Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread

Prep: 15 min Cook: 65 min Serves: 16 Cuisine: American

Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread is a moist, flavorful loaf combining the tartness of cranberries with warm pumpkin spices and a bright orange glaze. Perfect for fall and holiday gatherings, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and zest, appealing to breakfast, brunch, or dessert lovers alike.

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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 2/3 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 16 ounces whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 16 ounces pumpkin
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking soda, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and baking powder.
  2. In a separate bowl, stir together the cranberry sauce, pumpkin, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined.
  3. Add the pumpkin mixture to the flour mixture and stir until all ingredients are well moistened.
  4. Pour the batter into two greased 9 1/4 x 5 1/4-inch loaf pans.
  5. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 65 minutes.
  6. Cool for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
  7. Drizzle with orange glaze before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, sift the flour before measuring. You can substitute applesauce for some of the oil for a healthier option. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger works well. Consider adding chocolate chips or dried cranberries for extra flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meals.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of this delightful Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it as part of a holiday brunch spread alongside dishes like Spinach Cornbread or Christmas Cherry Salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Orange Glazed Cranberry Pumpkin Bread contains roughly 226 calories, with 3g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (36% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (34% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 874mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).

226 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.2g 6% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 40g 15% DV
Fiber 7.5g 27% DV
Sugar 6.7g 13% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 874.5mg 38% DV
Potassium 384.8mg 8% DV
Cholesterol 7mg 2% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 306.8mcg 34% DV
Vitamin C 27mg 30% DV
Calcium 282.3mg 22% DV
Iron 6.5mg 36% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Egg Wheat/Gluten Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of canned sauce?

Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to cook them down with sugar and some water to create a sauce. This may alter the texture slightly, so ensure the mixture is still moist before baking.

What can I use instead of pecans?

If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds. Both options will add a nice crunch to the bread without compromising the overall taste.

How can I make the glaze for the bread?

To make a simple orange glaze, combine powdered sugar with fresh orange juice until you reach your desired consistency. Drizzle it over the cooled bread for a sweet and tangy finish that complements the flavors beautifully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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