This Eggless Cranberry Orange Bread has a moist and tender crumb. It’s sweet and tangy, and the glaze takes it over the top. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or a snack with coffee or tea! The recipe includes step-by-step photos and lots of tips.

Oriana’s Thoughts On The Recipe
Quick Bread is one of my favorite things to bake, and this Eggless Cranberry Orange Bread is not just wholly delicious but beautiful.
It is super moist and tender, with the perfect amount of sweetness and just a hint of tartness. Coated in an irresistible orange glaze, this easy, quick bread recipe is easy to make with pantry staples that you’ll already have on hand.
I recommend making two cranberry-orange loaves because, trust me, they will disappear quickly.
Let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need, Substitutions & Notes
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
For the Quick Bread:
- Flour: Standard all-purpose flour works best here; skip the cake flour, bread flour, and wheat flour. Make sure to measure accurately; a kitchen scale is the best way to measure your ingredients, in my opinion.
- Baking powder and baking soda: Make sure they’re not expired or too old. To avoid a chemical aftertaste, make sure your baking powder is labeled aluminum-free. I usually use the Clabber Girl brand, and though the ingredients state aluminum, I’ve never noticed an aluminum aftertaste.
- Salt: I prefer kosher or sea salt. If you only have table salt handy, I recommend reducing the amount to half.
- Orange: You’ll need the juice and zest for this recipe.
- Milk: For baking, I like to use whole milk. However, you can use any milk you have handy.
- Vanilla Extract: For optimal flavor, reach for pure vanilla instead of imitation. Even better, try homemade vanilla extract! If you are looking for non-alcoholic vanilla flavoring, I recommend Simply Organic Vanilla Flavoring.
- Butter: I prefer to use unsalted butter, but if you only have salted butter handy, you can use it. In this case, skip the salt called in the recipe.
- Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar or caster sugar. I do not recommend reducing the amount of sugar or changing the type of sugar, as it will change the texture of the bread.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen will work well for this recipe. If using frozen, do not need to thaw.
For the Orange Sugar Glaze:
- Confectioner’s sugar: Regular confectioner’s sugar, also known as powdered sugar.
- Fresh orange juice: For more orange flavor!
- Heavy Cream: For extra richness! You can also use milk.
Food Allergy Swaps
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, you can use use non-dairy milk like almond, soy, or oat milk. Use vegan butter instead of dairy butter. Many brands are available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks or Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.
Overview: Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial
Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions (scroll down).
Step 1 – Preheat The Oven & Prepare The Pan
Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3 – Combine Wet Ingredients
Mix orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract in a measuring cup or bowl.
Step 4 – Cream Butter And Sugar
Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy on medium-high speed, about 3 – 4 minutes. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 4 minutes until creamed and pale, scraping down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add orange zest and beat for 1 minute.
Step 5 – Mix In Dry And Wet Ingredients
Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk-orange mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Step 6 – Stir In The Cranberries
I like to toss the fresh cranberries with a tablespoon of flour, so they don’t sink all the way to the bottom of the bread.
Step 7 – Pour Batter Into The Pan
The orange cake batter is thick, so use a spatula to spread it into the pan, if necessary.
Step 8 – Bake
Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center.
Step 9 – Make The Glaze
This orange glaze is out-of-this-world delicious! To make it, you just need to whisk all the icing ingredients together and then drizzle it over the cooled bread.
Eggless Quick Bread Success Tips
Measure the ingredients correctly. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale.
Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the long sides to form a sling for an easy, unmold process.
Preheat the oven for at least 15 minutes before you start, giving it plenty of time to reach the ideal recipe temperature.
Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you’ve evenly distributed the ingredients throughout the batter.
Bake the bread as soon as the batter is ready.
If the loaf is browning too much, you can tent the loaf pan with foil during the last 10 -15 minutes of baking. The tenting tip helps prevent the top from browning too much while baking the bread throughout.
Don’t open the oven door until the loaf has set. Leave the oven closed until the minimum time is stated in the recipe, at least.
Every oven is different, so baking times always have to be taken with a grain of salt. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, and that will all affect baking time, so keep an eye on yours. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Substitutions & Additions
- Frozen Cranberries: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in the same quantity and add them frozen (do not thaw). You may need to bake just a few minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Dried Cranberries: You can substitute with 2/3 cup dried cranberries and reduce the sugar in the recipe to 2/3 cup since dried cranberries aren’t as tart. The dried cranberries will be juicier if you soak them in very warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
- Nuts: If desired, you can fold in 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios when adding the cranberries to the batter.
Storing & Freezing Instructions
Here’s how to store leftover eggless cranberry bread:
Store
Eggless cranberry bread leftover can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 to 4 days. Be sure to keep it covered. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Freeze
Here’s how you can freeze homemade pumpkin bread without eggs:
- Let the eggless cranberry bread cool completely.
- Wrap it up in aluminum foil, then with plastic wrap.
- Place the whole loaf inside a large freezer Ziploc bag and freeze it for up to 3 months.
Ready to eat it? Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. If using frozen, do not need to thaw.
Yes, you can. In that case, add 2/3 cup dried cranberries and reduce the sugar in the recipe to 2/3 cup since dried cranberries aren’t as tart. The dried cranberries will be juicier if you soak them in very warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry before using.
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that the texture and color of your bread will be different than mine.
In some cases, it may be possible to switch between oil and butter in recipes, but it is not something I recommend for this recipe. This recipe is made by the creaming method – beating butter and sugar together – which helps to incorporate air into the batter to make it fluffy; if oil is used, the quickbread will be flatter and denser.
More Eggless Quick Bread Recipes You’ll Love!
