EASY Cranberry Orange Loaf with Orange Glaze

There’s something irresistibly delicious about the combination of cranberries and oranges, especially during the cooler months. The tartness of cranberries paired with the bright, zesty sweetness of oranges creates a balance that is simply irresistible. This cranberry orange loaf is a delightful dessert, a cozy tea-time snack, or even a festive breakfast addition. If you’re ready to start baking, simply hit the “jump to recipe” button. Otherwise, scroll through step-by-step recipe photos below and read through our baking tips too.

Cranberries and Oranges – The Perfect Pairing

Cranberries and oranges are such a delicious pairing. The flavors complement each other, creating a dynamic balance where the tartness of cranberries perfectly offsets the natural sweetness of orange juice. Both ingredients are at their peak during the cooler months, making them a harmonious pairing for winter bakes.

But beyond flavor, they also bring vibrant visual appeal and texture to any dish—cranberries add juicy bursts of tartness and a striking red hue, while orange zest and juice contribute a brightness that elevates the overall flavor.

Cranberry Orange Loaf Step-By-Step Photos

1. Preheat and Prep
Gather together your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8” loaf pan with non-stick baking spray and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and beat it with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) to soften. Next add the sugar and cream and mix together for one to two minutes until light in color.

3. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing in each before adding the next one. Then add the the sour cream and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour (reserving ¼ cup to coat the cranberries), baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add about 1/3 of the dry ingredients to your wet ingredients in the large bowl and mix together with a wooden spoon.  Add 1/2 of the orange juice and all the orange zest and mix in. Repeat, add about 1/3 flour, mix in and then the remaining orange juice and mix in.

5. Fold in the Cranberries
Toss the cranberries in the reserved ¼ cup of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf during baking. Add your coated cranberries and mix everything together until just blended and cranberries evenly distributed. Don’t over mix.  

6. Bake the Loaf
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Make the Glaze
While the loaf cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf for a beautiful and delicious finish.

Baking Tips for Success

We want your cranberry orange loaf to come out perfect! Here are a few tips to read through and keep in mind as you’re baking:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps them blend seamlessly and results in a smooth batter.
• Don’t Skip the Flour Coating: Tossing the cranberries in flour keeps them from sinking to the bottom. This ensures even distribution throughout the loaf.
• Use Fresh Orange Zest: Zest the orange before juicing it. The zest adds concentrated citrus flavor that enhances the loaf.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can overdevelop the gluten, resulting in a tough texture.
• Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so start checking the loaf at the 50-minute mark. If the top browns too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
• Avoid the Burn:  Watch your loaf when it’s in the last 5-10 minutes, if the top is getting too dark, tent it with a piece of tinfoil so it won’t burn, but the loaf can continue to bake.  
• Stop the SINK:  Don’t open the oven door all the time to check the doneness, this could cause the center to sink. Test the center of the loaf with a toothpick or a wood skewer for the doneness. Insert in the center and if it comes out clean, it’s done.  If it’s sticky add 3-5 minutes.  

Serving Suggestions

This cranberry orange loaf is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of things, making it suitable for any time of day. Also, feel free to decorate and garnish the cranberry orange loaf with fresh orange slices, fresh cranberries, and even sugar coated cranberries just before serving.

For breakfast, enjoy a slice with a dollop of butter or cream cheese and a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a luxurious start to the morning. And for holiday gatherings, cut the loaf into smaller pieces and include it on a festive dessert platter alongside cookies and chocolates for a delightful dessert board.

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