Einkorn Cranberry Orange Bread with Sweet Orange Glaze
A tender quick bread featuring ancient einkorn flour that creates a slightly denser, nuttier texture than conventional wheat flour. Fresh cranberries provide tart bursts throughout the sweet, citrus-scented crumb, while orange zest and juice infuse the bread with bright flavor. The sweet orange glaze adds a glossy finish and extra citrus punch. Perfect for holiday gatherings, afternoon tea, or gifting to neighbors. The einkorn flour requires a 15-minute rest period to properly hydrate, resulting in better texture and easier slicing.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups All-Purpose Einkorn FlourAll-purpose flour1:1gluten-freeadds gluten
Use regular flour if einkorn unavailable
- 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Sugar
- ½ cup Butter, room temperature
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
- ¼ cup Orange Juice
- 1 ¼ cups Cranberries, fresh
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325 degrees
- 2
Grease loaf pan or line with parchment paper
- 3
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy in stand mixer
- 4
Add orange zest, orange juice, and eggs, mix on low until smooth
- 5
Combine einkorn flour, baking powder, and salt in large bowl
- 6
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mix just until combined
- 7
Gently fold in cranberries by hand
- 8
Transfer batter to prepared pan and spread evenly
- 9
Let batter rest for 15 minutes
- 10
Bake for 45-50 minutes until toothpick comes out clean and edges are golden
- 11
Cool on rack for 10 minutes
- 12
Run knife around edges and remove from pan
- 13
Cool completely on wire racks
- 14
Make orange glaze with powdered sugar and orange juice
Tips
Let the batter rest for the full 15 minutes to allow einkorn flour to properly hydrate and prevent a gummy texture.
Use fresh cranberries rather than dried for better texture and tartness that balances the sweet bread.
Room temperature butter creams more easily and creates a lighter, fluffier texture in the finished bread.
Good to Know
Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap tightly and glaze just before serving.
Serve at room temperature, sliced thick. Pairs well with coffee or tea.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the 15-minute rest to avoid dense, gummy texture from einkorn flour.
Don't overmix after adding flour to avoid tough bread.
Check doneness with toothpick to avoid underbaked center.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
Gluten-Free Swaps
Use regular flour if einkorn unavailable
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I substitute regular flour for einkorn?
Yes, use all-purpose flour in equal amounts, but you can skip the 15-minute rest period as regular flour doesn't need the extra hydration time.
How long will this bread keep fresh?
The bread stays fresh covered at room temperature for 3 days, or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Freeze for longer storage.
Can I freeze this cranberry orange bread?
Yes, wrap the unglazed bread tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and add glaze before serving.