Copycat Starbuck's Cranberry Loaf (2025)

Homemade Copycat Starbuck’s Cranberry Loaf is a sweet, moist loaf cake that has a touch of citrus and a delicious, creamy icing on top!

A DELICIOUS FALL AND WINTER TREAT

Usually once a week, I make a run to Starbuck’s for a Frappuccino and sometimes a sweet snack. I love the little loaf cakes they sell throughout the year. I also like to recreate them at home because, well, they just taste better when you make a whole loaf. And it’s fresh too!

I have made their Lemon Loaf and their Gingerbread Loaf. This Copycat Starbuck’s Cranberry Loaf and the Gingerbread Loaf with Cream Cheese Frosting are seasonal so it’s nice to be able to make and eat them whenever I want!

SWEET, MOIST AND DELICIOUS!

What really gives this that extra little touch of sparkle is the orange zest and juice. It’s not a strong flavor but it adds that little kick of citrus that really brings out the flavor of the cranberry. Combine all that with the smidgen of cinnamon and you get a seriously delicious sweet loaf cake that is perfect with a cup of coffee in the colder fall and winter months!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

• orange juice
• orange zest
• buttermilk
• salted butter
• egg
• all-purpose flour
• sugar
• cinnamon
• baking powder
• baking soda
• fresh or frozen cranberries
• walnuts or pecans

HOW TO MAKE STARBUCK’S CRANBERRY LOAF:

Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 375f degrees.Spray bottom of 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray.In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, orange zest, buttermilk, butter and egg. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder and baking soda.

Stir liquid ingredients into dry with until combined.

Gently stir in cranberries and nuts (if using.) Do not overmix.

Pourbatter into prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees. Continue to bake until golden brown and toothpick inserted into center of loaf comes out clean, about 45 minutes longer.

Cool loaf in pan for about 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and cool at least one hour before serving.For the icing:In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar with one tablespoon orange juice and a teaspoon of orange zest. I prefer a thick icing but if it is too thick for your taste, just add a little more orange juice to thin it out.

Spread icing onto cooled bread.

Slice and serve!

Cook’s Note: If you’re using frozen cranberries, be sure to chop them while they’re still frozen. Using a sharp knife to chop cranberries is important because they are thick-skinned and like to roll around on you when you chop them.

CRAVING MORE? GIVE THESE RECIPES A TRY!

• Starbuck’s Lemon Loaf (+Video)
• Starbuck’s Egg Bites
• Copycat Starbuck’s Gingerbread Loaf
• Cranberry Bliss Muffins
• Easy Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Cranberry Fluff

Recipe adapted from Cook’s Illustrated