Glazed Cranberry Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, but it really shines during the festive season. The combination of creamy, rich flavors and the tartness of cranberries creates a mouthwatering experience that’s hard to resist. This loaf is moist, flavorful, and topped off with a sweet glaze, making it a wonderful choice for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or dessert. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful bread that will surely impress friends and family!
What You’ll Need for Glazed Cranberry Bread
To get started on your Glazed Cranberry Bread, gather the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (room temperature)
- ½ cup (115 g) butter (room temperature)
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups (200 g) cranberries (chopped)
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange juice or apple juice
Step-by-Step Glazed Cranberry Bread Recipe
Making Glazed Cranberry Bread is straightforward. Follow these easy steps to create your delicious loaf:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray two loaf pans with non-stick spray and dust them lightly with sugar for that extra sweetness.
- In a large bowl, cream together the room temperature cream cheese, butter, and granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture, stirring until everything is fully combined.
- Gently add in the flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing only until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread light and fluffy.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Divide the batter equally between the prepared loaf pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- While the bread is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice (or apple juice) in a small bowl until smooth.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before drizzling the glaze over the top for a gorgeous finish.
How to Serve Glazed Cranberry Bread
This delightful bread can be served in various ways that are sure to please everyone. You might consider slicing it into thick pieces and serving it warm, perhaps with a dollop of cream cheese spread or a smear of butter. Pairing it with a nice cup of tea or coffee makes for a perfect afternoon treat. If you’re feeling fancy, you can even serve it as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some fresh whipped cream on the side!
Tips for Glazed Cranberry Bread
Here are some helpful tips and variations to make your Glazed Cranberry Bread even more special:
- Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries.
- Use Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are out of season, dried cranberries will also work well. Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using.
- Zest it Up: Adding some orange or lemon zest will give the bread an additional zing and enhance the flavours beautifully.
Glazed Cranberry Bread FAQs
Can I freeze Glazed Cranberry Bread?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It should keep well for up to three months.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the centre should come out clean. If it comes out with wet batter, continue baking for a few more minutes.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
If you prefer, you can use mascarpone cheese or Greek yogurt for a different twist on the recipe, although the texture and taste will vary slightly.
There you have it! Glazed Cranberry Bread is not only simple to prepare but is also wonderfully satisfying. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you! Happy baking!