Cranberry Bread with Vanilla Glaze is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a soft, tender bread, finished with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze. It’s ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack, and it works wonderfully for holidays or everyday indulgence. This loaf is simple to prepare yet looks impressive, making it a favorite for family gatherings or gifting to friends.

What makes this cranberry bread special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cranberries provide bursts of tartness that cut through the sweetness of the bread. The vanilla glaze adds a delicate richness, while the bread itself remains moist and tender. This combination creates a treat that is flavorful, visually appealing, and satisfying with every bite.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, lightly chopped

For the vanilla glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process adds air to the batter, helping the bread rise and stay tender.

Add Eggs and Flavor
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor.

Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix the yogurt (or sour cream) and milk together in a small bowl. Gradually add this mixture to the butter and sugar batter, mixing until smooth. The batter should be creamy but slightly thick.

Fold in Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent the bread from becoming dense.

Incorporate Cranberries
Fold the chopped cranberries into the batter carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much. The cranberries provide both flavor and moisture to the bread.

Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The bread should be golden brown on top and fragrant with cranberry and vanilla aromas.

Cool Before Glazing
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the glaze from melting off when poured.

Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if too thick, or more sugar if too thin.

Glaze the Bread
Once the bread has cooled slightly but is still warm, drizzle the vanilla glaze evenly over the top. Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cranberry bread into thick pieces and serve. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. The bread can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerated for up to a week. Glaze lightly before serving if stored in the fridge to refresh its sweetness.

Tips for Best Results
For extra flavor, you can add orange zest to the batter, which complements the tart cranberries beautifully. Lightly dusting the cranberries with flour before folding them in prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf. Using frozen cranberries works perfectly; just do not thaw them before adding to the batter to avoid bleeding color into the dough.

Cranberry Bread with Vanilla Glaze is a perfect combination of simplicity and elegance. Its tender crumb, tart cranberries, and sweet glaze make it a treat that appeals to both children and adults. With minimal effort and straightforward ingredients, you can enjoy a homemade loaf that tastes like a bakery classic but feels cozy and comforting from your own kitchen. Whether for breakfast, a snack, or a festive treat, this bread is always a crowd-pleaser.