Cranberry Nut Bread a Taste of Christmas Any Time
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a slice of something comforting? You know, proper home baking? This cranberry nut bread is just the ticket. It’s got that perfect balance of tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, and honestly, it's simpler to make than nipping to Greggs.
Brief Overview
This cranberry nut bread recipe is inspired by good old American holiday baking. It is incredibly easy to make, even if you aren't the baking type.
It will take just over an hour from start to finish, and you'll end up with one loaf - enough for tea and toast for a few days!.
Main Benefits
What's great about this easy cranberry nut bread is that it feels a little bit fancy but it's packed with goodness.
Cranberries are a super source of antioxidants. Serve it warm with butter for a special treat. Think of this homemade cranberry bread as the hug in a loaf you need after a long day! It is also good served as one of your holiday bread recipes .
This Isn't your Granny's Fruitcake
So, let me tell you a story about my first attempt at this bread. I wanted to make a cranberry orange bread recipe for my friend's Christmas potluck.
I thought, "Oh, how hard can it be?" I rushed it. The loaf was burnt on the outside and the inside was gooey, but it still tasted delicious.
You know?
Don't worry about being perfect. Even if it looks a little wonky, it will still taste amazing!
Perfect for Any Occasion
This nut bread recipe is fab for afternoon tea or even just a quick breakfast bread recipe . It's also great for gifting to friends.
And you know, it's one of those quick bread recipes that just makes your kitchen smell amazing.
Ready to get cracking? Let's get the ingredients together.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Cranberry Nut Bread
So, you fancy baking some cranberry nut bread ? Brilliant! Here's what you'll need. This is the easy cranberry nut bread version. Forget faffing, let's get straight to it.
Main Ingredients: Let's Get Measuring!
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) . Plain flour works a treat.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (5g) .
- Baking Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (2g) .
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) .
- Granulated Sugar: 3/4 cup (150g) .
- Egg: 1 large (approx. 50g) , lightly beaten.
- Orange Juice: 1 cup (240ml) , freshly squeezed is best.
- Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
- Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon , finely grated.
- Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (100g) .
- Chopped Walnuts (or pecans): 1 cup (100g) .
For the cranberries, go for plump, juicy ones. Honestly, it makes a world of difference to this homemade cranberry bread .
They shouldn't be rock hard! A simple soak on warm orange juice helps plump them up.
Seasoning Notes: Spice it Up!
For this cranberry walnut bread recipe , orange is key. The zest adds a lovely zing! Vanilla extract mellows it all out.
If you're feeling extra festive, chuck in a 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. You could even try a dash of nutmeg.
For holiday bread recipes , this is a winner! You can even try a cranberry orange bread recipe for a flavour boost.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Mixing bowls.
- Whisk.
- Spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Grater/Zester.
No fancy stand mixer needed here! A good old bowl and whisk will do the trick. Don't have a zester? A fine grater works just fine.
For quick bread recipes like this, keeping the equipment basic is the way to go. This breakfast bread recipe is just about perfect!
This nut bread recipe is so forgiving, honestly. It's almost foolproof, even I can manage it! The result is the best cranberry nut bread you've ever tasted. Perfect with a cuppa.
Cranberry Nut Bread: A Taste of Christmas Any Time
Fancy a slice of cranberry nut bread ? Honestly, there's nothing quite like a warm piece of this homemade cranberry bread on a chilly afternoon.
I’ve tweaked this cranberry walnut bread recipe over the years, and it’s now my go-to for a proper holiday bread recipe .
This one's got a secret ingredient: orange zest. It's a game changer.
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place, as they say. Measure out all your ingredients. Trust me, it saves a massive headache later.
Chop your walnuts (or pecans if you're feeling fancy). Zest that orange like you mean it. Remember, safety first! Always use a steady hand when zesting or chopping nuts.
This is your essential guide to the best cranberry nut bread .
Baking Like a Pro: step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 3/4 cup sugar.
- Combine 1 large egg, 1 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 tablespoon orange zest in another bowl.
- Pour the wet into the dry and stir just until combined. Don't overmix, seriously!
- Fold in 1 cup dried cranberries and 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans).
- Pour into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Top-Secret Pro Tips
Want to take your easy cranberry nut bread to the next level? Try toasting your nuts beforehand for about 5- 7 minutes at 350F .
It brings out the flavour. A common mistake is overmixing the batter. This can lead to a tough bread. Avoid it at all costs! You can even make the batter a day ahead if you want, stored in the fridge.
This isn't just any nut bread recipe ; it's a hug in loaf form. So, grab your ingredients and let's get baking this ultimate breakfast bread recipe .
Whether you call it cranberry pecan bread or simply delicious, you're in for a treat. And who knows, maybe you'll create your own family tradition with this cranberry orange bread recipe .
Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Cranberry Nut Bread
Right, so you're about to whip up this amazing cranberry nut bread . Ace! But before you get your pinny on, here are a few extra bits and bobs.
These are things I've learned over the years of baking this easy cranberry nut bread , and trust me, they'll make a difference.
You know? Let's turn you from novice to star baker!
Plating Like a Pro & Perfect Pairings
Think about how you want to serve your masterpiece. For presentation, a simple dusting of icing sugar works wonders. It’s like a little snowy scene, especially around Christmas! Serve a slice of warm cranberry nut bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
It's an unexpected treat! It goes beautifully with a cup of hot tea. Earl Grey or even a spiced chai latte would be perfect.
It's really one of the best cranberry nut bread and you deserve to treat yourself to a little indulgence.
Storing for Maximum Freshness
Honestly, this homemade cranberry bread is usually gone in a flash at my place. If you are disciplined, however, leftover slices can be wrapped tightly in cling film or stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
It will stay nice and moist for up to 3 days. Fancy keeping it even longer? Then you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but make sure it is properly wrapped.
For freezing, slice the bread first. Then wrap individually and pop them in a freezer bag. When you're ready, just let a slice thaw naturally or give it a quick toast.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Want to mix it up? I like to get creative, and why shouldn't you? For a gluten-free version, you can swap out the normal flour for a gluten-free blend.
It's an easy cranberry nut bread adaptation. If you want a cranberry orange bread recipe punch, add extra orange zest.
You can also add a splash of orange liqueur to the wet ingredients. I do that sometimes for holiday bread recipes and get some extra festive cheer!
Nutri Stats: A Quick Peek
Each slice of this cranberry nut bread will give you about 250 calories. There's roughly 4g of protein, 12g of fat, and 35g of carbs.
The nut bread recipe contains fiber and vitamins from the cranberries and nuts. It is still a treat, so enjoy it in moderation.
There you have it! You're armed with all the insider knowledge. Now go forth and bake the most incredible cranberry nut bread ever! I know you can do it!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze my cranberry nut bread? I fancy making a few loaves ahead of the festive season!
Absolutely! Cranberry nut bread freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and then foil, or place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
My cranberry nut bread is a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I prevent this next time?
A dry loaf is a common baking woe! It could be due to a few things. Over baking is a prime suspect make sure you're checking for doneness with a skewer. Also, ensure you’re accurately measuring your flour; too much flour leads to a drier bread.
Consider adding a touch more orange juice next time, or rehydrating your cranberries by soaking them in warm orange juice for 10 minutes before adding them to the batter.
I don't have walnuts. Can I substitute other nuts in my cranberry nut bread?
Of course! Pecans are a classic alternative and offer a similar rich flavour. You could also use chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts for a more luxurious twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a mix of different nuts for a truly unique flavour and texture.
Is there anything I can use instead of orange juice in this cranberry nut bread recipe?
If you’re out of orange juice, apple juice or even pineapple juice can work in a pinch, though the flavour will be slightly different. You could also use milk or buttermilk, but you might want to add a teaspoon of orange extract to maintain that citrusy zing.
Keep an eye on the batter consistency, as you may need to adjust the amount of liquid slightly.
What's the best way to store cranberry nut bread to keep it fresh?
To keep your cranberry nut bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in cling film. This will help to prevent it from drying out. It should stay moist for 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it as mentioned above!
Can I make cranberry nut bread without eggs? I have some vegan guests coming over.
Yes, you can! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) or an applesauce. Both of these options add moisture and bind the ingredients together.
You might need to experiment slightly with the baking time and liquid to get the perfect texture.
Cranberry Nut Bread A Taste Of Christmas Any Tim
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |