Savor the citrusy goodness of Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting. This easy-to-make treat combines the tartness of cranberries, the zestiness of oranges, and a sweet glaze for a mouthwatering experience. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, enjoy the moist and tender texture in every bite. Treat yourself to a taste of homemade goodness today!
Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting
Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting is a delicious and sweet treat that combines the tangy flavors of orange and cranberry. Experience the blissful combination of zesty oranges and tangy cranberries in this moist and tender Orange Cranberry Bread. Topped with an easy-to-make sweet glaze, it’s a heartwarming treat that will fill your senses with joy and leave you coming back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
You’ll love this recipe for its delightful blend of tangy cranberries, zesty orange, and sweet frosting that creates a mouthwatering treat!
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The mix of tangy cranberries and zesty orange in the bread creates a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, making it a mouthwatering treat.
- Moist and Tender Texture: This recipe yields a moist and tender bread, making each bite a satisfying and enjoyable experience.
- Easy to Make: The recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Festive and Colorful: The bright red cranberries and vibrant orange zest give the bread a visually appealing and festive appearance, making it perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
- Versatility: The bread can be enjoyed as a breakfast item, a snack, or even as a dessert, providing versatility in how it can be served.
- Family-Friendly: The combination of orange and cranberries is often loved by people of all ages, making it a family-friendly option that can please everyone.
- Easy Frosting: The simple and quick-to-make frosting adds an extra layer of sweetness and complements the flavors of the bread without being overwhelming.
- Great for Gifting: This bread makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. You can wrap it nicely, and the delicious flavors will be appreciated by the recipient.
- Freezer-Friendly: It can be prepared in advance and frozen, which is convenient for those who like to plan their meals ahead or want to have a sweet treat on hand whenever they desire.
Overall, the Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting is a crowd-pleasing recipe that brings together classic flavors in a delightful way, making it a favorite for many individuals who enjoy the combination of citrusy and fruity tastes in a comforting baked good.
Ingredients for Orange Cranberry Bread With Easy Frosting
here are the ingredients needed to make Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting:
Ingredients For Orange Cranberry Bread:
- All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is a versatile flour commonly used in baking. It provides the structure and foundation for the bread.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to the bread.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the bread rise.
- Baking Soda: Another leavening agent that reacts with the acidic components in the batter.
- Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
- Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a tangy and fruity flavor to the bread.
- Zest of One Orange: The outer orange peel contains aromatic oils that infuse the bread with a lovely citrusy fragrance.
- Orange Juice: Provides the main citrus flavor and moistens the bread.
- Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Adds moisture and richness to the bread. You can choose either vegetable oil or melted butter based on your preference.
- Egg: Acts as a binding agent and contributes to the bread’s structure.
Ingredients for Easy Frosting:
- Powdered Sugar: Provides the sweetness and texture for the frosting.
- Orange Juice: Adds the citrus flavor and helps create a smooth consistency for the frosting.
How to Make Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting:
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
In a cozy kitchen nestled in a quaint little town, Sarah was feeling inspired to bake something special for her family and friends. She decided to make a delightful Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting—a treat that always brought smiles to their faces.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, Sarah whisked together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. As she combined the ingredients, the sweet aroma of the sugar and the citrusy scent of the zest began to fill the air.
Step 3: Add the Cranberries and Zest
Sarah gently folded in 1 cup of fresh cranberries and the zest of one plump orange. The vibrant red cranberries added a burst of color to the mixture, and the zest infused the dry ingredients with its bright, refreshing essence.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, she combined 3/4 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice with 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, and she whisked in one large egg until it was lightly beaten. The sight of the citrus juice swirling with the golden oil reminded Sarah of a radiant sunrise over a winter landscape.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
With a gentle touch, Sarah poured the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, and she stirred them together until just combined. It was crucial not to overmix the batter, as she wanted the bread to have a tender crumb and a delightful texture.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C), Sarah carefully poured the batter into a greased and floured standard-sized loaf pan. As the bread baked, the aroma of orange and cranberries wafted through the kitchen, filling the whole house with a sense of warmth and anticipation.
Step 7: Prepare the Easy Frosting
While the bread baked to a lovely golden hue, Sarah mixed up the easy frosting. In a small bowl, she combined 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, whisking it until it formed a smooth, drizzling consistency.
Step 8: Drizzle the Frosting
Once the Orange Cranberry Bread was out of the oven and cooled for a few minutes, Sarah couldn’t resist but drizzle the easy frosting over the top. The glossy glaze cascaded over the bread, completing its transformation into a masterpiece that looked as delightful as it smelled.
