Cranberry Nut Bread is a festive and flavorful treat that embodies the spirit of the holiday season, though it’s delightful any time of year. This bread is beautifully dense and moist, packed with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, which provide a perfect textural contrast. Each slice is a colorful mosaic speckled with vibrant red cranberries and a variety of nuts, typically walnuts or pecans, which add a rich depth of flavor. Infused with orange zest and a hint of spice, this loaf is aromatic and can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat, a mid-afternoon snack, or as a sweet end to a meal. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of indulgence.
Recipe: Cranberry Nut Bread
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add Butter and Egg:
- Cut in the softened butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the beaten egg until the mixture is just moistened.
- Incorporate Orange Flavor:
- Add the orange zest and orange juice to the dry ingredients, stirring just until the batter is evenly moistened. Do not overmix.
- Add Cranberries and Nuts:
- Fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts until they are distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve the bread once cooled, optionally toasting slices or spreading with butter or cream cheese.
Cranberry Nut Bread is not just delicious but also visually appealing, making it a wonderful gift or a festive addition to your holiday table. Its bright flavors and satisfying texture are sure to please any crowd, making it a beloved recipe year after year.
