Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Embarking on a culinary adventure that marries the zesty allure of oranges with the tart vibrancy of cranberries, this Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a celebration of flavors that delight the palate. This bread emerges from the oven as a beacon of warmth and comfort, perfect for those chilly mornings or as a sweet accompaniment to your afternoon tea. The addition of a simple yet irresistibly tangy orange glaze elevates it from a humble loaf to a confection that tantalizes with every bite, promising a blend of textures and tastes that are both refreshing and comforting.

Crafting this bread is a journey through the simple joys of baking, where the act of mixing and folding becomes a meditative process, culminating in a creation that is both satisfying and expressive. The recipe is designed for bakers of all levels, from novices looking to dip their toes into the world of baking to seasoned pros seeking a new favorite. The inclusion of whole-milk yogurt not only imparts a tender crumb but also introduces a subtle tanginess that complements the bright flavors of orange and cranberry, making each slice a harmonious symphony of taste.

As you prepare this Cranberry Orange Bread, enveloped by the comforting aroma of baking and citrus, you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating the first slice, where the crunch of sugared cranberries meets the soft, moist loaf, all finished with a glaze that glistens like morning dew. This recipe is more than just a bread; it’s a testament to the beauty of combining simple ingredients to create something truly magical. It invites you to pause, savor, and indulge in the sweet symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds, making every occasion it graces a little more special.

Ingredients

For the Loaf:

• 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (divided use)
• 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

Preparing the Loaf

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan and dust with flour to prevent sticking, tapping out any excess flour.
2. Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt into a medium bowl and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour in a separate bowl. This prevents the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking.
6. Fold the cranberries gently into the batter to distribute them evenly.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs. This indicates that the bread is perfectly baked.
9. Cool the loaf in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan to cool completely on the rack.

Making the Orange Syrup

1. Combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then continue cooking for 3 additional minutes to slightly thicken the syrup.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Poke holes in the top and sides of the warm loaf with a toothpick. This allows the syrup to penetrate deeply.
5. Brush the loaf with the orange syrup, allowing it to soak in before applying more. Repeat until all the syrup is used.

Preparing the Orange Glaze

1. Whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
2. Adjust the consistency with more orange juice if needed. It should easily drizzle over the loaf but not be too liquid.
3. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides for a decorative finish.
4. Allow the glaze to harden for about 15 minutes before serving.

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a delightful treat that balances the tartness of cranberries with the sweet citrus flavor of oranges. Enjoy it as a special breakfast, a snack, or as a dessert!