- Eggless Pumpkin Bread Recipe
- Black Tea Cinnamon Bread
- Eggless Strawberry Banana Bread
- BEST Eggless Banana Bread [Video]
- Eggless Chocolate Banana Bread
- Easy Eggless Zucchini Bread
- Browse more recipes…
Recipe Card
Eggless Cranberry Orange Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cup (280 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh orange juice
- ¾ cup (180 ml) milk (I used whole milk)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 1/2 cup fresh cranberries rinsed and patted dry (toasted with one tablespoon of flour)
Orange Sugar Glaze
- 1 cup 120 g confectioners’ sugar, sifted sifted
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) heavy cream or milk (you can substitute for more orange juice for a more intense orange flavored glaze)
Important
Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!
Instructions
- Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat the oven to 350º F (180º C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan. You can also line the pan with parchment paper, then grease the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, sift flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a measuring cup or bowl, mix together orange juice, milk, and vanilla extract.
- Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat butter until creamy on medium-high speed, about 3 – 4 minutes. Add the sugar and beat on high speed for 4 minutes until creamed and pale, scraping down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add orange zest and beat for 1 minute.
- Turn the mixer to low and add the flour mixture in three batches, alternating with the milk-orange mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture; beat until just combined, about 30 – 45 seconds. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the cranberries. NOTE: I like to toss the fresh cranberries with a tablespoon of flour, so they don't sink all the way to the bottom of the bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. NOTE: The orange cake batter is thick, so use a spatula to spread it into the pan, if necessary.
- Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when poked in the center. Allow the bread to cool for 10 minutes in the pan. Then, remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. The bread must be completely cool before frosting.
Make the glaze:
- Whisk all the icing ingredients together and drizzle over the cooled bread.
-
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free, all-purpose flour blend. Look for a gluten-free flour blend specifically formulated for baking, as it will have the right combination of flours and starches to mimic the texture of wheat flour. My favorite is Better Batter Original Blend. I also like Doves Farm Freee Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour, but this blend does not contain xanthan gum, so you need to add 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum per cup (140 g) of gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can easily swap out the dairy ingredients for non-dairy alternatives. Instead of milk, use non-dairy milk like soy or oat milk. And use vegan butter. There are many brands available in stores. I usually use Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks or Miyoko’s Creamery Organic Vegan Butter.
- Frozen Cranberries: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in the same quantity and add them frozen (do not thaw). You may need to bake just a few minutes longer or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Dried Cranberries: You can substitute with 2/3 cup dried cranberries and reduce the sugar in the recipe to 2/3 cup since dried cranberries aren’t as tart. The dried cranberries will be juicier if you soak them in very warm water for 10 minutes then drain and pat dry before using.
- Nuts: If desired, you can fold in 1/2 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts, pecans, or pistachios when adding the cranberries to the batter.
- Measure the ingredients correctly. I highly recommend using a kitchen scale.
- Line your loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the excess hang over the long sides to form a sling for an easy, unmold process.
- Preheat the oven for at least 15 minutes before you get started to give it plenty of time to reach the ideal recipe temperature.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you’ve evenly distributed the ingredients throughout the batter.
- Bake the bread as soon as the batter is ready.
- If the loaf is browning too much, you can tent the loaf pan with foil during the last 10 -15 minutes of baking. The tenting tip helps to prevent the top from browning too much while baking the bread throughout.
- Don’t open the oven door until the loaf has set. Leave the oven closed until the minimum time is stated in the recipe, at least.
- Every oven is different, so baking times must always be taken with a grain of salt. Oven thermostats can be wildly off, affecting baking time, so keep an eye on yours. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Wrap the bread in plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
This recipe was originally published in December 2021. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information have been added to the post in November 2024 to make it as helpful as possible!
Love this bread and one my husband always requests
Hello Angela! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so happy to hear that this bread is a favorite in your home—especially when it’s husband-approved! Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year filled with love, joy, and lots of delicious bakes. x- Oriana
This recipe is delicious. The first time I made it i skipped the glaze because we were going to have it for breakfast but this time I made the glaze and it was so good. Perfect for dessert (or breakfast). Thank you for all the delicious egg-free recipes. My family and I are so grateful for your cookbook and website.
Hello Jill! Thank you so much for your sweet comment! 😊 I’m thrilled you enjoyed the recipe both ways—glazed and unglazed! It’s awesome to hear that you find the egg-free recipes useful for you and your family. Your kind words mean the world to me! 🍰❤️ Happy baking and enjoy every delicious bite!
This bread is so good! The perfect balance of sweet and tart, a wonderful recipe for any time of year!
Hello Ashley! I do LOVE this bread too. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed it so much. Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback and review!
This recipe is SO SO SO good. It was so moist and delicious. Also, a hit with my friends! I ate the rest of the cake myself haha!! Thank you !
Hello Rina! Great to hear that it was a hit! Thanks a lot for the review and good feedback.
Hi Ms Oriana,
Tried your Eggless cranberry orange bread and it was so delicious.My husband and kids love it so much. Thanku for making so many eggless recipes and hoping to see more.
Hello Radha! It sounds like you nailed it! Thanks so much for trying my recipe and taking the time to come back and let me know.
I made this for the holidays and everyone loved it 🥰 . My nephew is now requesting this as his birthday cake. Thank you Oriana for coming up with great recipes and sharing them!!!
Hello Angela! I hope my recipes inspire you to continue baking. Please make sure to reach out if you have any questions or special requests. I am happy to help! xo
Can I use dried cranberries. If yes then how much
Hello Hasinaa! You can read the “SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS” section for more details. Hope that helps!
Can we skip the vanilla extract? or this there any replacement to that
Hello Bhawika! The vanilla extract enhances the flavor, but yes, you can omit it if you prefer. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how you like it =)