sugar mixed with milk and citrus juice.

Baking Instructions

Prep Work
For easier handling, put parchment in your 9x5 loaf tin - you'll thank yourself when it's time to take it out!
Basic Mixture
First beat your butter with sugar until light and puffy. Throw in orange zest, crack in the eggs, add wet stuff, then carefully mix in dry ingredients.
Smart Assembly
Here's my trick - pour in half your mixture, scatter cranberries, then do another round. Every slice will look amazing!
Oven Time
Set to 350°F and bake about 60 minutes - the wonderful aroma will spread through every room!
Last Step
Wait until completely cooled before drizzling that mouthwatering orange topping.

Pro Tricks

Want guaranteed success? Don't scoop flour directly - use the spoon-and-level method instead. Mix just until ingredients come together, no more. Sometimes I skip the glaze and just dust with powdered sugar. Using a smaller baking pan? No problem, just leave it in the oven a bit longer!

Storage Pointers

Your loaf will stay yummy for a couple days if you wrap it well and leave it on the counter. Stick it in the fridge and it'll last up to seven days! Want to save it longer? Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Just let it sit overnight when you're craving a piece.

A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. Pin it
A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. | chefmelt.com

Berry Options

Both fresh and frozen cranberries work perfectly in this loaf. When I use frozen ones, I don't even bother thawing them first! Just remember your bread might need to stay in the oven a few extra minutes if you're using berries straight from the freezer.

Why You'll Love It

This loaf captures the essence of holiday cheer! The balance between tangy cranberries and sweet orange creates the perfect flavor combo. It makes a stunning centerpiece for any holiday spread, and that drizzle on top takes it to another level. Everyone always wants to know how I made it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Do frozen cranberries work here?

Absolutely, grab them straight from the freezer. Just know it might need a few extra minutes in the oven.

→ What exactly is half-n-half?

It’s simply equal parts heavy cream and whole milk! Usually found in the dairy aisle near other creams in French supermarkets.

→ Can I skip the glaze part?

Sure thing! Just sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a lighter feel.

→ Why use parchment paper in the pan?

It helps the loaf pop out without hassle and stops it from sticking to the sides.

→ Can I use an 8x4 pan instead?

Yes, that’ll work fine! The bread will be taller, though, and you might need to bake it a tad longer.

Cranberry Orange Bread

Deliciously soft bread bursting with fresh cranberries and orange zest. Finished with a shiny orange glaze for extra sweetness.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes

Category: Breads and Muffins

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup of softened salted butter.
02 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
03 1 teaspoon and 1/4 of baking powder.
04 A pinch of salt (1/2 teaspoon).
05 3/4 cup of crème liquide entière (French heavy cream).
06 1 cup of sugar (white granulated).
07 1/2 cup sugar icing (confectioners’ sugar).
08 1 tablespoon of milk, whole.
09 Juice of 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed orange.
10 Zest of an orange, about 1 1/2 teaspoons.
11 A cup of fresh or frozen cranberries (divided).
12 1 and 3/4 cups regular all-purpose flour.
13 2 eggs, large size.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat your oven to 350°F, and prep a loaf pan (9x5) by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 02

Whip the butter and sugar until super creamy and fluffy.

Step 03

Mix in the eggs, vanilla, zest, and the crème liquide entière until blended well.

Step 04

Stir in the flour, baking powder, and salt until everything’s mixed just right.

Step 05

Pour half the batter into the loaf pan, then scatter in half of the cranberries.

Step 06

Spread the rest of the batter on top and toss the leftover cranberries over it.

Step 07

Pop it in the oven and bake for about an hour or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 08

Let the bread cool in its pan for at least an hour before you take it out.

Step 09

Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and orange juice together until it’s smooth.

Step 10

Drip the glaze all over the cooled bread and give it time to set.

Notes

  1. Frozen cranberries work perfectly fine too.
  2. Ideal for prepping in advance.
  3. It’s the ultimate festive loaf.
  4. Looks gorgeous when served.

Tools You'll Need

  • A standard loaf pan, 9x5 size.
  • A mixer, preferably electric.
  • Some parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (like butter and heavy cream).
  • Eggs are one of the ingredients.
  • Wheat from the flour used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 5 g