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Fresh Orange Cranberry Loaf

Featured in: Homemade Bread with Rustic Charm

This cozy loaf combines bright orange and tart cranberries in every bite. Topped with an orange glaze, it's great for holiday treats.

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Updated on Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:43:23 GMT
A sliced orange-flavored loaf with icing and cranberries on a white plate, surrounded by cut oranges. Pin it
A sliced orange-flavored loaf with icing and cranberries on a white plate, surrounded by cut oranges. | cookingkitchn.com

Need a simple DIY holiday sweet? This Cranberry Orange Loaf is winter wonder in food form! My version bursts with sour cranberries and zesty orange notes, finished with an incredible citrus drizzle. This simple creation fills your home with Christmas aromas, and works great for morning meals, after-dinner treats, or as a thoughtful present!

Ingredients You'll Want

  • Foundation: Creamy butter creates richness in this simple creation.
  • Sweetener: Plain white sugar gives just the right sweetness level.
  • Citrus Elements: Actual orange juice and grated peel bring this creation to life.
  • Whole Eggs: Use them at normal temperature for this DIY loaf.
  • Rich Dairy: Half-and-half adds wonderful moisture.
  • Flavor Boost: A dash of vanilla enhances these simple tastes.
  • Basic Mix: All-purpose flour plus baking powder creates the rise.
  • Main Attractions: Use fresh or icy cranberries for this DIY treat.
  • Topping Wonder: Merely confectioners' sugar, milk and orange juice combined.

Baking Instructions Begin

Preparation Steps
For this DIY loaf, put parchment in your 9x5 baking dish - it'll help you remove it easily afterward!
Combine Elements
Begin this simple creation by beating butter with sugar until light. Mix in your orange peel, eggs, and wet components, then gently add the dry ingredients.
Creative Layering
This DIY version becomes extra fancy - add half your mixture, scatter cranberries, then do it again. Every slice will look amazing!
Oven Time
Stick it in a 350°F oven. This simple creation needs around 60 minutes - your kitchen will smell wonderful!
Finishing Touches
Let your DIY loaf get completely cool before adding that wonderful orange drizzle.

Helpful Hints

For fantastic DIY loaf results: Watch your flour amounts for this simple creation - use the spoon-and-level method. Don't mix too much - just until everything combines. Sometimes I sprinkle this DIY version with confectioners' sugar instead of the drizzle. And with a tinier baking dish, just cook it a bit more!

Storage Ideas

Your DIY loaf stays nice when wrapped securely at normal temperature for several days. This simple creation lasts even longer when refrigerated - nearly seven days! Want to save your DIY creation for later? Wrap it carefully and it'll stay good for sixty days frozen. Just leave it out overnight when you want some.

A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. Pin it
A sliced loaf cake topped with cranberries and white glaze is displayed on a plate, surrounded by fresh cranberries and oranges. | cookingkitchn.com

Berry Options

This simple creation works wonderfully with both new or frozen cranberries. For my DIY version, I throw the frozen ones straight in - no waiting needed! Just know your simple loaf might need a few extra minutes cooking when using frozen berries.

Unique Qualities

This DIY loaf captures holiday happiness! The combo of tangy cranberries with sweet orange in this simple creation feels just right. It shows up beautifully on holiday tables, and that DIY drizzle makes it stand out. Folks always want to know how I made it!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely, just toss them in frozen. Baking may take a little longer.

→ What’s half-n-half?

A mix of equal parts heavy cream and whole milk. Check next to cream at the store.

→ Do I need the glaze?

Nope! Dust the top with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

→ Why use parchment paper?

It keeps the loaf from sticking to the pan and makes lifting it out super easy.

→ Is an 8x4 pan okay?

Yep, but the loaf will bake taller and need a few more minutes in the oven.

Orange Cranberry Loaf

A soft cake packed with tangy cranberries and citrus zest, finished with a sweet orange glaze.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
60 Minutes
Total Time
75 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Artisan Breads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 cup sugar, granulated.
02 1/2 cup butter, left to soften.
03 1 1/2 teaspoons finely grated orange peel.
04 Two eggs, large size.
05 3/4 cup half-and-half cream.
06 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract.
07 1 cup cranberries, split in half.
08 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
09 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour.
10 Half teaspoon of salt.
11 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice.
12 1 tablespoon milk, whole.
13 1 cup confectioners' sugar.

Instructions

Step 01

Turn your oven to 350°F and get a 9x5 pan ready with parchment paper.

Step 02

Mix sugar and butter together until they turn fluffy and pale.

Step 03

Throw in the orange zest, eggs, half-and-half, and vanilla. Stir until smooth.

Step 04

Gradually mix in flour, salt, and baking powder until it's all blended.

Step 05

Scoop half the batter into the pan, then sprinkle on half the cranberries.

Step 06

Add the rest of the batter and scatter the remaining cranberries over the top.

Step 07

Bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick stuck in the middle comes out clean.

Step 08

Leave it in the pan for an hour to cool off before taking it out.

Step 09

Whip together the glaze ingredients until they're silky smooth.

Step 10

Spread the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Notes

  1. Frozen cranberries work too.
  2. Store it ahead for later.
  3. Great for festive times.
  4. Looks fantastic on the table.

Tools You'll Need

  • A 9x5 loaf pan.
  • Mixer with beaters.
  • Parchment paper for lining.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, half-and-half).
  • Includes eggs.
  • Made with wheat flour.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 414
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 64 g
  • Protein: 5 g