Indulge your senses with a slice of sunshine in the form of Glazed Lemon Cranberry Bread! This delightful treat combines the zesty brightness of fresh lemons with the tartness of cranberries, creating a perfect balance that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you're looking for a cozy breakfast option or a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. With just a little prep time and a handful of simple ingredients, you'll be on your way to baking a loaf that not only looks beautiful but tastes even better. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into the recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a citrus paradise!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, using an electric mixer. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in lemon zest and lemon juice until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in fresh cranberries, being careful not to break them.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth and drizzling consistency.
- Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top, allowing it to naturally run down the sides.
- Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Use Fresh Cranberries: For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh cranberries. If they're out of season, frozen cranberries can be used, but do not thaw them before mixing into the batter to prevent them from breaking.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so be kind to your batter!
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread around the 50-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before adding the glaze. This helps the glaze set properly and prevents it from melting into the warm bread.
- Zest It Up: For an extra burst of lemon flavor, consider adding a bit more lemon zest to the batter or even to the glaze. It enhances the overall citrusy aroma!
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for a quick treat later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
