Vegan & Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Loaves

With that delightful combo of cranberry and orange, these vegan and gluten free cranberry orange loaves are cute, moist, sweet, and make the perfect holiday treat!

Remember that one time, I gave up eggs near the holidays?!? Yep, that was fun! #eggfree

Eggs are in E V E R Y T H I N G!

Ok, it wasn't a whim. Or just something that sounded like fun. Luckily, your life isn't over if you're vegan and gluten free, it's just not as fun- particularly when it comes to baked goods!

Never fear- these cranberry orange loaves will make you forget about any of that! Gluten free. Egg free. Dairy free. Vegan. Ok, so I did use REAL butter (I'm not vegan)...but this recipe also works well with vegan butter. These loaves are perfect for the holidays or a rainy Saturday afternoon! And these mini loaves lie somewhere between a sweet bread and pound cake.

I'm not sure where it began- but cranberry and orange make a terrific combo! Today, you can find these flavors in cakes, cookies, pies, scones, relish, and even used to flavor meats.  

In order to make mini loaves, you will need to buy a mini loaf pan, but they are super fun! You will find so many uses for the pan! Plus, baking will only take 20 minutes!

Oh, and everyone gets their own- cute, little, perfectly-portioned loaf! No need to share.

Mini cranberry orange loaves with vanilla drizzle on cooling rack

Are cranberries a Christmas fruit?

Many people say, yes! Cranberries are very popular during the holiday season. Since they are in-season, you can find plenty of fresh ones available at the grocery store in November and December. They are also believed to have been eaten at the first Thanksgiving. Plus, those small, red berries are a great Christmas symbol. They can be used in a sauce, cocktail, or strung with popcorn and hung on a tree.

Ingredients in Vegan and Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Loaves

  • Butter (can use vegan butter)
  • Applesauce
  • Brown Sugar (organic for vegans)
  • Chia Seeds
  • Orange Juice
  • Gluten Free Flour Blend
  • Dried Cranberries

Cranberry Orange Loaf with a Sweet Vanilla Glaze

How to Make a Chia Egg

For each "egg," you will need 1 Tbsp. of chia seeds and 2 1/2 Tbsp. of water.

  1. In a small bowl, add the chia seeds and water.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Let sit for 4-5 minutes, until mixture becomes a gel-like consistency.

Note: chia seeds are dark and they will affect the overall color and look of your baked good. Also, they are not the perfect egg substitute in every recipe and can affect the final appearance, texture, and flavor of your recipe. Chia eggs work well in pancakes, muffins, and quick breads.

The BEST Vanilla Glaze

If you're not full vegan, real butter is truly the best! You can easily substitute with vegan butter.

  1. In a small bowl, melt about 1 Tbsp. of butter.
  2. Whisk in 1 Tbsp. of cream or milk. (I often use non-dairy coffee creamer.)
  3. Whisk in 1/2 - 3/4 cup of powdered sugar.
  4. Whisk in additional powdered sugar or cream/milk, until a thick glaze is formed.
  5. Drizzle over desired baked good or eat with a spoon!
  6. Glaze will begin to harden after a few minutes.

Mini pound cakes with dried cranberries and a vanilla drizzle

Craving more cranberry treats???

Gluten Free Cranberry Bars

Gluten Free White Chocolate Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies

Cranberry Orange Baked Oatmeal

Vegan & Gluten Free Cranberry Orange Loaves

With that delightful combo of cranberry and orange, these vegan and gluten free cranberry orange loaves are cute, moist, sweet, and make the perfect holiday treat!

Prep:
10
min
cook:
20
min
total:
35
min
Author:

Ingredients
  • 3 Tbsp. chia seeds
  • 7 1/2 Tbsp. water
  • 1/2 c. butter, melted (can use vegan)
  • 1/2 c. brown sugar (organic for vegans)
  • 1/2 c. applesauce
  • 1/4 c. orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder
  • 1 1/2 c. gluten free flour blend

Vanilla Drizzle

  • 1 Tbsp. butter (can use vegan)
  • 1 Tbsp. non-dairy creamer or milk
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 1/2 c. powdered sugar (organic for vegans)
Instructions
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a small bowl, mix the chia seeds and water. Let sit for 5 minutes, until mixture becomes thick and gel-like.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the butter, brown sugar, applesauce, orange juice, and chia seed mixture. Next, whisk in the baking soda, baking powder, and flour. Grease a mini loaf pan. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into each well. Use a small spoon or spatula to smooth the tops. If desired, top with additional cranberries. Bake for 18-22 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. For one large loaf- increase baking time to 55-60 minutes.
  • GLAZE: In a small bowl, melt the vegan butter. Next, whisk in the milk/cream, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Add more sugar or liquid until a thick glaze is formed. Use a spoon to drizzle immediately.

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