Cranberry Bread

Cranberry bread is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table or a cozy afternoon snack. With its moist texture and vibrant color, this bread is not only pleasing to the eye but also incredibly delicious. Easy to prepare, it can be enjoyed fresh or toasted, making it a versatile choice for breakfast or dessert. Let’s dive into the recipe and make this festive bread that everyone will love!

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Servings and Cooking Time

This cranberry bread recipe yields one loaf, which serves about 8 slices. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking time is around 60 minutes.

Nutritional Value

Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 180 calories, 7g fat, 25g carbohydrates, 2g protein, and 1g fiber. This is for one slice of the bread.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
7. Fold in the cranberries gently to avoid breaking them.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
9. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Alternative Ingredients

You can substitute the cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries for a different flavor. For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk in place of orange juice.

Serving and Pairings

This cranberry bread pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or butter. It can also be served alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and toast in a toaster or oven until warmed through.

Cooking Mistakes

• Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results.
• Overmixing the batter may result in a dense loaf.
• Not letting the bread cool before slicing can make it crumbly.
• Using stale cranberries can affect the taste; ensure they are fresh.
• Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven cooking.

Helpful Tips

• For a sweeter bread, increase the sugar by 1/4 cup.
• Try adding chopped nuts for an extra crunch.
• Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
• Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used without thawing. They may add a bit more moisture, so adjust baking time if necessary.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?

Absolutely! This bread can be made a day in advance and stored properly. In fact, the flavors often improve overnight.

What is the best way to slice cranberry bread?

Use a serrated knife to slice the bread for clean cuts, especially when it’s still slightly warm.

Can I add other fruits to the bread?

Yes, you can mix in other fruits like chopped apples or pears for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cranberry bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with a sweet, moist bread. Perfect for sharing during the holidays or enjoying with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and savor the joy it brings!

Cranberry Bread

A moist and flavorful cranberry bread that blends sweet and tart flavors, perfect for any occasion.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Baking

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cranberry bread, baking, holiday recipes, quick bread

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 servings

Calories: 180kcal

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup orange juice

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
• In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Stir in the vanilla extract and orange juice.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
• Fold in the cranberries gently to avoid breaking them.
• Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 1g