Cranberry Orange Loaf is one of those rare bakes that feels both sophisticated and inherently cozy. It relies on the classic, high-contrast pairing of bright, floral citrus zest and the sharp, tart pop of fresh cranberries.
The secret to a truly vibrant loaf isn't just throwing in the ingredients; it’s about maximizing the orange oil. Before you mix your wet and dry ingredients, try rubbing the fresh orange zest directly into your granulated sugar with your fingertips. You’ll see the sugar turn a pale orange and smell the oils releasing—that simple step infuses the entire loaf with a depth of flavor that zest alone simply cannot achieve.
Ingredients
This recipe uses standard pantry staples, but the quality of your orange and freshness of your cranberries will make a noticeable difference in the final result.
| Category | Ingredients |
| Dry Mix | 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, ½ tsp salt |
| Wet Mix | 2 large eggs (room temp), ¾ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best), 1/3 cup melted butter, 1 tbsp orange zest |
| Add-ins | 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (tossed in 1 tbsp flour) |
| Glaze | ½ cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp orange juice |
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