Description

A moist, tender loaf cake featuring tart dried cranberries and bright orange zest, topped with a simple citrus glaze. This easy one-bowl recipe is perfect for holidays, breakfast, or afternoon snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
1/4 cup (60ml) fresh orange juice
1 cup (150g) dried cranberries
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar, sifted
2–3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes with a mixer).
Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, orange zest, and 1/4 cup orange juice.
Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently. Add the buttermilk and mix. Add remaining dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Gently fold in the dried cranberries.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon orange zest, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze.
Drizzle glaze over the cooled loaf and let set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Zest oranges before juicing. The loaf tastes better the next day as flavors meld. Can be frozen for up to 3 months (without glaze). For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 280
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 220
Fat: 9
Saturated Fat: 5
Carbohydrates: 48
Fiber: 1
Protein: 4

Keywords: cranberry orange loaf, holiday baking, easy cake recipe, autumn dessert, gluten-free option, one bowl cake