If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that brings together the zing of citrus with the tartness of cranberries in a comforting baked good, look no further. This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a charming mix of moist, tender crumb and a lively orange glaze that creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or a sweet ending to your day, this bread delivers a little fruit-filled cheer in every bite, making it an instant favorite you’ll want to bake again and again.

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is straightforward because the ingredients are simple yet each one plays an essential role. From the zingy orange zest to the fresh cranberries and the cozy warmth of cinnamon streusel, every component adds depth in flavor, texture, and color to make this bread truly special.

All-purpose flour: Provides the bread’s structure; using the right amount keeps it tender and soft.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the streusel topping, giving a subtle crunch.
Ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of warmth and spice to the streusel crumbs.
Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates pea-sized crumbs for a perfect streusel texture.
Baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the bread rise beautifully.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
Egg: Binds ingredients while contributing to moisture and richness.
Brown sugar: Offers a deep caramel flavor for richness.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang that complements the cranberries.
Vegetable oil: Helps keep the bread moist, with a neutral flavor.
Pure vanilla extract: Elevates the taste with its sweet aromatic notes.
Orange zest: Brings a bright citrus punch that whispers freshness in every bite.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen, they provide bursts of tartness and beautiful specks of color throughout.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
Confectioners’ sugar: Base for the luscious orange glaze topping.
Orange juice: Infuses the glaze with citrus brightness and helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.

How to Make Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Streusel

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing your loaf pan. The streusel topping is what makes this bread extra special—it’s a crumbly, sweet layer that becomes delightfully crisp in the oven. Mix together flour, sugar, and cinnamon, then cut in the cold butter until you see small pea-sized crumbs. Keeping it cold is key, so pop it in the fridge while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This mixture provides the base for your bread and ensures even distribution of leavening so your loaf will rise to perfection.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg with both brown and granulated sugars until combined. Then mix in the buttermilk, oil, vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest. This medley of liquids and sugars combines moisture, flavor, and richness—crucial for a tender crumb and that delicious orange aroma.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking just until combined—over-mixing can toughen the bread, so be gentle. Next, fold in the cranberries and nuts, if you’re using them, which provide juicy pockets of tartness and a bit of crunch in every slice.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan, then spread the chilled streusel evenly on top, pressing it gently into the surface so it sticks. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, checking by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your bread is done. Keep an eye halfway through and tent with foil if it’s browning too quickly for an even bake.

Step 6: Add the Orange Glaze

Once your bread has cooled completely, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and orange juice to create a smooth glaze. Adjust the juice to get your desired consistency, then drizzle this luscious glaze over the loaf, adding that irresistible tangy finish.

How to Serve Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread

Garnishes

A sprinkle of additional orange zest or a few whole cranberries scattered on top of the glaze makes for a festive, eye-catching finish. Toasted nuts or a dusting of cinnamon sugar can also elevate the appearance and texture.

Side Dishes

This bread shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, offer alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, or a simple cheese plate to balance the sweet and tart flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread thick, lightly toasting it, and spreading it with a smear of cream cheese or orange marmalade. For holiday gatherings, cut into mini loaf slices or finger-sized pieces to serve as delightful bite-sized treats that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread keeps well at room temperature for about a day when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to one week, though you may want to bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bread well into the future, freezing is a great option. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. It will stay delicious for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them lightly to bring back that freshly-baked feeling. The orange glaze will slightly soften and caramelize, creating a cozy, mouthwatering experience every time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work wonderfully and are perfect when fresh aren’t in season. Just be sure to fold them in straight from frozen without thawing to prevent the batter from turning purple and overly wet.

Is it possible to make this bread dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk mixed with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic that tang. Use coconut oil instead of butter and vegetable oil, and you’ll have a tasty dairy-free version.

Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?

Of course! The nuts are optional and mostly add crunch and flavor depth. Your Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread will still be moist and flavorful without them.

How do I store leftover glaze? Can I keep it for later?

Glaze is best used fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Stir well before using, as it may thicken. Add a splash of orange juice if it gets too stiff.

What is the best way to zest an orange for this recipe?

The finest zest comes from using a microplane grater, which scrapes off just the colorful outer layer without the bitter white pith beneath. Only zest the bright orange skin to keep the flavor fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a treasure you’ll want to keep in your recipe rotation for its lively flavors, moist texture, and that sweet-tart balance that feels like sunshine in loaf form. Baking it is straightforward, and the result is an irresistibly delicious treat perfect for sharing or savoring a quiet moment. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with the way orange and cranberry come together in each bite.

Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Author: Aiden
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Orange Glazed Cranberry Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with fresh cranberries and a hint of warm cinnamon, topped with a crunchy streusel and finished with a sweet and tangy orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack to brighten up any day.

Instructions

Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with nonstick spray to prepare it for baking.
Make the Streusel – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter, your fingers, or two forks until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Place the streusel in the refrigerator to keep it cold until ready for use.
Prepare Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt to combine the dry ingredients evenly.
Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg with both the brown and granulated sugars until combined. Add the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest, whisking gently to blend.
Combine Batter – Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the bread tender. Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts if using.
Fill Pan and Add Streusel – Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly distribute and gently press the chilled streusel topping onto the surface of the batter so it adheres during baking.
Bake the Bread – Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, loosely covering with foil halfway through the baking to prevent over-browning. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Make the Orange Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk the confectioners’ sugar with 1 tablespoon of orange juice. Add more juice as needed to reach your desired glaze consistency.
Glaze the Bread – Drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the cooled bread for a bright, sweet finish.
Serve and Store – Slice the bread to serve. Store leftover bread covered at room temperature for up to 1 day or refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

Notes

Keep the streusel cold before baking to ensure a crumbly texture.
Use fresh or frozen cranberries without thawing for best results.
Cover the bread loosely with foil during baking to prevent over-browning.
If you prefer a nut-free loaf, simply omit the nuts.
The glaze’s thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less orange juice.
Room temperature ingredients help the batter mix more evenly.
Using buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang to the bread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Bread, Snack, Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/10 of loaf)
Calories: 270
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: Orange glazed bread, cranberry loaf, streusel topping bread, citrus cranberry bread, holiday bread, breakfast bread