Delightful Orange Cranberry Bread Recipe for Any Occasion
The Delightful Orange Cranberry Bread is a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious homemade treat. With its moist texture and vibrant flavors, this bread effortlessly combines the tartness of fresh cranberries and the zestiness of orange. Using flour, butter, and eggs, the batter comes together easily, while a sweet orange glaze adds an irresistible finishing touch. Perfect for breakfast or gifting, you’ll find it hard to resist baking this again and again. Ready to learn the secret?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s gather all the essentials for this delightful Orange Cranberry Bread.
You’ll need 1 cup of fresh cranberries, bringing a tangy burst of flavor.
Next, 1 and 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, the backbone of our bread.
Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of baking powder for that lovely rise and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
A zesty twist comes from 2 tablespoons of orange zest and 1/2 cup of orange juice.
Add 1/2 cup of softened butter and 1 cup of sugar for sweetness.
Finally, 2 large eggs guarantee richness, while 3/4 cup of milk ties everything together.
Now, imagine the aroma!
Step-by-Step Preparation
Initiate this baking adventure by setting the stage: preheat the oven to a cozy 350°F. Butter a loaf pan, then sprinkle flour for a non-stick surface. In this culinary journey, one prepares the dry ensemble of flour, baking powder, and salt. Meanwhile, the wet trio of milk, orange zest, and juice awaits its turn. Remember, this isn’t just baking; it’s creating a moment. Here’s a quick overview to stay organized:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Preheat | Oven to 350°F |
| Prepare Pan | Butter and flour the loaf pan |
| Mix Dry | Flour, baking powder, salt |
| Mix Wet | Milk, orange zest, orange juice |
Keep zest for glaze, and let the aroma fill your kitchen air.
Crafting the Perfect Batter
How does one transform simple ingredients into a delightful batter that promises a moist, flavorful bread?
Start by creaming 1/2 cup softened butter with 1 cup sugar. It’s like a mini workout, but your tastebuds will thank you!
Add two room-temperature eggs, ensuring a smooth consistency. Gradually mix in 1 3/4 cups of flour and 3/4 cup milk, alternating them.
To prevent cranberries from sinking, coat them lightly in flour. Gently fold in 1 cup of these ruby gems.
The batter should be thick yet airy, much like the anticipation of tasting it. Voilà, the perfect batter awaits baking magic!
Baking Your Bread to Perfection
As the oven hums to life, preheating to a cozy 350°F, the anticipation builds.
The batter, now nestled in its loaf pan, is ready to transform into a delightful bread. Patience is key; resist the urge to open the oven too soon.
The kitchen, soon filled with the comforting aroma of citrus and berries, will make it worth the wait. After 45-50 minutes, test with a toothpick—if it emerges clean, the bread is done.
Let it rest for 10 minutes in the pan, then gently release it with a spatula. Transferred to a wire rack, it cools serenely.
Adding the Finishing Touch With Glaze
With the bread cooling gently on the wire rack, it’s time for the fun part—the glaze!
Mixing powdered sugar with freshly squeezed orange juice and a touch of zest, the glaze becomes a citrusy delight. Adjust thickness by adding juice or sugar, ensuring a perfect drizzle.
As it cascades over the loaf, it creates a glossy, sweet-tart finish. If feeling adventurous, consider adding a pinch of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.
Remember to place paper towels underneath to catch any messy drips. Once set, this glaze adds a beautiful shine and irresistible tang to the bread.