Description
Delightful citrusy glazed cranberry orange loaf brings zesty Mediterranean sunshine right to your kitchen counter. Juicy cranberries dance with bright orange notes, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy that beckons you to slice and savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Additional and Optional Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare oven at 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing, flouring, or lining with parchment paper for effortless cake removal.
- Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until uniformly blended.
- In a separate bowl, vigorously mix eggs, vegetable oil, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until the liquid mixture appears smooth and integrated.
- Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring with minimal movement to prevent overworking the batter; mix until ingredients are just incorporated.
- Delicately fold fresh cranberries and optional chopped nuts into the batter, ensuring berries remain whole and evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even top; place in preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes.
- Verify cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it emerges clean, remove from oven and allow to rest in pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully transfer loaf to a wire cooling rack, letting it cool completely before applying citrus glaze across the top for a vibrant, tangy finish.
Notes
- Swap out all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the loaf’s tender texture.
- Reduce sugar content by using monk fruit sweetener or stevia to create a lower-calorie, diabetic-friendly option without compromising flavor.
- Use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer to prevent color bleeding and maintain their vibrant appearance throughout the baking process.
- Toast nuts lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft, citrusy loaf.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg