Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze : A Bright & Festive Holiday Loaf

Nothing says the holidays quite like baking a fragrant loaf of Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze. Bursting with tart cranberries, fresh citrus aroma, and a tender crumb, this festive quick bread is ideal for holiday breakfasts, cozy gatherings, and edible gifts. If you love cranberry orange bread, Christmas flavors, or sweet bread recipes that are easy but impressive, this recipe will instantly become a seasonal favorite.

This loaf is perfect for anyone who enjoys simple but beautiful homemade treats. It’s soft, sweet, slightly tangy, and topped with a dreamy orange glaze that makes every slice irresistible. Whether you’re preparing for Christmas cooking, hosting a winter brunch, or simply craving a comforting treat, this cranberry bread delivers every time.

Before we begin, here are a few delicious holiday-worthy treats you may also enjoy, such as these pumpkin twists or the kid-friendly Halloween brownies.

Save

Why This Cranberry Bread Is Perfect for Christmas Cooking

Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze is exactly the kind of recipe that brightens a holiday table. The vibrant cranberries add gorgeous color and a natural tartness, while the orange zest and glaze bring cheerful citrus notes. Together, they create a bread that tastes like pure Christmas spirit.

Because it’s a quick bread, there’s no rising time required. Everything mixes together easily, making this recipe ideal for busy bakers or those preparing holiday meals ahead of time. You can serve it at breakfast, as a snack, or even alongside warm winter drinks like lavender lemonade or cozy pumpkin-inspired beverages.

It also makes a thoughtful edible gift, especially when wrapped in parchment and tied with festive ribbon.

Ingredients for Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze

(Ingredients remain faithful to the original recipe.)

For the Bread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 ¾ cups fresh cranberries
• ¾ cup orange juice
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg

For the Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

Save

Kitchen Equipment Needed for This Quick Bread Recipe

To make this Christmas bread successfully, you’ll need:

• 1 standard loaf pan (8×4 or 9×5 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Silicone spatula
• Microplane or zester
• Measuring cups + spoons
• Cooling rack

If you love baking quick and seasonal breads, check out this festive mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl as well.

How to Make Cranberry Bread Step by Step

These directions are rewritten in a natural, human style while keeping the original preparation accurate.

1. Prepare the Loaf Pan
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan or line it with parchment for easy removal.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the orange zest and whisk again so it distributes evenly.
3. Add the Cranberries
   Toss the cranberries into the dry mixture. This helps keep the berries from sinking while baking.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk the orange juice, vegetable oil, and egg until smooth.
5. Make the Batter
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula just until the flour disappears. Avoid overmixing—the batter should look slightly lumpy.
6. Bake the Bread
   Spread the batter evenly in the loaf pan. Bake for about 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool the Loaf
   Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully lift it out and place it on a cooling rack.
8. Prepare the Glaze
   When the loaf is almost cool, stir together the powdered sugar and orange juice. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar (thicker) or more orange juice (thinner).
9. Finish with the Glaze
   Drizzle the glaze over the cooled bread, letting it drip beautifully down the sides.

Cranberry Orange Bread Variations You’ll Love

The classic combination of cranberry and orange is delightful on its own, but here are a few optional twists:

• Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture
• Replace half the cranberries with raspberries for a different kind of tartness
• Use lemon zest instead of orange for a sharper citrus loaf
• Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra warmth

This loaf pairs well with simple breakfasts like cinnamon roll breakfast bake when serving holiday guests.

Cranberry Bread Recipes for the Holidays: Flavor Add-Ins

Cranberry bread is extremely versatile. To make it extra special for holiday mornings:

• Stir in white chocolate chips
• Add a small ribbon of orange marmalade through the center
• Top with coarse sugar before baking for a bakery-style crust
• Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical hint

For a more indulgent dessert-style bread, you might also enjoy these gluten-free pumpkin donuts.

Holiday Bread Ideas: How to Serve This Christmas Bread

Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze is wonderful:

• Warm from the oven for breakfast
• Sliced and arranged on a holiday brunch board
• Served with yogurt and fresh fruit
• Toasted lightly with butter for an afternoon snack

To build a festive spread, pair it with seasonal treats like apple crisp with oatmeal.

Easy Bread Recipes: Tips for Perfect Cranberry Loaves Every Time

Here’s how to ensure your cranberry bread comes out soft and tender:

• Always zest the orange before juicing it
• Toss cranberries in the flour mixture so they don’t sink
• Avoid overmixing or the loaf may become dense
• Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor
• Allow the loaf to cool before glazing—otherwise, the glaze melts away

Quick Bread Recipes: Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest quick breads can go wrong if rushed. Avoid these traps:

• Overbaking—check at the 50-minute mark
• Cutting the loaf before it has cooled (it will crumble)
• Packing the flour when measuring
• Using bottled orange juice, which is too sweet
• Adding too much fruit, causing the loaf to collapse

Cranberry Recipes: More Ways to Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries

If you love baking with cranberries, you can also use them in:

• Muffins
• Scones
• Pancakes
• Holiday salads
• Breakfast bowls
• Sauces or compotes

A refreshing option for brunch is this light and fruity cucumber mint agua fresca.

Bread Recipes Sweet: Toppings, Mix-Ins, and Glaze Ideas

Make your cranberry bread even more delicious with:

• A cream cheese glaze
• A cinnamon sugar sprinkle before baking
• Extra citrus zest mixed into the glaze
• Almond extract for sweet, nutty depth
• A streusel topping for bakery-style texture

How to Store, Freeze & Reheat Cranberry Bread

To Store:

Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

To Freeze:

Wrap the cooled loaf (unglazed) in plastic and freeze for up to 3 months. Add glaze after thawing for best results.

To Reheat:

Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds per slice.

Save

FAQs About Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Add them straight from the freezer—no thawing needed.

Can I reduce the sugar?
You can lower it by ¼ cup, but the loaf may be slightly less tender.

Can I make muffins instead of bread?
Absolutely. Bake at the same temperature for about 18–20 minutes.

Why did my bread come out dense?
Overmixing or too much flour can cause heaviness.

Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Bread All Season Long

This Cranberry Bread With Orange Glaze brings together everything we adore about holiday baking—color, warmth, vibrant citrus, and irresistible sweetness. It’s festive enough for Christmas morning but simple enough to enjoy any day of the winter season. Once you try it, it may quickly become one of your favorite holiday traditions.

Print