Happy New Year! Are you all ready for a fantastic year? I sure am! I wanted the first recipe of the year to be really fabulous – something easy to make, full of flavor, and one you will go back to time and time again. This cranberry orange loaf fits the bill and then some! The tart cranberries paired with bright citrus is a beautiful thing. And then there’s the glaze, oh that wonderful, drippy blood orange glaze…
So I made this over the weekend for brunch, and it was such a hit! The secret ingredient in this loaf is the cream cheese. It adds a wonderful texture to the bread, and although it’s dense, it’s definitely not heavy. I tossed in a cup of cranberries which add just the right amount of tartness and really wake you up! The orange zest was a given – the citrus is so beautiful right now, and I have a thing for blood oranges. It is a fabulous bread on its own, but I had a feeling a little glaze would seal the deal. I doused it with a blood orange glaze and then hit it with a little more zest, and let’s just say devoured would be an understatement! I mean just look at that glaze, pooled in the middle and dripping down the sides…
Brunch was great, blood orange mimosas were enjoyed by all, and I have a feeling I’ll be making this bread a few more times in the near future! There’s also lots of talk about resolutions and goals this month, and I think your first one should be to make this bread – like tonight, maybe tomorrow, perhaps this weekend, or all of the above. Now I think that’s a resolution we can all keep! And just in case you need even more convincing, here you go! Happy baking!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 4 ounces unsalted butter
- zest of 2 oranges - I used blood oranges
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 and 3/4 cup AP flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh squeezed orange juice - I used blood oranges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cream butter, cream cheese, orange zest and sugar till light and fluffy.
- Mix in eggs and vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk into batter, starting and ending with dries.
- Stir in cranberries.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake at 350 degrees for 55-60 minutes rotating once halfway through.
- Whisk powdered sugar and orange juice together till there are no lumps.
- Spoon over cooled loaf and serve.
Notes
I used blood oranges in the recipe, but you can also use regular oranges. Cara cara oranges are really great too.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
This is definitely the way to do brunch! That dripping glaze is so inviting 🙂
bblondie says
Glad you agree!
NY Baker says
Hi – looks great… two questions: what size loaf pan, and is the pan to be greased and floured or just greased? Thanks.
bblondie says
Thank you! The loaf pan I use is 9″ x 4.5″ and just use nonstick spray – no flour needed. Enjoy!
Jen @JuanitasCocina says
Yes, this should definitely be on my resolution list. Because…well, it’s the glaze.
bblondie says
Yup, it’s all about the glaze!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yum! What a perfect bread! One of my favorite combos is orange and cranberries together!
bblondie says
Thanks Jen! Such a great combo!
Jocelyn @BruCrewLife says
I like resolutions that involve me baking more 🙂 THis bread is killer looking!!!
bblondie says
Me too! Thanks Jocelyn!!
Anita at Hungry Couple says
I’m a huge fan of the combo of orange and cranberry (just made scones myself). The inclusion of the cream cheese in the batter sounds wonderful!
bblondie says
Thanks Anita! I’ve gotta check out those scones!
Steph says
Oh my gosh! This looks incredible
Noble Pig - Cathy says
This is amazing! Wow that glaze…it is beyond fabulous.
SJP says
Thanks for the recipe. I made is yesterday and its delicious, like sunshine in your mouth. very good esp this bleak winter. It was rather brown on the top and sides though, could i bake it at a lower temperature for slightly longer to prevent the browning and hardening of the sides?
bblondie says
Thank you! Yes, you can definitely try baking it at 325 and see how that works for you. Also I have found that using a lighter color loaf pan produces a beautiful golden color. When I use dark colored pans, I have to adjust bake time and bake at a lower temp. Hope that helps!
Liz says
What a gorgeous loaf, Meghan! I have two bags of cranberries in my freezer, and this looks like a perfect way to use up some of them. That drizzle is so pretty!!!
Melanie @ Just Some Salt and Pepper says
Looks delicious!! I love baked goods with things like cream cheese and sour cream in the dough. It makes them so much more yummy!
bblondie says
Thanks Melanie!
gghie says
This looks delicious!
I love everything in your blog.
Glad I found you through twitter.
Just started following you.
Join me at http://www.theredapronscravings.com
bblondie says
Thanks so much! Glad you stopped by!
Magic of Spice says
That looks so very good…wish I had a slice with my coffee right now 🙂
Terra says
YUM!!! I think this is one of my favorite flavor combinations in sweet breads. It tastes so lovely together:-) Your bread looks wonderful, and that glaze OH MY! Hugs, Terra
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
Cranberry Orange is one of my favorite quick breads! I love all that glaze!
amy @ fearless homemaker says
This is literally the most perfect-looking bread I have ever seen. Gorgeous! And I love the combo of cranberry and orange – will have to try this!
Patricia @ ButterYum says
This lovely bread is calling my name. Love the photos!!
Brooks at Cakewalker says
Meghan, Happy New Year to you and this entry is a grand one to begin it with! The flavor profiles along with your perfect execution inspires me to give it a run in my kitchen. Thank you for sharing this beauty.
Roxana | Roxana's Home Baking says
I love orange and cranberry together and your bread looks amazing! Way to start the new year Meghan!
I hope you can bring it to my #bakeyourownbread monthly event http://www.roxanashomebaking.com/bake-your-own-bread/
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
Amazing!! Why are you not 700 pounds??
Carol | a cup of mascarpone says
This bread looks incredible, Meghan! I adore the cranberry and orange flavor combination…and the glaze just tops it off!!!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Love the sound of this bread! The cranberry orange combo is one of my favorites!
pam says
This is wonderful bread. I added a few walnuts. Just marvelous. And my 24 year old son thinks your pretty terrific, too!!!
Eddie says
I just one to say Yummy! My partner and neighbors loved it..Kudos for this great recipe 🙂
bblondie says
Thanks Eddie! So glad you all enjoyed it!