Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Bread Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that’s both sweet and tart, you’ll love this cranberry bread recipe.
The moment I take a slice, I’m greeted by the perfect balance of flavors that dance on my palate. The bright, tart cranberries complement the sweetness, while the toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch.
It’s incredibly easy to make, filling my kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma. Whether I enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or even dessert, it never disappoints.
Trust me, this cranberry bread is a seasonal favorite that’ll impress everyone who gets a taste!
Ingredients of Cranberry Bread
When it comes to baking something special, cranberry bread is a fantastic option. It’s not only delicious but also brimming with the delightful tartness of cranberries and the crunch of toasted walnuts.
Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply heavenly. You might even find yourself doing the happy dance as it comes out of the oven, because who can resist that warm, inviting smell?
So, let’s gather up the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this tasty treat. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup walnuts (about 4 ounces)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (4 ounces)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup orange juice
- 3 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon grated orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh cranberries or 1 cup frozen cranberries
Now, before you start throwing things into the mixing bowl, let’s talk about a few things regarding these ingredients.
First off, if you’re not a fan of walnuts, feel free to swap them out for another nut or even omit them altogether. Just be aware that you might lose some of that satisfying crunch.
Also, if fresh cranberries are out of season or hard to find, frozen ones work just as well. Just make sure to give them a quick rinse and pat them dry before tossing them into the mix.
And don’t forget that little bit of orange zest—it’s like giving your bread a warm hug from the citrus world.
How to Make Cranberry Bread
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients for that delightful Cranberry Bread, let’s get to the fun part—making it! First things first, preheat your oven to a cozy 350 degrees.
While your oven is warming up, grab a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan and give it a good greasing. You want that bread to slide right out when it’s done, like a smooth operator.
Next, let’s talk nuts—specifically, those 1 cup of walnuts you’ve got. Spread them out on a baking sheet and toss them in the oven for about 5 minutes, just until they’re lightly toasted and fragrant. Keep an eye on them; they can go from perfectly golden to “oops, is that smoke?” in a blink.
Once they’re ready, chop them coarsely and set them aside, feeling proud of your nut-toasting skills.
In a large mixing bowl, grab your handy-dandy hand mixer and beat together 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. It should look like a cloud—well, a buttery, sugary cloud.
Add in 1 egg and beat for about a minute. Gradually pour in 1 cup of orange juice, mixing it all together until it’s just blended.
Now, here comes the fun part: add in 3 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of grated orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Stir gently until everything is combined, and then fold in those precious cranberries and your toasted walnuts.
Once your batter is ready—don’t taste it just yet, no one likes a floury mouth—spread it evenly into your prepared pan.
Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The aroma wafting through your kitchen will likely lead you to do a little happy dance—don’t worry, I won’t judge.
After the baking is done, let it stand in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully unmolding it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely, if you can resist the temptation to slice into it right away.
And there you have it—your delicious cranberry bread is ready to be enjoyed!
Cranberry Bread Substitutions & Variations
After baking that scrumptious cranberry bread, you might find yourself wanting to mix things up a bit.
I love swapping out the walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. You can also use applesauce instead of butter for a lighter version.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. For a tropical twist, substitute half of the cranberries with diced pineapple or mango.
And don’t forget about the sweetness—using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a rich depth.
Experimenting makes each loaf unique, so have fun with it!
Additional Tips & Notes
While baking cranberry bread can be straightforward, a few additional tips can elevate your results.
First, make sure your cranberries are fresh and avoid mushy ones. If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them—just toss them in straight from the freezer.
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. I love brushing the top with melted butter right after baking for a glossy finish.
Finally, let the bread cool completely before slicing; it helps maintain moisture. Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference in taste and texture!
Enjoy your baking journey!