Description
These Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves are the kind of easy recipe that makes any morning feel a little more special. I love how the bright orange zest and juice bring fresh citrus flavor to every bite, while the cranberries add little pops of tartness that keep the sweet glaze and tender crumb perfectly balanced. They’re ideal for brunch, holiday baking, breakfast ideas, snack time, or even a simple dessert with coffee. If you’re looking for an easy homemade baked good that feels cozy, beautiful, and giftable, this is one of my favorite sweet bread recipes to make.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease 4 mini loaf pans and line them with parchment if desired.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Mix in the orange zest, 1/2 cup orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir just until combined.
7. Gently fold in the cranberries.
8. Divide the batter evenly among the mini loaf pans, filling each about two-thirds full.
9. Bake for 28 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the loaves in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 to 3 tablespoons orange juice until smooth.
12. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaves and let it set before serving.
Notes
For the best orange flavor, use freshly grated orange zest and fresh orange juice instead of bottled juice.
If you use frozen cranberries, add them straight from the freezer so they stay firm and do not bleed too much color into the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 52mg
Keywords: cranberry orange mini loaves, orange cranberry bread, mini loaf recipe, easy breakfast, brunch ideas, sweet bread, holiday baking, easy recipe, food ideas