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; 1/4 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); 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for coating cranberries); 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)

There's something undeniably cozy about the blend of tart cranberries and bright orange in a soft, tender loaf that almost feels like a warm hug. This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is just that—a perfect balance of zesty citrus and sweet berries wrapped up in a comforting bread that's as good for gifting as it is for savoring with your morning coffee.

The image shows a loaf of yellow cake with red berries inside, sliced into six pieces and arranged in a row. The cake has a soft, crumbly texture with visible pieces of red berries evenly spread through each slice. The top of the cake has a light glaze that looks shiny and slightly dripping over the edges. Around the cake, there are whole red berries scattered on a dark surface with a white marbled texture in the background scene. 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

I honestly can’t get enough of this bread. The combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest literally wakes up your taste buds, while the glaze adds that perfect sweet finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time I bring it to gatherings or just want a special treat at home.

Bright, fresh flavors: The fresh orange juice and zest really lift the flavor beyond typical quick breads.
Moist crumb that lasts: Thanks to the juicy cranberries, this bread stays moist and tender for days—no drying out here!
Simple but impressive: It’s a straightforward recipe but feels elegant enough to gift or serve during the holidays.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap things around or add your own twist without losing the core deliciousness.

This image shows two slices of yellowish cake with red berry pieces inside. The cake has a light texture with visible holes. On top of the slices, there is a creamy white icing that looks soft and slightly runny, covering parts of the cake layers. The slices are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe plays a key role, creating a balance of texture and flavor that really sings. Picking fresh, good-quality items sets you up for success right from the start.

Flat lay of a small heap of all-purpose flour, a teaspoon of baking powder, a quarter teaspoon of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a whole large orange with a few bright orange zest strips next to it, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh orange juice, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter softened and slightly glossy, granulated sugar mound, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a mound of fresh red cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, all ingredients arranged symmetrically 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 backbone of the bread, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift for a light, fluffy crumb.
Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the citrus and berries.
Milk (room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and tender.
Orange zest: Fresh zest is key—it delivers the fragrant citrus oils that amp the flavor beautifully.
Orange juice: Freshly squeezed adds natural sweetness and moisture, plus acidity for balance.
Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps keep the bread moist.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread while allowing the tartness of the cranberries to shine.
Eggs (room temperature): Bind everything together and add tenderness.
Fresh cranberries: The star of the show—juicy, tart, and refreshing pockets throughout the bread.
Additional flour for cranberries: Tossing the cranberries in a little flour prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates that sweet, glossy finish that balances the tartness.
Additional orange juice and zest (for glaze): Bring the glaze to life with vibrant, fresh citrus flavor.

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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 switching things up a bit depending on the season or my mood, and this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is so forgiving, it lets you do that easily. It's your canvas to play with.

Variation: Sometimes I swap fresh cranberries for frozen ones when it's off-season — just remember to toss them in flour and add them frozen straight to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
Dietary tweaks: I've successfully swapped butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version, which brings a nice subtle flavor.
Sweetness levels: Feel free to adjust the glaze sugar depending on how tangy you like your bread—less glaze if you prefer it mildly sweet.

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

Step 1: Get your zest and juice ready

First things first, zest your orange carefully—you only want the bright orange part, no bitter white pith. Then squeeze your orange for fresh juice and set both aside. Fresh zest and juice are what make this bread pop with flavor, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Prepare your dry mix

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening and seasoning so your bread rises beautifully without any uneven spots.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar until fluffy

Using softened butter, beat it with the granulated sugar until the mixture looks pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer. Trust me, this step is crucial for that light, tender texture.

Step 4: Mix in eggs, then orange juice and zest

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Then stir in the orange juice and half the zest. This creates a super fragrant base and keeps the batter vibrant.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently

Gradually fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture—don't overmix, or your bread might turn dense. Just stir until everything is combined and smooth.

Step 6: Toss cranberries in flour and fold in

To prevent cranberries from sinking to the bottom, toss them in a little flour, then gently fold into the batter. This keeps the distribution even and gives every bite a lovely burst of tartness.

Step 7: Bake and cool

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let it cool completely before glazing.

Step 8: Prepare and drizzle the orange glaze

Whisk powdered sugar with the remaining orange juice and reserved zest until smooth. Drizzle it generously over the cooled bread for that glossy, citrus-kissed finish that makes every slice special.

Top Tip

After making this Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few tricks to nail the perfect loaf every time. These tips really save you from common pitfalls and bring out the best texture and flavor.

Room temperature ingredients: Using room temp eggs, milk, and butter helps the batter come together smoothly and bake evenly.
Don’t overmix: Stir gently once the dry ingredients hit the wet to avoid a tough bread — mix just till combined.
Flour your cranberries: It might seem small but this keeps the berries suspended in the batter for a perfectly balanced bite.
Cool fully before glazing: Glaze will melt and run if the bread’s still warm; patience here means prettier slices and a better texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe

cranberry orange bread - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping slices with a little extra fresh orange zest or a few whole cranberries for a pop of color—especially if I’m serving this at a holiday brunch. It’s simple but makes the presentation feel festive and fresh.

Side Dishes

This bread is fabulous with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and pairs nicely with creamy spreads like mascarpone or lightly whipped butter for breakfast or snack time. For something heartier, try it alongside a simple green salad and roasted chicken for a lovely light lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving or special occasions, I like to slice the bread and wrap individual pieces in parchment tied with twine—cute and so easy to grab as a sweet treat. I've also layered slices with cream cheese and a drizzle of honey for an elegant dessert that's easy to put together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for about 3 days that way—perfect for savoring throughout the week without any rush.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! I slice it first, then wrap pieces individually in plastic and foil before sealing in a freezer bag. It lasts for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy that cranberry-orange goodness anytime you want.

Reheating

When I want to enjoy a slice fresh from the freezer, I just pop it in the toaster oven for a few minutes to warm through. It revives the loaf's soft texture and makes the glaze melt in the best way—you’ll swear it’s freshly baked!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen cranberries, but make sure not to thaw them before mixing. Toss them in a bit of flour and fold them in frozen to prevent extra moisture and soggy bread.

How do I know when the bread is done baking?

The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. It usually takes about 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C), but ovens vary, so keep an eye on it starting around 45 minutes.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?

You can attempt a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but results may vary. I recommend using a blend that includes xanthan gum for structure and closely monitoring the batter texture to adjust moisture as needed.

How long does the glaze last on the bread?

The orange glaze is best enjoyed within 1-2 days as it can start to absorb into the bread and lose its glossy look over time. If storing longer, keep the glazed bread wrapped tightly to preserve moisture and freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze Recipe is one I return to again and again, especially when I want something both comforting and a little festive without fuss. It’s truly a recipe I’m proud to share with friends because it’s approachable, dependable, and downright delicious. I think you’ll find it becomes a staple in your kitchen, whether for holidays, gifting, or anytime you need that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Give it a whirl—I promise you won’t be disappointed!