Storing And Freezing Tips
Storing Tips:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to consume the bread within a day or two, you can store it at room temperature. Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigeration: If you think the bread won’t be consumed within 2-3 days, it’s best to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from absorbing any odors from the fridge. Before serving, allow the bread to come to room temperature or gently warm it in the oven to enhance its flavor.
Freezing Tips:
- Whole Loaf: To freeze the entire loaf, wait until the bread has completely cooled down. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, making sure it is well-sealed to avoid freezer burn. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag for extra protection. The bread can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Slices: If you prefer freezing individual slices for easier thawing and serving, first allow the bread to cool completely. Slice it into individual pieces and separate each slice with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Place the slices in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and seal it tightly. This method allows you to take out and thaw only the number of slices you need.
Health Considerations for Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting
Incorporating fresh cranberries and orange zest, Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting offers a delicious blend of flavors. However, with added sugar and frosting, its overall healthiness should be considered.
Tips to make Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting Better
To enhance the flavor, texture, and overall appeal of Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting, consider incorporating the following tips:
1. Fresh Cranberries: Whenever possible, use fresh cranberries instead of frozen ones. Fresh cranberries tend to have a more pronounced flavor and texture, which can elevate the taste of the bread.
2. Use Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Opt for freshly squeezed orange juice and zest rather than store-bought juice or dried zest. The fresh citrus flavor will be more vibrant and aromatic.
3. Buttermilk or Yogurt: For a moist and tender texture, you can replace a portion of the orange juice with buttermilk or plain yogurt. The acidity in these ingredients will complement the flavors and improve the bread’s tenderness.
4. Add Nuts: Consider adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter. They will add a pleasant crunch and complement the cranberries and orange flavors.
5. Reduce Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. The sweetness from the orange juice and cranberries may be sufficient for your taste.
6. Whole Grain Flour: For a healthier version, swap some or all of the all-purpose flour with whole grain flour, such as whole wheat flour. This will increase the fiber content and provide more nutrients.
7. Orange Glaze: Instead of a simple frosting, you can make an orange glaze using powdered sugar and freshly squeezed orange juice. The glaze will be thinner and will infuse the bread with even more citrusy goodness.
8. Add Spices: Consider adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. These warm spices can complement the orange and cranberry flavors, adding depth to the overall taste.
9. Proper Cooling: Allow the bread to cool completely before applying the frosting or glaze. This ensures that the frosting sets properly and won’t become runny or melt.
10. Drizzle Artfully: When applying the frosting or glaze, take your time to drizzle it over the bread in a decorative pattern. This will not only make the bread look more appealing but will also distribute the sweetness evenly.
11. Orange Zest Garnish: Save a little bit of orange zest to sprinkle on top of the frosting or glaze. This adds a burst of color and intensifies the orange aroma.
By following these tips, you can create a more flavorful and visually appealing Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting that will delight your taste buds and impress anyone who tries it.
Need More Bread Recipes? Try These:
- Bacon & Cheese Slow Cooked Bread
- Ninja White Bread and Tomato Red Pepper Soup
- Sourdough Bread in the Ninja Foodi
- Naan Bread Pizza
- Air Fryer Pita Bread Cheese Pizza
Orange Cranberry Bread with Easy Frosting
Ingredients
Orange Cranberry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen cranberries, thawed)
- Zest of one orange
- ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
Easy Frosting
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp orange juice
Instructions
Orange Cranberry Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a standard-sized loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the fresh cranberries and orange zest to the dry ingredients. Toss them lightly to coat the cranberries with the flour mixture. This will help prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread while baking.
- In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, vegetable oil (or melted butter), and beaten egg. Mix well.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the bread in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the bread is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Easy Frosting
- In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of orange juice until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add more orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
- Drizzle the frosting over the cooled orange cranberry bread.
- Let the frosting set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- The use of fresh cranberries and orange zest enhances the flavor and aroma of the bread.
- Consider using freshly squeezed orange juice for a more vibrant citrus taste.
- For a healthier version, reduce the amount of sugar or try using natural sweeteners.
- Incorporating nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add a delightful crunch to the bread.
- Whole grain flour can be used for added fiber and nutrition.
- Drizzling the frosting artfully over the bread enhances its presentation.
- The recipe can be served as a dessert, breakfast, or snack option.
- Freezing individual slices allows for convenient, on-the-go portions.
- Experiment with adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth in flavor.
- Sharing this homemade treat with loved ones creates heartwarming memories.
