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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - 3/4 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - 2 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract The main ingredients create a wonderful base for the bread. The mix of fresh cranberries and orange juice gives it a bright flavor. The flour and sugar provide structure and sweetness. Softened butter adds richness, while eggs help bind everything together. The baking powder and soda give the bread a nice rise, and salt balances the sweetness. - 1 cup powdered sugar - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice - 1 tablespoon orange zest The glaze is simple yet delicious. It adds a sweet, tangy finish to the bread. Just mix the powdered sugar with orange juice and zest. This glaze makes the bread look beautiful and enhances its flavor. - Chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) - Dried cranberries - Chocolate chips Optional add-ins let you customize the bread. Chopped nuts add a lovely crunch. Dried cranberries can boost the fruity flavor. Chocolate chips offer a sweet surprise. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect loaf. - Preheat the Oven: Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5 inch loaf pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. This helps the bread come out easily. - Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, take the softened butter and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them together. Mix until the blend is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes. - Combine Wet Ingredients: Now, add the eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. - Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure they are evenly mixed. - Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the flour is mixed in. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the bread dense. - Fold in Cranberries: Gently add the chopped cranberries to the batter. Use a spatula to fold them in, ensuring they are spread evenly. - Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into your loaf pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake. - Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check if it is done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the bread is ready. - Make the Glaze: While the bread bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. - Cool and Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully move it to a wire rack to cool completely. When it is still warm, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing. How to Avoid Over-Mixing To keep your bread light, mix gently. When you add the dry mix, stir just until combined. Over-mixing makes the bread dense and tough. Stop mixing as soon as you don’t see any dry flour. Testing for Doneness To check if your bread is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. If the toothpick has batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Presentation Tips For a beautiful display, slice the warm bread and place it on a wooden board. Add fresh cranberries and orange slices around it. It looks inviting and tastes great! Pairing Ideas Serve each slice with a pat of butter or cream cheese. This adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the tangy cranberries. You can also serve it with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. Best Time to Serve This bread is best served warm. The glaze melts into the bread, making it extra tasty. Enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Making It Ahead of Time You can bake this bread a day in advance. Just wrap it well and store it at room temperature. Reheat slices in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This keeps the bread soft and fresh. {{image_4}} You can twist the flavor of this bread in fun ways. - Lemon Cranberry Variation: Swap out the orange juice for fresh lemon juice. Use lemon zest instead of orange zest. This gives a bright, tart flavor that pairs well with the cranberries. - Spice Addition: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients. This will warm up the taste and make it cozy, perfect for cold days. If you need a gluten-free version, you can use gluten-free flour. - Substitutes for Gluten-Free Flour: A good blend is one that contains rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch. You can use a 1:1 all-purpose gluten-free mix, too. Just check that it has xanthan gum for better texture. To make this recipe vegan, replace the eggs and butter. - Egg replacements: You can use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. - Dairy-free substitutes: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter spread. Use almond milk or soy milk instead of orange juice. This keeps the flavor rich without dairy. These variations let you enjoy the bread in new ways. Feel free to get creative! To keep your warm cranberry orange glazed bread fresh, store it at room temperature. Place it on a plate and cover it with a clean kitchen towel. This method allows air to circulate while keeping moisture in. You can also use a bread box. A bread box keeps the bread fresh longer by controlling humidity. If you don’t have one, plastic wrap works too. Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap to protect it from air and moisture loss. For long-term storage, freeze your bread. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This helps prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped bread in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date to keep track. When you’re ready to eat it, take it out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it at room temperature for a few hours. Your warm cranberry orange glazed bread stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. If you store it in the fridge, it can last up to a week. For best taste, enjoy it within the first few days. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them first. This helps keep the bread moist and flavorful. How can I tell if my bread is overbaked? If the bread is dark brown or hard, it is likely overbaked. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. What can I substitute for orange juice? You can use lemon juice or apple juice instead. Both will add a nice flavor to the bread. Can I add other fruits? Absolutely! You can add chopped apples or pears. They blend well with cranberries and add more flavor. How do I make the bread less sweet? To reduce sweetness, cut back on the sugar. Try using 1/2 cup instead of 3/4 cup. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Yes, this bread is great for meal prep. You can bake it ahead of time and store it. You have all the tools to make delicious Warm Cranberry Orange Glazed Bread. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Don't forget the fun variations and storage options. Feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins. This bread is perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy baking, sharing, and savoring this tasty treat!

Warm Cranberry Orange Glazed Bread

Indulge in the delightful flavors of warm cranberry orange glazed bread! This easy recipe blends fresh cranberries and zesty orange juice for a delicious treat perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll have a fresh loaf ready to enjoy in just over an hour. Click through to explore the full recipe and create this delicious bread that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

2 large eggs, at room temperature

1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice

1 tablespoon orange zest

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easier removal of the bread.

    Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.

      Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth.

        Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.

          Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the flour is incorporated—be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in a denser bread.

            Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the chopped cranberries into the batter with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.

              Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.

                Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it's ready when it comes out clean.

                  Make the Glaze: While your bread is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest until smooth and creamy.

                    Cool and Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is baked, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Afterward, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. When the bread is still warm, drizzle the orange glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set for a few minutes before slicing.

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

                        - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, slice the warm bread and arrange it on a rustic wooden board. Garnish with fresh cranberries and vibrant orange slices. Pair each slice with a pat of butter or a smear of cream cheese for an extra indulgent treat!