Cranberry Orange Bread with Vanilla Glaze

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 large orange (zest and juice) - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 2 large eggs - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons orange juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Cranberry Orange Bread with Vanilla Glaze. First, pick fresh cranberries. They add a tart burst of flavor. Then, choose a large orange for its zest and juice. The zest gives a bright, fresh taste, while the juice adds moisture. You will also need flour, sugar, eggs, and buttermilk. Each one plays a vital role. Flour gives the bread structure. Sugar sweetens and helps the bread rise. Eggs bind the mix, and buttermilk adds tenderness. Don’t forget the melted butter, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and vanilla extract. Butter adds richness. Baking powder and soda help the bread rise. Salt enhances all the flavors, and vanilla brings warmth. For the glaze, use powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract. This simple mix gives a sweet finish. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for a lovely touch. Enjoy the process of gathering these ingredients. They will come together to create a delicious treat that fills your kitchen with warm scents. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. 2. Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan to keep the bread from sticking. Set it aside. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients until well mixed. 1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. This mixture adds moisture and flavor. 2. Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread tough. 1. Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries. This adds a tart burst of flavor. 2. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. It should come out clean. 4. Once baked, remove the bread from the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing. To prevent overmixing the batter, mix the wet and dry ingredients gently. Use a spatula to fold them together. Stop mixing when you still see some dry flour. This keeps the bread light and fluffy. The ideal baking time for Cranberry Orange Bread is between 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check the bread by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. To achieve the perfect vanilla glaze consistency, mix the powdered sugar with orange juice and vanilla extract. If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more orange juice. If it's too runny, add more powdered sugar. For drizzling the glaze effectively, use a spoon or a small whisk. Drizzle back and forth over the cooled bread for a nice pattern. Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before you slice the bread. Cranberry Orange Bread pairs well with tea or coffee. Serve slices warm or at room temperature. Garnish each slice with fresh orange slices for a bright touch. For presentation, place the bread on a rustic wooden board. Add a few whole cranberries and some orange slices around it. This makes your dish inviting and beautiful. {{image_2}} You can enjoy this bread even more by swapping some ingredients. If you want a gluten-free option, use almond flour or a gluten-free blend. Both work well and keep the bread tasty. For sweeteners, you can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. These options also add a nice flavor twist. Adding nuts can give your bread a nice crunch. Try walnuts or pecans for a rich taste. You can also mix in other fruits. Dried apricots or raisins can add sweetness. If you love spices, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the bread. Garnishing can make your bread look stunning. Consider adding fresh cranberries or orange slices on top. This adds color and a nice touch. When serving the glaze, try using a squeeze bottle for a fun design. You can drizzle it over the bread in a zig-zag pattern or make swirls. This makes the bread look fancy and inviting. To keep leftover Cranberry Orange Bread fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If the weather is warm, put it in the fridge to avoid mold. Keep slices separate with parchment paper to prevent sticking. For freezing, first, let the bread cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. This double wrap protects it from freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to three months. For defrosting, move the bread to the fridge overnight. You can also unwrap it and let it sit at room temperature for a few hours. Cranberry Orange Bread stays fresh for about three days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. Look for signs of spoilage like discoloration or a sour smell. If you see mold, discard the bread immediately. Enjoy your delicious bread at its best! Yes, you can make this bread ahead of time. Bake it and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own. Mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for five minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor. You can also use yogurt or sour cream as a substitute. If fresh cranberries are hard to find, use frozen ones. Just toss them directly into the batter without thawing. They will add the same tart flavor and juicy texture to your bread. You can store any leftover glaze in a sealed container in the fridge. Just whisk it again before use. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice to reach the desired consistency. Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be great. Just fold them in with the cranberries. This adds a nice crunch to the soft bread. Cranberry orange bread pairs well with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a dollop of butter or cream cheese for extra flavor. Fresh orange slices make a lovely garnish too. This blog post shared a simple recipe for Cranberry Orange Bread. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Exploring variations and storage advice can help you enjoy this treat longer. Remember to experiment with flavors to make it your own. Follow the methods and suggestions, and you'll bake a great loaf. Crafting this bread can bring joy to your kitchen and impress your friends. Enjoy your baking adventure!$

Cranberry Orange Bread with Vanilla Glaze

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread! This easy recipe combines fresh cranberries and zesty orange for a sweet, tangy treat that's perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and an irresistible vanilla glaze, your kitchen will smell amazing while baking. Want to impress your friends and family? Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your baking game today! #CranberryOrangeBread #BakingRecipes #DeliciousDesserts #HolidayTreats

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

1 cup granulated sugar

1 large orange, zested and juiced

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/2 cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Vanilla Glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons orange juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk until well incorporated.

In a separate bowl, mix together the melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Fold in the chopped cranberries carefully to avoid crushing them.

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the bread is cooling, prepare the vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the vanilla glaze over the top in a decorative pattern. Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Servings: 10

- Serving Suggestions: Serve slices of Cranberry Orange Bliss Bread with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, garnished with fresh orange slices for an extra citrus touch.