This delicious Apple Cranberry Bread is a perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, making it a wonderful treat for autumn or any time of the year. The juicy chunks of apple and the tangy burst of cranberries add texture and contrast, while a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. This quick bread is moist, flavorful, and ideal for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. Serve it plain, or with a pat of butter, for a comforting slice of home-baked goodness.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples, cranberries, and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Enjoy this delicious Apple Cranberry Bread with your favorite beverage!
