Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (113g) Unsalted Butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 Large Eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 teaspoons Orange Zest (from 1 large orange)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) Fresh Orange Juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 3/4 cups (210g) All-Purpose Flour, sifted
- 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
- 1 Tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for coating cranberries)
- 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar (for optional glaze)
- 2-3 Tablespoons Orange Juice (for optional glaze)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
- Toss the fresh or frozen cranberries lightly with 1 tablespoon of the measured flour mixture to prevent them from sinking during baking.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together using a mixer until the mixture is pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in the orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until just combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients on low speed. Mix only until just combined; do not over-mix the batter to ensure a tender crumb.
- Gently fold in the flour-coated cranberries using a rubber spatula.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully lifting it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the optional glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over the fully cooled loaf and allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.