Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Blend in yogurt (or sour cream) and orange juice until fully combined. These ingredients keep the bread moist and tender.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; a few small lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the bread dense.

Step 7: Fold in Cranberries

Gently fold in cranberries, distributing them evenly. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them—they help prevent the batter from turning pink.

Step 8: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly firm.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the glaze won’t melt and seep into the bread unevenly.

Step 10: Prepare the Simple Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust consistency: add more sugar to thicken or more juice to thin. The glaze should be pourable but not runny.

Step 11: Glaze the Bread

Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip naturally down the sides. This adds a subtle sweetness and a glossy finish.

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the bread and enjoy it on its own, with butter, or alongside a cup of tea or coffee. The combination of tart cranberries, citrusy orange, and sweet glaze makes every bite delightful.

Tips for Success

1. Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen ones are a convenient substitute.

2. Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid dense bread.

3. Room temperature ingredients (eggs, butter, yogurt) create a smoother batter.

4. Add nuts (optional) like chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.

Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze is a versatile treat that can double as a festive gift or a comforting homemade snack. Its sweet-tart flavor and soft texture make it a crowd-pleaser any time of the year.

If you want, I can also create a quick visual step-by-step diagram showing each stage of making this bread—it’s perfect for sharing or printing. Do you want me to do that?