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    Home » Recipes » Breads

    Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread (Dairy-Free)

    Published: Dec 13, 2023 by Rebecca Taig · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread! This sweet ultra-moist cake-like bread is packed with loads of freshly tart cranberries and topped with a zesty orange citrus glaze. Perfect for the holidays!

    Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread photo. The front slice is cut off.

    This Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread Recipe has been a holiday favorite for years in our home. It's a delicious cake-like quick bread, infused with fresh orange juice and zest, vanilla and almond extract, and packed with fresh cranberries. The bread is finished with a zesty orange citrus glaze.

    The fresh cranberries throughout give this bread a festive look that is perfect to serve during the holidays. You can easily make this recipe into mini loaf pans and hand them out as gifts to neighbors and friends

    For more holiday favorites, try these Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Muffins, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread, and Gluten-Free Walnut Date Loaf.

    Jump to:
    • Why you'll love this recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Storage and Serving
    • FAQ
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Why you'll love this recipe

    Festive look and flavor! We love to make this bread during the holiday season, the time of year when cranberries are abundant. You can serve this bread for dessert or on Christmas morning. 

    Makes great gifts for neighbors and friends. You can easily make a batch of mini loaves to hand out to neighbors and friends.

    Simple and easy to make. This quick bread recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free with simple wholesome ingredients.

    Ingredients

    Gluten-Free cranberry orange bread ingredients. Gluten-free flour in a clear bowl with navel oranges, cranberries, leavening agents, oil yogurt, eggs, and powdered sugar.
    • Sugar: We use organic white sugar to sweeten the bread.
    • Orange Juice + Orange Zest: You will need the zest from two large navel oranges and freshly squeezed orange juice. Reserve some of the zest and juice for the glaze.
    • Eggs: Eggs are the binding agent in this recipe. Whisking them on their helps incorporate them into the batter more evenly
    • Coconut Oil: The melted coconut oil helps give this bread its cake-like texture. Any neutral oil will do including avocado oil or even grapeseed oil.
    • Yogurt: This helps to keep the bread moist. I love using dairy-free yogurt, but regular yogurt will work too.
    • Orange Juice + OrangeZest: You will need fresh orange zest and freshly squeezed orange juice from two large navel oranges.
    • Vanilla Extract + Almond Extract: A high-quality vanilla extract and almond extract are recommended for best results.
    • Gluten-Free Flour: Bob's Red Mill 1 to 1 flour works well in this recipe, it's my favorite gluten-free flour blend.
    • Baking Powder + Baking Soda: These leavening agents help the bread to rise.
    • Salt: Brings out the sweetness in the bread while balancing the flavors.
    • Cranberries:  I like to use fresh, whole cranberries for this gluten-free cranberry orange bread. Frozen cranberries will work too.
    • Powdered Sugar: This makes up the glaze along with a pinch of zest and two tablespoons of orange juice.
    Cranberry Orange Bread with two slices stacked on top of eachother.

    How to Make Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread

    Instructions on how to make gluten-free cranberry orange bread. Whisk flour in a clear bowl, add the orange zest to sugar, whisk the eggs, and then add all of the wet ingredients together.
    Instructions for cranberry orange bread. Add the flour the wet ingredients, fold in cranberries, and then pour the mixture into a prepared loaf pan.
    Cranberry orange bread cooling on a wire rack, with orange glaze in a bowl then poured on top of the cranberry orange bread, and then bread cut into slices.

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″  loaf pan. An optional step is to also line the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.

    1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
    2. Work the Orange Zest into the Sugar. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and zest of two large navel oranges. Work the orange zest into the sugar with a spoon, stirring for a few minutes until evenly combined. The sugar will feel like wet sand between your fingertips, and the zest should be fragrant, and fully incorporated into the sugar.
    3. Whisk the Eggs. Add the eggs to a large bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Beat until frothy, around 1-2 minutes.
    4. Combine the Wet Ingredients. Add the orange-zested sugar, yogurt, melted coconut oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined.
    5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients. On low speed, slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined but a few flour streaks remain. Do not over-mix the batter.
    6. Add the Cranberries. Using a rubber spatula, fold the cranberries into the batter.
    7. Bring the Mixture Together. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, incorporating any remaining flour.
    8. Bake the Bread. Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly smooth out the top and sides with a spatula. Add a few more cranberries on top, because you fancy, and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean from the center with only a few small moist crumbs.
    9. Let the Bread Cool. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and place the loaf directly on a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.
    10. Make the Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the orange glaze ingredients together.
    11. Add the Glaze to the Bread. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled bread before serving. Let the glazed bread sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to harden.
    12. Slice and Serve! You can slice and serve the bread right away.
    Gluten-free cranberry orange bread with a orange glaze on top and two slices of bread slices stacked on top of eachother.

