Cranberry Orange Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), optional

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• Zest of 1 orange

1. Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.

2. Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, combine the fresh orange juice, orange zest, melted butter, beaten egg, and vanilla extract.

4. Mix the Batter:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

5. Add Cranberries and Nuts:

• Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using).

6. Transfer to Pan:

• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.

7. Bake:

• Bake for 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Orange Glaze:

• While the bread is baking, prepare the orange glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth.

9. Cool:

• Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

10. Glaze the Bread:

• Drizzle the orange glaze over the warm bread.

11. Cool Completely:

• Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.

12. Serve and Enjoy:

• Slice and serve the Cranberry Orange Bread. Enjoy the burst of flavors!

This delightful bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat. The combination of cranberries and orange creates a deliciously moist and flavorful loaf.