Oh, there’s just something magical about baking cranberry bread! The moment you mix together fresh cranberries and a hint of orange juice, you can already smell the holiday cheer wafting through your kitchen. I remember the first time I made this bread; it was a chilly December afternoon, and my house was filled with warmth and laughter as I pulled the loaf out of the oven, golden and bursting with flavor. It’s moist, flavorful, and just the right balance of sweet and tart. Trust me, once you try this cranberry bread, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions too!
Ingredients for Cranberry Bread
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and roughly chopped if large
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
How to Prepare Cranberry Bread
Making cranberry bread is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma! Let’s dive into each step together, making sure you get that perfect loaf.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly heated oven ensures that your cranberry bread rises beautifully and bakes evenly. Trust me, no one likes a dense loaf!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them together with a whisk or a fork until they’re nicely blended. This helps the leavening agents distribute evenly throughout the flour, which is key for that lovely rise!
Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients
Now, grab another bowl and whisk together the sugar, egg, vegetable oil, freshly squeezed orange juice, and vanilla extract. I like to mix these until they’re well combined and a bit frothy. This adds a lovely flavor and moisture to the bread!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Next, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. It’s important not to overmix here; just combine them until you can barely see the flour. A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing can lead to a tough texture!
Step 5: Add Cranberries
Now comes the fun part—adding the fresh cranberries! Gently fold them into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. This will give your bread those beautiful pops of tartness that make it so special.
Step 6: Bake the Bread
Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan, smoothing the top a bit with a spatula. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the bread is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
Step 7: Cooling and Slicing
Once it’s baked, let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This is crucial; slicing it too soon can make it crumbly. I know it’s hard to resist, but patience is key here!
Tips for Success with Cranberry Bread
To ensure your cranberry bread turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some helpful tips that I swear by! First, make sure your cranberries are fresh and vibrant; if they’re looking a bit sad, go for a new bag. Frozen cranberries can work too, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.
Next, don’t skip the step of letting the bread cool completely before slicing. I know the temptation is real, but cutting it too early can lead to a crumbly mess instead of those perfect slices you’re dreaming of. Also, if you’re looking for a little extra flavor, try adding some orange zest to the wet ingredients. It really brightens up the bread!
Lastly, if you find that your bread is browning too quickly on top while baking, just loosely cover it with a piece of aluminum foil midway through. This way, you’ll avoid any burnt tops while still getting that lovely bake. Trust me, these little tweaks can make all the difference!
Variations of Cranberry Bread
One of the best things about cranberry bread is how versatile it is! If you want to switch things up a bit, consider substituting fresh cranberries with blueberries for a different fruity twist. The blueberries will add a nice sweetness and a pop of color.
Feeling adventurous? You could also add nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Just fold them in with the cranberries to keep that delightful texture. Another fun variation is to mix in some chocolate chips for a sweet surprise in every slice! And if you’re in the mood for something zesty, try adding some grated lemon or orange zest to the batter for an added burst of citrus flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Nutritional Information for Cranberry Bread
Before diving into this delicious cranberry bread, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re savoring! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these estimates are approximate.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 3g
So, enjoy each slice knowing you’re indulging in a flavorful treat that’s not just delicious but also packs a bit of nutrition! Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Bread
Cranberry bread is incredibly versatile, and there are so many delightful ways to enjoy it! For a simple yet delicious treat, I recommend spreading a generous layer of butter or cream cheese over a warm slice. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cranberries, creating a heavenly bite!
If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a bowl of fresh fruit or yogurt. It also makes a fantastic addition to a holiday breakfast spread, where you can slice it up and let everyone enjoy it with their favorite toppings—a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar can take it to the next level!
And don’t forget, it’s equally delightful toasted, which enhances those bright flavors even more. Trust me, whatever way you choose to serve it, it’ll be a hit!
FAQ about Cranberry Bread
Can I use frozen cranberries? Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just fine in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in your cranberry bread.
How should I store leftover cranberry bread? Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months.
Can I make this bread ahead of time? Yes! This cranberry bread actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together. You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it properly.
What can I add to enhance the flavor? For an extra flavor boost, consider adding orange zest to the batter or even some chopped nuts for a delightful crunch!
Print
Cranberry Bread: 7 Magical Steps to Holiday Bliss
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry bread is a moist and flavorful quick bread made with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar, egg, vegetable oil, orange juice, and vanilla.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Fold in cranberries.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can substitute cranberries with blueberries.
- Serve with butter or cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry bread, quick bread, baking, cranberry recipes
