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5 from 17 votes

Cranberry Orange Tangzhong Bread

This soft, fluffy and flavourful Cranberry Orange Tangzhong bread is packed with orange zest and tart cranberries - smells just like Christmas!
Prep Time2 hours 30 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time3 hours
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: Baking, Bread, Homemade Bread, Tangzhong, Thermomix
Servings: 1 x 450g loaf

Ingredients

Tangzhong

  • 20 g high protein bread flour
  • 100 g orange juice

Main Dough

  • 50 g orange juice
  • 80 g fresh milk chilled
  • zest of 2 oranges
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 28 g castor sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 15 g milk powder
  • 280 g high protein bread flour
  • 1 tsp instant dried yeast
  • 25 g unsalted butter softened
  • icy cold water or egg wash for spraying/egg wash
  • 50-60 g dried cranberries
  • 20 g candied orange peel optional - refer to notes

Instructions

  • Please note that I have included two methods below for tangzhong making and dough kneading using either the Thermomix or conventional bread machine so do take note of the sub-headings. If you're new to breadmaking, I also suggest you read through the notes and FAQ below the recipe.
  • Place the zest of two oranges and 28g castor sugar in a bowl. Rub together using back of spoon to release the essential oil and citrusy aroma, then set aside.
  • Juice 2-3 medium sized oranges to yield a total of 150g of fresh orange juice.

(A) THERMOMIX – Tangzhong & Dough Kneading

  • To make the tangzhong, place 20g high protein flour and 100g orange juice in mixing bowl, cook for 3min/80°C/spd 3 and let stand for 15 minutes until temperature lowers down to 40°C.
  • Add remaining 50g orange juice and milk, egg yolk, orange zest + sugar mixture, salt, milk powder, 270g high protein flour and yeast then knead 4min.
  • Add butter, knead 1min.
  • Add dried cranberries and candied orange peel if using, knead 20 secs.

(B) CONVENTIONAL – Tangzhong

  • Prepare tangzhong by mixing flour in orange juice and whisk together in a pot, ensuring the mixture is well combined with no lumps. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring consistently to prevent burning and sticking while you cook.
  • The mixture will gradually become thicker. Once you notice that some “lines” appear in the mixture for when you stir with the spoon, it’s done. Your tangzhong is ready.
  • Transfer into a clean bowl. Cover with a cling wrap sticking onto the surface of tangzhong to prevent it from drying up. Let cool.
  • You can pre-make the tangzhong ahead of time and store it chilled in the fridge for a few days. If you've chilled your tangzhong, ensure to return it at room temperature first before using.

(B) CONVENTIONAL – Dough Kneading

  • Add all ingredients (except butter) into breadmaker; first the wet ingredients, then followed by the dry ingredients.
  • Select "dough" mode and let knead until all ingredients come together, usually I let it knead for approximately 8-9 minutes.
  • Then add in the butter, continue kneading until the dough is smooth and elastic. Add dried cranberries and candied orange peel if using, during the last 3-4 minutes. The time of kneading in the breadmaker should take approximately 23-25 minutes.

Bulk Fermentation & Dough Shaping

  • Transfer dough to pastry mat, shape into ball and let proof in a warm place covered loosely with clingwrap or damp towel until doubled in size (approx. 45-60 minutes). 
  • Punch down dough to deflate. Divide dough into 2 or 3 equal portions and roll into a round shape – let rest for 15 minutes.
  • To shape each mini loaf, flatten a ball into a long oval shape. Fold 1/3 from right edge to the middle and press. Fold 1/3 from left edge to the middle and press lightly. Roll it out slightly and roll into a cylinder. Watch this video HERE for step by step guide.
  • Arrange dough logs, seam side down in a bread loaf tin (I am using a 450g Pullman Loaf Tin 8x4x4") and let proof for approx 40 minutes until dough fills up 80% of the tin. On days when it's cold, you can heat up a cup of water in the microwave for 1 minute then proceed to leave your dough inside the microwave to rise. During last 15 minutes, preheat oven to 180°C.
  • Spray dough with icy cold water / or egg wash and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C until golden brown.
  • Remove bread from tin immediately and allow to cool completely on a cooling rack for at least an hour before slicing and serving. 

Notes

Flour Amount
If you experience a stickier dough, it could be because your flour has a different absorbency level. Add 1 tbsp of flour at a time and knead in for 15-20 seconds using TM or 3-4 minutes conventionally until well incorporated. 
Candied Orange Peel
If you have some candied orange peels on hand, I would recommend adding in 20-30g along with the cranberries during the final knead. This is not mandatory but a good addition!
How to store bread?
Ensure to store bread in airtight container so the bread can stay soft and last for up to 2-3 days at room temperature.
Recipe by The Bakeanista. Please do not copy paste the recipe and repurpose it on your own platform. If you would like to share the recipe, please link back to this post.