Name: Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries); 1/4 cup milk (room temperature); Zest of 1 large orange (divided); 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed); 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry); 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 Tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice (or to reach desired consistency); 1 tsp orange zest (reserved from the orange above)

Imagine biting into a slice of tender, moist bread bursting with tart cranberries and bright orange zest—this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is exactly that kind of comforting delight. It’s perfect for cozy mornings or gifting during the holidays because it feels special but is super easy to make.

A loaf cake is sliced and stacked in a line on a dark brown surface, showing four visible slices. Each slice is pale yellow with red chunks of fruit, likely cranberries, evenly spread inside. The top of the slices has a thin layer of white glaze with a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Around the front slice, whole red cranberries are scattered on the surface. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe has been one I reach for whenever I want something that feels homemade and seasonal without a fuss. It brings together fresh cranberries and lively orange flavors in a loaf that’s tender and moist. Plus, the simple glaze on top adds a sweet zing that really pulls everything together.

Fresh Cranberries: They give the bread that tart pop that balances perfectly with the sweet orange glaze.
Orange Zest and Juice: Adds a bright citrus aroma and flavor that feels festive and fresh.
Moist Texture: Thanks to the butter and juice, this bread stays tender for days—no drying out.
Easy Glaze: A simple mix of powdered sugar and orange juice ups the flavor and transforms it from everyday bread to something special.

This image shows a close-up of three slices of a loaf cake placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has two thick layers with a yellow sponge base filled with visible bright red cranberries spread evenly inside. Between the layers is a thick spread of smooth white frosting that is slightly melting and dripping down the sides. The texture of the cake looks soft with small air pockets, and the edges have a golden-brown crust. The overall colors are yellow, red, and white, creating a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right balance of flavors and textures is key with this bread. I always recommend using fresh, ripe ingredients for the best outcome. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need and why:

Flat lay of a small pile of all-purpose flour on a simple white ceramic plate, a teaspoon of baking powder beside a pinch of salt on another white plate, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of room temperature milk, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed orange juice, a few bright orange zest strips, a few tablespoons of softened unsalted butter shaped smoothly on a white plate, a small heap of granulated sugar, a handful of fresh deep red cranberries, and a small white bowl of powdered sugar, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, providing structure but staying tender.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise gently, keeping it light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and tartness.
Milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist without weighing it down.
Orange zest and juice: Fresh zest adds aromatic oils, while the juice contributes flavor and moisture.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the crumb stay tender.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just right without overpowering the citrus or cranberries.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and give the bread structure.
Fresh cranberries (rinsed and patted dry): Provide bursts of tart freshness and beautiful color.
Extra flour for cranberries: Tossed with the cranberries so they don’t sink to the bottom while baking.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze, giving a smooth, sweet finish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to get creative—you can adjust sweetness, add nuts, or even swap out the citrus depending on your mood.

Variation: Sometimes I toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch. It adds a lovely texture contrast to the soft bread.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try coconut oil instead of butter and your favorite plant milk; it still turns out great!
Seasonal swap: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, dried ones rehydrated in orange juice work well in a pinch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Citrus and Cranberries

Start by zesting your orange, then squeeze out ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. I always zest first then juice—it’s less messy that way. Rinse and dry your cranberries thoroughly and toss them with a little flour; this simple step prevents them from sinking while baking, which keeps the bread evenly studded with berries.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Doing this ensures the leavening and salt are evenly distributed, helping your bread rise just right and flavor consistently.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar, Add Eggs

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar until creamy and light—this usually takes about 2-3 minutes with a mixer. Then, add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This method helps maintain a nice airy texture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet & Dry Ingredients

Add the orange zest and juice along with the milk to the butter mixture, then gradually fold in the flour mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the bread tough, and we want it tender.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Bake

Gently fold the floured cranberries into the batter. Pour it into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Make & Add the Orange Glaze

While the bread cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice and reserved zest until smooth. Drizzle over the warm loaf for that perfect sweet finish.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, these tips have saved me from common pitfalls and helped me bake this bread perfectly every time.

Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is truly soft—not melted—to get the best creamy texture when creaming with sugar.
Flour Your Cranberries: Tossing them lightly with flour is a game-changer for even berry distribution in the loaf.
Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until you see no flour streaks to keep the crumb tender.
Glaze Timing: Wait for the bread to cool slightly before glazing, so the glaze sets without melting into a puddle.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

cranberry orange bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish slices with a light spread of cream cheese or a pat of butter to balance the tangy sweetness. Sometimes a sprinkle of extra orange zest on top makes it feel extra festive and fragrant.

Side Dishes

This bread pairs beautifully with your morning coffee or tea. For brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad to keep things fresh and bright.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, try slicing the bread thin, toasting it lightly, and serving with a dollop of mascarpone and a drizzle of honey. It makes an elegant appetizer or a sweet finish to your meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cranberry orange bread in an airtight container at room temperature, and it stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days — perfect for snacking or breakfast on the go.

Freezing

You can freeze this loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When I freeze it, I slice before wrapping so I can take out just what I need. It keeps beautifully for 2-3 months.

Reheating

To warm up slices, I usually pop them in a toaster oven or microwave for just a few seconds. The flavors brighten, and the bread feels freshly baked all over again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this bread?

Yes! Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw and drain them well, then pat dry before mixing with the flour. This helps prevent extra moisture in the batter.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter. If you’re unsure, check in 5-minute increments to avoid overbaking.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can try substituting a gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour, but results may vary. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for best texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover glazed bread?

Store leftover glazed bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you notice the glaze softening or melting, you can refresh it slightly by chilling the bread before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe really feels like a warm hug on a plate. I love how easy it is to pull together yet feels fancy enough to impress guests or give as a thoughtful gift. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do!