This cranberry orange loaf is moist and packed with flavor. It is easy to make and is topped with a delicious orange glaze.
If I’m visiting a family member or friend during the holiday season, this loaf cake is on the top of my ‘VIF’ list. Very Important Food! It always gets rave reviews thanks to its delicious flavors of orange and tart cranberries!

This cranberry orange loaf is super simple to make with basic ingredients found in your pantry. As far as the fresh cranberries, you can always sub in dried cranberries or dried cherries as a substitute.

The orange glaze topping is optional but definitely recommended. Its easy to make but just make sure the cake is completely cooled prior to icing it. If you like this recipe you will love my Healthy Whole Orange Blender Cake or my Orange Olive Oil Cake!

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Cranberry Orange Loaf
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (187.5 g) flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbs olive oil
- 3/4 cup (82.5 g) granulated sweetener
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk, room temp
- 2 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 1½ cups (150 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed + patted dry
- 2 tsp flour
Optional Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1½ tbs orange juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 tsp orange zest, reserved from the orange above
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350℉. Line an 8×4 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil and sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs until incorporated. Next whisk in the milk, vanilla, orange zest and orange juice until smooth. Sift in the dry ingredients, in two batches – don't overmix. Toss the cranberries with 2 tsp flour and then fold them into the batter just until incorporated.
- Transfer batter to your loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let it set in the pan for 10-15 minutes then transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Orange Glaze:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice and zest until smooth.
Notes
- If you don’t have fresh cranberries, use 3/4 cups dried cranberries.
- Recipe adapted from NatashasKitchen.com
- Use gluten free one to one flour to make this Gluten Free or oat flour.
- You can use any granulated sweetener here.
- Any neutral oil works here, like avocado oil. You can also use melted butter instead of oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container on your counter or fridge, up to 3-4 days.
This was so good! My YA son took a bite then looked up and said it was a keeper. And it is!! I will bake this again. It is yummy!
Hi Stephanie, Thank you for the kind feedback! I’m also glad your son approved!
I love oranges/cranberries pairing them will be like heaven meeting earth. So I know it’s going to be good.
Love cranberry orange bread!!
I used 1:1 GF flour & added some orange extract. I made 2 loaves right away trusting that it would turn out great 😉
I like how the fresh tart cranberries are the main character in this bread.
This will be my go to recipe for this bread.
Yum!! Cranberry orange is my favorite, I used GF flour it turned out great. My family really liked it too…warm from the oven 🙂
This recipe is so delicious. The orange and cranberry blend together beautifully. I love the enthusiasm you share with all of us. I have just started viewing and making some of your recipes…Wonderful!
Your enthusiastic presentations make me dance in my kitchen!
Hi Patricia, I really appreciate your kind message! I’m so glad you love this recipe – its also one of my faves!!
Best Cake ever Thank you
So easy but so tasty & delicious
I made the Cranberry orange loaf. was a hit with my family moist & not too sweet they added the glaze to their slices. it’s on the repeat menu.
HI Dee, that’s so awesome! Thank you for coming back to share your kind feedback!
Anyone make with an egg substitute??
excellent recipe. my family loves it.
What strength olive oil did you use? I tried with xvirgin and it was overpowering and ruined the taste of cran and orange. Which olive oil is good for baking that does not have strong taste? Thank you.
2nd loaf just out of the oven! I made one 2 days ago, we loved this so much, I had to made another. Simply delicious and the recipe is perfect!