Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze
Ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups + 1 tablespoon, divided
- Baking powder: 2 teaspoons
- Kosher salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Plain whole-milk yogurt: 1 cup
- Sugar: 1 cup
- Large eggs: 3
- Grated orange zest: 2 teaspoons
- Pure vanilla extract: 1/2 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 1/2 cup
- Cranberries (fresh or frozen, thawed and rinsed): 1 1/2 cups
For the Orange Syrup:
- Freshly squeezed orange juice: 1/3 cup
- Sugar: 1/3 cup
For the Orange Glaze:
- Confectioners’ sugar: 1 cup, sifted
- Fresh orange juice: 2 to 3 tablespoons
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan; dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together 1 1/2 cups of flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, sugar, eggs, orange zest, vanilla, and oil.
- Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Prepare Cranberries:
- In a separate bowl, mix the cranberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour.
- Gently fold the floured cranberries into the batter.
- Bake the Bread:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Make the Orange Syrup:
- While the loaf is cooling, combine the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved, then cook for an additional 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
- Apply the Syrup:
- Use a toothpick to poke holes in the top and sides of the warm loaf.
- Brush the top and sides with the orange syrup, allowing it to soak in. Repeat the process.
- Let the loaf cool completely.
- Prepare the Orange Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice. The glaze should be thick but pourable.
- If too stiff, add up to another tablespoon of orange juice.
- Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides.
- Allow the glaze to harden for about 15 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Bread with Simple Glaze as a festive and flavorful treat for any occasion!