Introduction:
Cranberry Orange Bread is a juicy dessert that combines the sourness of cranberries with the sunny taste of, oranges which are wrapped in moist and soft loaf. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or even as a snack in late afternoon when it’s served with simple glaze.Ingredients:
For the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
Zest of 1 orange
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 large egg, beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped (or frozen, thawed)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions:
Preheat and Prepare: To start off first preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and then grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt together in a big bowl.
Firstly, pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and then smooth the top with a spatula.
Alternatively, bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
This will take quite a bit of time; allow it to cool:
The bread should cool down in the pan itself for about 10-15 minutes before being removed from it and put on wire racks to dry completely.
Secondly, Prepare the Glaze:
Combine powdered sugar with enough orange juice for drizzling consistency in another small bowl.
Thirdly, Glaze the Bread:
Pour glaze over cooled loaf. The glaze should set before slicing and serving.
Hints for Success:
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for both juice and zest for best flavor quality. Cranberries Chopping: Coarsely chop cranberries while allowing them to be evenly distributed without sinking at the bottom of your load. Glazing Technique: Allow sufficient cooling time after baking so that glazing is done lastly to prevent melting away entirely.
Health Benefits:
Cranberries are antioxidative than vitamin C rich fruits like oranges which add more vitamin C and dietary fiber. This bread can be a nice way of getting these important nutrients into your body system.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: 280 kcal
Fat: 8g
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 30g
Please note that nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending upon exact ingredients used.
Variations and Substitutions…
Nuts – Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Dried Fruit – Instead of cranberries, use dried cranberries or other dried fruits like raisins.
Gluten-Free – Use a gluten-free flour mix instead of all-purpose flour.
Egg-Free – If you are vegetarian consider using flaxseed or chia seed egg in place of the egg.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Instead of the fresh ones, can I use dried cranberries? A: Yes, you can replace with them. Soak in hot water for about ten minutes then drain properly before adding to batter.
Q: How should I store this bread? A: Store your cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for not more than three days. It is also possible to freeze it up to two months.
Q: Can I skip the glaze? A: Yes, you can without the glaze since this bread tastes great on its own. It will have a bit less sweet finish.
Conclusion:
Cranberry Orange Bread has tart cranberries, citrusy orange zest and moist texture which make it suitable for any establishment. This bread will please every palate if enjoyed during breakfast, served with tea or used as dessert due to multiple flavors that it contains inside of each slice. Try making it for your next gathering or simply to enjoy with loved ones at home!