    Substitutions and Variations

    • Add Nuts! For a crunchy texture try adding a ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans.
    • Leave off the glaze. If you want to cut back on your sugar or are just not a fan of icing, feel free to leave off the glaze.
    • Add a sugar crunchy topping. Instead of glazing the bread, try adding a few sprinkles of cane sugar to the top of the batter, before baking for a crunchy topping.

    Storage and Serving

    Make in Advance: If you plan on making this bread in advance to serve the next day, do not add the glaze. Wrap the cooled bread with plastic wrap and then once again with aluminum foil, stored at room temperature. Add the glaze before serving. 

    To Serve: Once the bread has cooled you can add the glaze, slice, and serve right away.

    To Store: Store this gluten-free cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If the bread starts to get too moist you can store it in the refrigerator.

    To Freeze: To freeze the bread once cooled, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Do not add the glaze until you are ready to serve the bread. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.

    Slices of gluten-free cranberry orange bread.

    FAQ

    Can I substitute dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?

    Yes, my original recipe included softened dried cranberries. This will make the bread a bit sweeter, and you'll have to soften them before use.

    To a medium-sized bowl, add the dried cranberries and 1 cup of boiling water. Allow the dried cranberries to soak for 20 minutes to help soften, plump, and hydrate the dried fruit. Drain the water, dry the cranberries with a paper towel. Set them aside until ready to use.

    Can I use the recipe to make mini loaves?

    This is the perfect bread to gift during the holiday season! You can make mini loaves by following the same directions, just use a mini loaf pan and bake for around 25-35 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked

    What does cranberry orange bread taste like?

    Gluten-free cranberry orange bread is a sweet bread with a zesty orange flavor combined with a slight tartness from the fresh cranberries. The texture of the crumb is tender and cake-like while still holding enough structure to be picked up by hand.

    Can I bake this in another size pan?

    Yes, this recipe can also be baked in a  9x5 inch loaf pan, but the loaf will not be as tall and the baking time may need to be adjusted. Check to see if the loaf is done baking at the 45-minute mark if using a large loaf pan.

    Recipe

    Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread (Dairy-Free)

    Recipe Author : Rebecca Taig
    Diet :Gluten Free
    Gluten-Free Cranberry Orange Bread! This sweet ultra-moist cake-like bread is packed with loads of freshly tart cranberries and topped with a zesty orange citrus glaze. Perfect for the holidays!
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course Breads, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 55 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Servings 8 people
    Calories 252 kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    Wet Ingredients

    • 2 large eggs
    • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
    • ⅓ cup (85g) yogurt
    • ⅓ cup (80g) refined coconut oil, melted
    • ¼ cup (60ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
    • finely grated zest of 2 large navel oranges (reserve 1 teaspoon for glaze)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract

    Dry Ingredients

    • 2 cups (272g) gluten-free flour Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free 1 to 1 Baking Flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (100g) fresh cranberries

    Orange Glaze

    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 tablespoons (30ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
    • 1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest

    Instructions
     

    Make the Bread

    • Prepare the Oven and Loaf Pan. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8.5″ x 4.5″ x 2.5″  loaf pan. Line the pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
    • Whisk the Dry Ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together until combined. Set aside.
    • Work the Orange Zest into the Sugar. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and zest of two large navel oranges. Work the orange zest into the sugar with a spoon, stirring for a few minutes until evenly combined. The sugar will feel like wet sand between your fingertips, and the zest should be fragrant, and fully incorporated into the sugar.
    • Whisk the Eggs. Add the eggs to a large bowl or stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Beat until frothy, around 1-2 minutes.
    • Combine the Wet Ingredients. Add the orange-zested sugar, yogurt, melted coconut oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until combined
    • Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients. On low speed, slowly pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined but a few flour streaks remain. Do not over-mix the batter
    • Add the Cranberries. Using a rubber spatula, fold the cranberries into the batter.
    • Bring the Mixture Together. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, incorporating any remaining flour.
    • Bake the Bread. Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and evenly smooth out the top and sides with a spatula. Add a few more cranberries on top, because you fancy, and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean from the center with only a few small moist crumbs.
    • Let the Bread Cool. Remove the loaf from the oven and let it sit in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and place the loaf directly on a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.

