Description
Indulgent Cranberry Orange Loaf delivers a delightful symphony of zesty citrus and tart berries in each delectable slice. Moist crumb and balanced flavors invite you to savor a classic comfort treat perfect for morning coffee or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 large orange)
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk (or milk with ½ tablespoon vinegar)
Fruit and Glaze:
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup (60 g) powdered sugar
- 12 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Create a flavorful foundation by heating the oven to 350F (175C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light coating of grease or a parchment paper lining.
- Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing vessel, ensuring a uniform dry ingredient blend.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, airy texture with soft peaks.
- Incorporate eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each addition. Pour in orange juice and zest, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky consistency.
- Gradually introduce the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold gently to maintain the batter’s delicate structure, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
- Tenderly fold cranberries throughout the batter, distributing them evenly to ensure each slice will have a burst of tangy flavor.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to create an even layer. Position in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring until a slender wooden pick emerges clean when inserted into the loaf’s center.
- Allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack.
- For an optional luxurious finish, whisk powdered sugar and orange juice until a glossy glaze forms. Drizzle artfully over the completely cooled loaf.
- Slice and serve, revealing the vibrant cranberry and citrus swirls within the tender crumb.
Notes
- Ensure butter is at room temperature for smooth creaming and better texture, preventing lumpy batter.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender, soft crumb; stop mixing once ingredients are just combined.
- Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding to prevent sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, keeping the same measurements.
- Boost nutrition by adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts or snacks.
- Reduce sugar by using half the amount and replacing with applesauce or mashed banana for natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 29 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg