Craving that delightful sweet and tangy treat from your favorite coffee shop? Our homemade Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Loaf delivers all the moist, citrus-infused goodness you love, crowned with a luscious, creamy orange icing. This recipe captures the essence of the classic bakery staple, allowing you to enjoy a fresh, warm slice anytime, right from your own kitchen.
Embrace the Flavors of Fall and Winter with this Cranberry Orange Loaf
There’s a special comfort in indulging in a seasonal treat, especially when the crisp air of autumn or the chill of winter sets in. While a quick trip to Starbucks for a Frappuccino and a sweet loaf is always a delight, there’s something uniquely satisfying about recreating those beloved flavors at home. Imagine a whole loaf of this incredibly moist cranberry orange bread, still warm from the oven, filling your home with its inviting aroma. Not only does it taste fresher, but making it yourself means you can enjoy this seasonal favorite whenever the craving strikes, and at a fraction of the cost of a single slice from the store. We’ve successfully adapted other Starbucks favorites like their Lemon Loaf and the indulgent Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting, and this Cranberry Loaf is no exception. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Loaf
Is the orange flavor overpowering in this cranberry loaf?
The orange flavor in this loaf is perfectly balanced, offering a bright, zesty lift without dominating the delicate cranberry notes. We use both orange zest and fresh orange juice to achieve this harmonious blend. The zest, in particular, carries the concentrated citrus oils that awaken the taste buds and enhance the natural tang of the cranberries. It’s truly that “extra little touch of sparkle” that elevates the loaf from good to extraordinary. If you’re hesitant, rest assured that it’s a subtle background note that complements rather than overwhelms.
Is buttermilk essential for this recipe, or can I use regular milk?
Buttermilk is a cornerstone of this recipe’s success, contributing significantly to the loaf’s signature moist and tender crumb. Its slight acidity reacts with the baking soda, creating a lighter texture, and its richness provides a depth of flavor that regular milk simply cannot replicate. While you *could* substitute with whole milk, you would sacrifice a degree of that desirable moistness. For the best results, we highly recommend using buttermilk. If you don’t have any on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make your own homemade buttermilk in minutes using milk and a touch of lemon juice or vinegar. This simple trick ensures you achieve that perfect bakery-style texture.
Can this recipe be adapted to make muffins or mini loaves?
Absolutely! This versatile batter works wonderfully for muffins or mini loaves. While we haven’t tested the exact baking times for these variations, you’ll need to adjust the cooking duration. For muffins, start checking for doneness around 18-25 minutes, and for mini loaves, typically 30-40 minutes. The key is to keep a close eye on them, as smaller baked goods cook much faster than a full loaf. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re ready.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
While fresh or frozen cranberries truly yield the best texture and vibrant burst of flavor in this loaf, dried cranberries can be used in a pinch. If opting for dried cranberries, we recommend using about ½ cup, though you can certainly add more to your preference. To prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the batter, you might consider tossing them lightly with a tablespoon of flour before incorporating them into the mix. This small step can make a big difference in even distribution throughout the loaf.
Is the orange glaze mandatory, or can I use a different topping?
The creamy orange glaze is highly recommended as it beautifully accentuates the cranberry and orange flavors, adding an extra layer of sweetness and citrusy zing. However, if orange isn’t your preference, you can easily create a simple vanilla glaze. Just combine powdered sugar with a small amount of milk (instead of orange juice) and a touch of vanilla extract until you reach your desired consistency. While delicious, the orange glaze truly sets this loaf apart, so we encourage you to try it if you enjoy citrus notes.
What is the best way to store leftover cranberry loaf?
To keep your Orange Cranberry Loaf fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’ve baked a large batch or want to enjoy this treat later, it freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the entire cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, or gently warm slices in the microwave for a quick treat.
The Ultimate Copycat Starbucks Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe
This recipe brings the magic of a Starbucks bakery item right into your home, perfect for breakfast, a coffee break, or an anytime dessert. Follow these steps to bake a delicious, moist, and flavorful cranberry loaf that will impress everyone.
Key Ingredients for a Perfect Cranberry Loaf:
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking success. Here’s what you’ll need for this irresistible cranberry loaf:
- Orange Juice and Orange Zest: The dynamic duo for that signature citrus flavor. While fresh oranges for zest are ideal for maximum aroma, good quality store-bought orange juice works perfectly fine. The zest holds most of the fragrant oils, so don’t skip it!
- Buttermilk: As discussed in our FAQs, this is crucial for moisture and tender texture. If you don’t have it, remember you can make a quick substitute at home.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter adds richness and contributes to the loaf’s moist crumb.
- Egg: A large egg binds the ingredients together and adds structure to the loaf.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of our loaf, providing structure.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness to balance the tart cranberries and enhance all flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: A touch of cinnamon infuses a warm, inviting spice that truly evokes the cozy feelings of fall and winter. Feel free to omit it if it’s not to your taste, but we highly recommend it!
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents work in harmony with the buttermilk to create a light and airy loaf.
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star of the show! If using frozen, let them sit out for a few minutes to slightly thaw before incorporating them into the batter. This helps prevent them from clumping and ensures even distribution.
- Walnuts or Pecans (Optional): For an added layer of crunch and nutty flavor, stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans. This is entirely up to your preference.
Watch the Recipe Video:
How to Bake the Best Starbucks Cranberry Loaf:
Starbucks Cranberry Loaf
This sweet, moist loaf cake features a delightful touch of citrus and is perfectly finished with a delicious, creamy icing. Ideal for fall and winter baking!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- 2 teaspoons grated orange zest
- ⅔ cup buttermilk
- 6 Tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (plus 2 Tablespoons) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, sliced in half
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
For the Loaf:
- Adjust your oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the bottom and sides of a 9×5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray, or grease and flour it for easy release.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: ⅓ cup orange juice, 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, ⅔ cup buttermilk, 6 Tablespoons melted salted butter, and 1 large egg. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon baking soda. Ensure there are no lumps.
- Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries (sliced in half) and ½ cup of optional walnuts or pecans. Stir only until the cranberries and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Overmixing here will also affect the texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly with your spatula. Bake for 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for approximately 45 minutes longer, or until the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly before you handle it. Then, carefully invert the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s crucial for the loaf to cool for at least one hour before icing and serving to prevent the icing from melting.
For the Icing:
- While the loaf cools, prepare the luscious orange icing. In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 Tablespoons orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest. Start with 1 tablespoon of orange juice and add more, a tiny bit at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. We prefer a thicker, pourable icing, but you can thin it out further if you prefer a lighter glaze.
- Once the loaf is completely cooled, generously spread the orange icing over the top. Let the icing set for a few minutes before slicing.
- Slice and serve this delightful homemade Cranberry Orange Loaf!
Notes
- For ingredient substitutions or answers to common questions, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions section and ingredient list above.
Nutrition Information
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 424 kcal
Carbohydrates: 69g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Sodium: 140mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 42g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Loaf Every Time
- Measure Accurately: Baking is a science! Use proper measuring techniques for flour (lightly spoon into a measuring cup and level off) and other ingredients to ensure the right consistency.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, which can lead to a tough, dense loaf. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, and fold in cranberries gently.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, buttermilk, and eggs at room temperature emulsify better, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Cool Completely Before Icing: Patience is key! If you ice a warm loaf, the glaze will melt and run off, rather than setting into that beautiful, creamy finish.
- Customize Your Cranberries: While we recommend fresh or frozen, if using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the batter. This plumps them up and adds moisture.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Cranberry Orange Loaf is delightful on its own, but here are a few ideas to enhance your enjoyment:
- Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day. It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a side of yogurt.
- Dessert: A slice of this loaf makes a light and satisfying dessert. Consider serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra treat.
- Festive Treat: This loaf is perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delicious gift. The red cranberries and orange zest give it a beautiful, festive appeal.
- Spice Variations: If you love warm spices, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny dash of ginger to the dry ingredients along with the cinnamon.
- Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent twist, fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips along with the cranberries. White chocolate and cranberry are a match made in heaven!
More Delicious Recipes to Satisfy Your Cravings
- Starbucks Lemon Loaf
- Starbucks Egg Bites
- Copycat Starbucks Gingerbread Loaf
- Cranberry Bliss Muffins
- Cranberry Pinwheels
- Cranberry Sauce
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Cranberry Fluff
Originally published: September 2018
Updated photos & republished: October 2024