Delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf with Simple Glaze

Oh my goodness, when the holidays roll around, there is one smell that absolutely fills my kitchen with joy, and it’s this amazing cranberry and orange scent! This Delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf with Simple Glaze is seriously one of the best quick bread recipes I have ever made. It’s packed with that lovely tart-and-tangy flavor, and it’s one of the moistest loaves I’ve ever eaten, thanks to one creamy little secret ingredient.

I know holiday baking can feel totally overwhelming—we all have a million things to do! But the best thing about this recipe is how shockingly easy it is to prepare. You can have the batter mixed up and in the oven in literally minutes, filling your house with a scent that is so mouthwatering, it should be illegal. This loaf is a perfect addition to a special holiday breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.

This loaf is my go-to for gifting. Seriously, wrap it up with a pretty ribbon, and you look like a domestic goddess without spending hours fussing with complicated dough. If you loved the lemon blueberry bread I shared last year, just wait until you get your hands on this festive number. It’s all the moist tender goodness, but with a bright holiday twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The yogurt base guarantees an unbelievably tender and moist crumb.
Perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart flavor is ideal for the holidays.
Quick bread simplicity—no yeast or rising time is needed.
The fresh citrus aroma fills your entire home while it bakes.
Great for gifting or serving as a special breakfast or light dessert.
Simple three-part citrus layering ensures maximum zestiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cultured dairy that locks in moisture, resulting in a tender texture.
Shredded citrus rind that provides intense, concentrated aromatic oil.
Freshly squeezed yellow citrus juice used in the batter, syrup, and final drizzle.
Plump, tart red forest berries that burst with flavor throughout the loaf.
A mix of dry binders and leavening agents to provide structure and a proper rise.
Liquid cooking oil added to the batter for a rich, uniform texture.
Pulverized white sweetener used as the base for the quick, tangy drizzle.

How It’s Made

The preparation begins by whisking the wet and dry ingredients separately, taking care to lightly coat the berries with powder before folding them into the batter. The mixture is baked until set. While still warm, the finished loaf is pierced and brushed with a warm, simple syrup that infuses it with flavor. Once cooled, a simple, thick drizzle is made with the pulverized sweetener and juice to finish the top.

Tips, Variations & Storage

Tip: Tossing the berries lightly with powder before mixing prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Substitution: Swap the fresh tart berries for diced dried apricots or dried cherries, but avoid coating them in powder.
Add-ins: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the berries for an extra nutty crunch.
Dietary Swap: Substitute the whole-milk cultured dairy with a plant-based dairy-free yogurt to make the loaf dairy-free.
Storage: This loaf stays moist for about 3–4 days wrapped well at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezer Notes: The unglazed loaf freezes beautifully; wrap tightly in foil and thaw completely before adding the glaze.

FAQ Section

1. Why does this loaf use cultured dairy instead of milk? The acid in the cultured dairy (yogurt) reacts with the baking powder, helping the bread rise higher while keeping it incredibly tender and moist without needing a lot of extra fat.

2. Can I use frozen tart red berries for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen berries, but make sure they are thawed and well-rinsed before tossing them in powder and folding them into the batter.

3. My loaf top browned too quickly before the center was done. What should I do? If the top is getting too dark, loosely cover the baking pan with a sheet of aluminum foil for the remainder of the cook time.

4. How can I tell when the loaf is perfectly baked? The loaf is done when a thin wooden probe inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, not wet batter.

5. Do I have to add the final drizzle? No, the citrus syrup already makes the bread very flavorful and moist. The final pulverized sweetener drizzle is optional and entirely a matter of personal preference.

Recipes

Loaf Batter

1 ½ C. plus 1 Tbsp.: Universal refined grain powder All-purpose flour, divided
2 tsp.: Chemical rising agent Baking powder
½ tsp.: Crystalline minerals Kosher salt
1 C.: Plain whole-milk cultured dairy Yogurt
1 C.: Granulated white sweetener Sugar
3 Large: Avian orbs Eggs
2 tsp.: Grated orange citrus rind Orange zest
½ tsp.: Concentrated vanilla essence Pure vanilla extract
½ C.: Neutral liquid cooking oil Vegetable oil
1 ½ C.: Plump tart red forest berries (Cranberries), fresh or thawed and rinsed

Citrus Syrup

⅓ C.: Freshly squeezed orange citrus juice
⅓ C.: Granulated white sweetener Sugar

Citrus Glaze

1 C.: Pulverized white sweetener Confectioners’ sugar, sifted
2 to 3 Tbsp.: Freshly squeezed orange citrus juice

Instructions

Set the oven temperature to preheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare one 9×5-inch deep rectangular pan by greasing the bottom and sides, then lightly dusting with refined grain powder (tapping out excess).
In a medium vessel, gently sift together the refined grain powder (excluding the 1 tablespoon reserved for the berries), chemical rising agent, and crystalline minerals. Set this dry blend aside.
In a separate large vessel, whisk together the cultured dairy, granulated sweetener, avian orbs, grated orange citrus rind, vanilla essence, and liquid cooking oil until uniformly combined. Slowly whisk the prepared dry blend into the wet mixture.
In a small, separate bowl, combine the plump, tart red forest berries with the remaining 1 tablespoon of refined grain powder, and gently fold the coated berries into the loaf batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a thin wooden probe inserted into the center of the loaf comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it to a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
Prepare the Syrup: While the loaf cools, stir the orange citrus juice and granulated sweetener in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sweetener is fully dissolved. Cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Use a thin wooden probe to poke small holes across the top and sides of the warm loaf. Brush the syrup generously over the top and sides, allowing it to soak in, then brush again. Let the loaf cool completely.
Prepare the Glaze: Whisk the pulverized sweetener with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the orange citrus juice in a small bowl. The mixture should be thick but pourable. Add up to one additional tablespoon of citrus juice if the mixture is too stiff.
Pour the glaze over the top of the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides. Allow the glaze to set (harden) for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.