    Glaze the Bread

    • Make the Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk the orange glaze ingredients together.
    • Add the Glaze to the Bread. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the cooled bread before serving. Let the glazed bread sit for a few minutes to allow the glaze to harden.
    • Slice and Serve! You can slice and serve the bread right away.

    Notes

    Make in Advance: If you plan on making this bread in advance to serve the next day, do not add the glaze. Wrap the cooled bread with plastic wrap and then once again with aluminum foil, stored at room temperature. Add the glaze before serving. 
    To Serve: Once the bread has cooled you can add the glaze, slice, and serve right away.
    To Store: Store this gluten-free cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If the bread starts to get too moist you can store it in the refrigerator.
    To Freeze: To freeze the bread once cooled, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Do not add the glaze until you are ready to serve the bread. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature.
    Make Mini Loaves
    This is the perfect bread to gift during the holiday season! You can make mini loaves by following the same directions, just use a mini loaf pan and bake for around 25-35 minutes, or until the center is fully cooked

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 sliceCalories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 4gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 29mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 2gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 1mg
    Pin Recipe
    Did You Make This Recipe?Share your recipe photos with me @rebecca.taig
    Did You Enjoy This Recipe?Please give it a star rating in the comments below. Thank you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 7 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Kenny says

      December 13, 2024 at 8:50 am

      5 stars
      This was a moist, flavorful treat, blending tart cranberries with zesty orange for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. A perfect holiday bread to for gatherings

      Reply
    2. Donna Markley says

      December 11, 2022 at 12:03 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe. Really good cranberry and orange flavors. Made it for a party as desert and everyone loved it! A real hit!

      Reply
      • Rebecca Taig says

        December 11, 2022 at 1:48 pm

        Donna,

        Thank you so much for your review, I really appreciate it.

        Happy Holidays to you and yours.

        Reply
    3. Laura says

      December 27, 2020 at 3:07 pm

      Can fresh cranberries be used? Also, high altitude adjustments needed?

      Reply
      • Rebecca Taig says

        December 27, 2020 at 3:26 pm

        Hi there!

        Yes, fresh cranberries can be used. You can skip the "soaking method," when using fresh cranberries.

        Unfortunately, I do not have any advice when making this recipe at a higher altitude.

        Here is a chart you could reference:

        High-Altitude Baking Chart
        Follow the chart below for more specific adjustments. When adapting a recipe for high altitudes, always start out with the smallest adjustment then add more adjustments later and only if necessary. It's a good idea to keep notes of how you adjusted your recipes until you know what works best for your particular location.

        Adjustment for 3000 feet:
        Reduce baking powder: for each teaspoon decrease 1/8 teaspoon.
        Reduce sugar: for each cup, decrease 0 to 1 tablespoon.
        Increase liquid: for each cup, add 1 to 2 tablespoons.
        Increase oven temperature by 25 degrees F.

        Adjustment for 5000 feet:
        Reduce baking powder: for each teaspoon, decrease 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon.
        Reduce sugar: for each cup, decrease 0 to 2 tablespoons.
        Increase liquid: for each cup, add 2 to 4 tablespoons.
        Increase oven temperature by 25 degrees F.

        Adjustment for 7000+ feet:
        Reduce baking powder: for each teaspoon, decrease 1/4 teaspoon.
        Reduce sugar: for each cup, decrease 1 to 3 tablespoons.
        Increase liquid: for each cup, add 3 to 4 tablespoons.
        Increase oven temperature by 25 degrees F.

        Reply
    4. Sina says

      December 06, 2020 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      Me and my fanily loved this cake! Was even more flavorful and moist two days after baking.

      Reply
    5. Sue Taig says

      October 18, 2019 at 4:15 pm

      5 stars
      Made the loaf today it is delicious.

      Reply
      • Rebecca Taig says

        October 18, 2019 at 4:37 pm

        I'm so glad you liked it! 🙂

        Reply

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