Delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf with Simple Glaze

I know holiday baking can feel totally overwhelming—we all have a million things to do! But the best thing about this recipe is how shockingly easy it is to prepare. You can have the batter mixed up and in the oven in literally minutes, filling your house with a scent that is so mouthwatering, it should be illegal. This loaf is a perfect addition to a special holiday breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack.

This loaf is my go-to for gifting. Seriously, wrap it up with a pretty ribbon, and you look like a domestic goddess without spending hours fussing with complicated dough. If you loved the lemon blueberry bread I shared last year, just wait until you get your hands on this festive number. It’s all the moist tender goodness, but with a bright holiday twist!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The yogurt base guarantees an unbelievably tender and moist crumb.
Perfectly balanced sweet-and-tart flavor is ideal for the holidays.
Quick bread simplicity—no yeast or rising time is needed.
The fresh citrus aroma fills your entire home while it bakes.
Great for gifting or serving as a special breakfast or light dessert.
Simple three-part citrus layering ensures maximum zestiness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cultured dairy that locks in moisture, resulting in a tender texture.
Shredded citrus rind that provides intense, concentrated aromatic oil.
Freshly squeezed yellow citrus juice used in the batter, syrup, and final drizzle.
Plump, tart red forest berries that burst with flavor throughout the loaf.
A mix of dry binders and leavening agents to provide structure and a proper rise.
Liquid cooking oil added to the batter for a rich, uniform texture.
Pulverized white sweetener used as the base for the quick, tangy drizzle.

How It’s Made

The preparation begins by whisking the wet and dry ingredients separately, taking care to lightly coat the berries with powder before folding them into the batter. The mixture is baked until set. While still warm, the finished loaf is pierced and brushed with a warm, simple syrup that infuses it with flavor. Once cooled, a simple, thick drizzle is made with the pulverized sweetener and juice to finish the top.

Tips, Variations & Storage

Tip: Tossing the berries lightly with powder before mixing prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
Substitution: Swap the fresh tart berries for diced dried apricots or dried cherries, but avoid coating them in powder.
Add-ins: Fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the berries for an extra nutty crunch.
Dietary Swap: Substitute the whole-milk cultured dairy with a plant-based dairy-free yogurt to make the loaf dairy-free.
Storage: This loaf stays moist for about 3–4 days wrapped well at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Freezer Notes: The unglazed loaf freezes beautifully; wrap tightly in foil and thaw completely before adding the glaze.