Delightful Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Are you on the hunt for the ultimate Cranberry Orange Bread recipe? Look no further! This delightful yogurt-based bread bursts with the vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange, making it an ideal treat for any occasion, especially during the holiday season. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, dessert, or even as a mid-afternoon snack, this bread is sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests.

Why We Adore Cranberry Orange Bread

1. Versatile Delight: Indulge in a slice of this bread either as a decadent breakfast or a delectable dessert. Its versatility makes it a go-to treat for any time of the day.
2. Perfect for Festive Feasting: With its harmonious blend of sweet oranges and tangy cranberries, this bread embodies the spirit of the holiday season. Whip up a batch for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings, and watch it disappear in no time.
3. Make the Most of Cranberry Season: Take advantage of cranberry season by stocking up on these seasonal gems. Freeze any extras to enjoy this delectable bread all year round.
4. Irresistible Glaze: Elevate the loaf’s appeal with a luscious orange glaze, infused with citrusy goodness. This simple addition transforms the bread into an irresistible treat that’s bound to please your taste buds.

Ingredients:

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, divided
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed

For the Orange Syrup:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1/3 cup sugar

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan, tapping out any excess flour.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined.
4. Incorporate Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour. Gently fold the cranberries into the batter.
5. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
6. Prepare Orange Syrup: While the loaf is cooling, make the orange syrup by heating orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Set aside.
7. Soak with Syrup: Use a toothpick to poke holes in the warm loaf and brush with the orange syrup. Allow the syrup to soak in, then brush again. Let the loaf cool completely.
8. Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency with additional orange juice if needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, allowing it to set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Indulge in the delightful combination of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet glaze with every slice of this irresistible Cranberry Orange Bread. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy!