Ingredients
For the Bread:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
3/4 cup orange juice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
Bread:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Orange Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the orange zest with the orange juice.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the flour mixture and orange mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Add Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in cranberries and nuts (if using).
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze:
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
Glaze the Bread: Once the bread is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.