Description
This Classic Cranberry Orange Bread is a zesty holiday favorite — bursting with tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and a sweet citrus glaze. Moist, flavorful, and easy to make, it’s the perfect festive treat for breakfast, gifting, or cozy winter mornings.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp orange zest (from 1 large orange)
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
**For the glaze:**
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
3. In another bowl, whisk together orange juice, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.
4. Add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
5. Fold in cranberries and nuts if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice to make the glaze.
10. Drizzle glaze over cooled bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding to the batter.
Add white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
Wrap tightly — it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 55 mins
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cranberry orange bread, holiday bread, christmas breakfast, citrus loaf, quick bread, easy bake