Description
These Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves are moist, citrusy, and full of bright tart cranberries. With a buttery crumb, sweet orange glaze, and soft texture, they’re perfect for holiday gifting, cozy breakfasts, or freezer-friendly treats. Each loaf brings a burst of sunshine and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh orange zest
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 teaspoon flour (for tossing cranberries)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line 4–6 mini loaf pans with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
4. Mix in sour cream and orange zest until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture alternately with the orange juice. Stir gently to combine. Do not overmix.
7. Toss cranberries with 1 teaspoon flour, then fold them into the batter.
8. Divide batter into mini loaf pans, filling each 3/4 full. Smooth the tops.
9. Bake for 28–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool loaves in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.
11. Mix powdered sugar and orange juice to create glaze. Drizzle over cooled loaves.
12. Top with additional zest if desired.
Notes
Use organic oranges for the best flavor and clean zest.
Don’t overmix the batter—this helps keep the loaves light and fluffy.
If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw; coat in flour before folding in.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini loaf
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cranberry, orange, mini loaves, holiday, breakfast, citrus