Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Introduction

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is the perfect festive loaf for the holiday season. It’s bursting with juicy cranberries, fresh orange zest, and topped with a sweet citrus glaze that makes each slice moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. The tangy cranberries pair beautifully with the citrus brightness of orange, while the glaze adds that bakery-style finish.

This bread isn’t just delicious—it looks stunning on any holiday table, making it a wonderful choice for Christmas breakfast, brunch, or as a homemade gift for loved ones.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the flavors of Christmas in every bite. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange is festive, refreshing, and comforting all at once. The bread is tender, moist, and topped with a shiny citrus glaze that makes it look elegant without extra effort.

It’s also a versatile recipe: you can enjoy it warm with butter, toast it lightly, or serve it with coffee or hot cocoa. And best of all, it keeps well and freezes beautifully—making it perfect for preparing ahead during the busy holiday season.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Festive flavors: The cranberry-orange pairing is a classic holiday favorite.
• Moist and fluffy texture: Perfect crumb with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
• Simple to make: One bowl for the batter, one for the glaze—easy and fuss-free.
• Perfect for gifting: Wrapped in parchment and tied with ribbon, it makes a thoughtful homemade Christmas gift.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
• Cooling + Glazing Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Calories: ~260 calories per slice

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American (Holiday Baking)
• Course: Breakfast, Dessert, or Tea-Time Snack

Ingredients

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries, prevents sinking)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp orange juice (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare the batter and fold in cranberries.
2. Bake until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
3. Cool completely before drizzling with glaze.
4. Slice and serve with extra cranberries or orange zest as garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Batter

1. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).
2. Toss cranberries with 2 tbsp flour, then gently fold them into the batter.

Step 5: Bake

1. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth.
2. Drizzle glaze evenly over the cooled bread.

How to Serve

• Slice and serve as is, or warm slightly and spread with butter.
• Perfect with coffee, hot tea, or hot cocoa.
• For Christmas morning, pair it with scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, or a holiday mimosa.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overmix the batter—this ensures a tender crumb.
• Use fresh orange juice and zest for the best flavor.
• If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them—add directly to the batter.
• Double the recipe and bake in mini loaf pans for gifting.

Variations

• Nutty Version: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Chocolate Twist: Mix in ½ cup white chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cranberry-Lemon Bread: Swap orange juice and zest for lemon.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered at room temperature for 2–3 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×5 inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (hand or stand mixer)
• Wire cooling rack
• Whisk (for glaze)

Conclusion

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is a holiday favorite that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. With its vibrant flavors, festive look, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect addition to your Christmas table or gift basket. Whether served at breakfast, enjoyed as a snack, or wrapped up for friends, this loaf spreads holiday cheer in every slice.

Print Recipe

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Breakfast, Deserts

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 55 mins Total Time 1 hr 10 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 260 calories

Description

Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze is the perfect festive loaf for the holiday season. It’s bursting with juicy cranberries, fresh orange zest, and topped with a sweet citrus glaze that makes each slice moist, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 2 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for tossing cranberries, prevents sinking)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp 2–3 orange juice (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tsp orange zest (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat & Prep : Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients : In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Cream Wet Ingredients : In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in orange juice, zest, and vanilla extract.
4. Step 4: Combine Batter : Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix). Toss cranberries with 2 tbsp flour, then gently fold them into the batter.
5. Step 5: Bake : Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Step 6: Make the Glaze : In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle glaze evenly over the cooled bread.

Keywords: Christmas Cranberry Orange Bread with Glaze