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Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

Carly
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A Festive Fusion: Cranberry Orange Bread for Every Occasion

Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze

This Cranberry Orange Bread recipe is a symphony of seasonal flavors, perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a delightful afternoon snack. Imagine a moist and flavorful yogurt bread studded with tart cranberries and bursting with the sweet citrus essence of orange. Topped with a decadent orange glaze, this bread is a showstopper that is sure to impress any guest.

A Match Made in Holiday Heaven:

This Cranberry Orange Bread is the epitome of festive flavors. The combination of sweet oranges and slightly tart cranberries creates a delightful taste bud explosion. It's no wonder this recipe is a favorite during the holiday season, gracing tables on Thanksgiving and Christmas mornings alike.

Fresh or Frozen, the Flavor Remains:

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Fresh cranberries are ideal, offering a burst of juicy tartness. However, frozen cranberries work just as well, allowing you to enjoy this delightful bread throughout the year. Simply freeze leftover fresh cranberries during their peak season to ensure a steady supply for baking.

Sweet Symphony of Glaze:

The crowning glory of this bread is the sweet orange glaze. A simple syrup made with orange juice and sugar is brushed over the warm loaf, infusing it with additional citrus flavor. Finally, a thick and decadent orange glaze is drizzled over the top, adding a touch of sweetness and elegance.

Here are the ingredients for Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze:

  • Loaf Batter:
    • 1 ⅔ cups (200 grams) granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon orange zest (zest the entire orange before juicing)
    • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
    • ¼ cup (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
    • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) sunflower oil (or other vegetable oil)
    • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) pure vanilla extract
    • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) milk, at room temperature
    • ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) sour cream, at room temperature
    • 1 ⅔ cups (235 grams) all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (100 grams) fresh or frozen cranberries (do not thaw)
  • Orange Glaze (Optional):
    • 1 cup (250 grams) powdered sugar
    • 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (from the zested orange)
    • Pinch of orange zest (optional, for extra orange flavor)

Step-by-Step Guide to Cranberry Orange Bliss:

  1. Prepare to Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan. Dust the pan with flour before tapping out any excess. This ensures easy removal of the baked bread later.
  2. Dry Ingredients Symphony: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting adds air to the dry ingredients, which contributes to a lighter and fluffier bread.
  3. Wet Ingredients Union: In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla extract, and vegetable oil. This creates the base of the wet batter.
  4. Dry Meets Wet in Perfect Harmony: Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough bread.
  5. Coated Cranberries: In a separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour. This coating will prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Gently fold the coated cranberries into the batter.
  6. Baking to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating that the bread is cooked through.
  7. Cooling for Perfection: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Orange Syrup Symphony: While the bread cools, create the orange syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let the mixture simmer for 3 additional minutes before removing it from the heat.
  9. Soaking in Citrusy Goodness: Once the loaf is cool, use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides. Brush the loaf generously with the orange syrup, allowing it to soak in. Repeat this process for an extra burst of orange flavor.
  10. A Glaze Fit for Royalty: In a small bowl, whisk together the sifted confectioners' sugar and enough orange juice (2-3 tablespoons) to create a thick but pourable glaze. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon without being runny.
  11. The Grand Finale: Pour the orange glaze over the top of the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze harden for approximately 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips & Indulgence:

This Cranberry Orange Bread is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

So, gather your ingredients, crank up the holiday tunes, and bake a loaf of this delightful Cranberry Orange Bread! It's the perfect way to celebrate the season or simply enjoy a taste of citrusy sunshine any time of year.

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