Cranberry Walnut Celebration Loaf

Recipe Introduction

Craving Comfort?

Fancy a cuppa and a slice of something scrummy? Honestly, who doesn't! This cranberry walnut bread is just the ticket. It’s sweet, tangy, and utterly divine. What's not to love?

A Slice of History

This style of cranberry nut bread hails from good old American baking traditions. It's a quick bread recipe , meaning no yeast faff.

Perfect for a weekend bake. Makes one loaf, about 10-12 slices. Enough to share...or not.

Baking Bliss

This easy bread recipe is your answer if you are looking for a bake that offers both great taste and great nutrition.

Cranberries are known for their antioxidants. This is the perfect thing for a holiday brunch or cosy night in. Honestly? It is special because you made it.

And because it tastes bloody good.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Let's get started.

The Star Players: Ingredients

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. For this cranberry walnut loaf , you'll need your basic baking bits and bobs.

• 2 cups of all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting.
• 1 cup of granulated sugar.
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda.
• ¼ teaspoon of salt.

Don't forget the wet stuff.

• 1 large egg, lightly beaten.
• 1 cup of buttermilk . This is key,trust me!
• ¼ cup of vegetable oil.
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

And of course, the stars of the show!

• 1 cup of dried cranberries.
• ½ cup of chopped walnuts .

It's that simple! You can even swap in pecans for the walnuts if you fancy a change. This walnut bread recipe is versatile, so don't be afraid to experiment!

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Baking!

Alright, let's talk ingredients for this amazing cranberry walnut bread . Don’t worry, it’s an easy bread recipe , even if you're not a seasoned pro.

Honestly, this cranberry nut bread is so simple, it's practically foolproof!

Main Ingredients for a Perfect Loaf

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Get ready to make some magic happen.

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g) . Just regular plain flour works great.
• Granulated Sugar: 1 cup (200g) . For that touch of sweetness, obviously.
• Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon . This helps the bread rise like a champ.
• Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon . Works with the buttermilk for a perfect crumb.
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon . Balances the sweetness.
• Large Egg: 1 , lightly beaten. Make sure it's at room temperature!
• Buttermilk: 1 cup (240ml) . This is key for a moist loaf. Don't skip it! It's what turns it into a buttermilk bread recipe .
• Vegetable Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Any neutral oil will do.
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon . For that lovely aroma.
• Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (100g) . The star of the show!
• Chopped Walnuts: 1/2 cup (60g) . Adds a lovely crunch. Toast them, seriously, it enhances their flavour!

For the cranberries, make sure they're not too hard. Slightly soft and plump is ideal. As for the walnuts, fresher is always better.

This ensures maximum flavor in your walnut bread recipe .

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Okay, so this cranberry walnut loaf doesn't need tons of spices. But a little somethin' somethin' can elevate it. I learned this the hard way:

• Essential Spice Combination: A tiny pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg can add warmth. Seriously, just a pinch!
• Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Orange zest. Oh my gosh, this adds a zing!
• Quick Substitution Options: No walnuts? Pecans work great. You could have a pecan cranberry bread with nuts !

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

No need for fancy gadgets. This is an easy bread recipe , remember?

• 9x5 inch Loaf Pan. This is essential for shaping your cranberry walnut bread .
• Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large). For mixing wet and dry ingredients separately.
• Whisk. To get rid of those flour lumps.
• Spatula. For folding in the cranberries and walnuts.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons. Accuracy is key.
• Oven Thermometer (Optional). But highly recommended to make sure your oven is at the correct temperature.

No loaf pan? A cake pan could work in a pinch, but the shape will be different. Honestly? Just get a loaf pan. It’s a cheap and important piece of baking equipment.

Let's Bake a Cranberry Walnut Celebration Loaf

Oh my gosh, are you ready for some serious baking fun? We're diving into a cranberry walnut bread recipe! This isn't just any cranberry nut bread ; it's a holiday bread recipe that'll make your kitchen smell absolutely divine! It's super easy so its the easy bread recipe of your dreams.

Seriously, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something. This cranberry walnut loaf will be your new favorite, especially when you discover how simple a homemade bread recipe can be.

Prep Steps: Your Mission, Should You Choose to Accept It

Getting everything in place is key. It's called "mise en place," fancy, innit? First, grab all your ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, egg, buttermilk, oil, vanilla, cranberries, and walnuts.

Honestly, having it all measured beforehand saves so much time! Next, grease and flour that 9x5 inch loaf pan. Trust me, don't skip this step unless you fancy scraping half your loaf out.

Make sure you have a reliable oven thermometer, if you have one.

Safety First!

Making Magic: step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
2. Whisk together 2 cups (250g) flour, 1 cup (200g) sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together 1 large egg, 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk, 1/4 cup (60ml) oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Oh, I love that vanilla smell!
4. Pour the wet into the dry, but don't go crazy mixing. Just combine. Lumps are fine!
5. Gently fold in 1 cup (100g) cranberries and 1/2 cup (60g) walnuts.
6. Pour into your prepared pan.
7. Bake for 50- 60 minutes . A skewer should come out clean.

And there you have it, a super simple walnut bread recipe .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Loaf

Want to take your cranberry bread with nuts to the next level? Try these! Toast the walnuts before adding them.

It brings out their flavor like you wouldn't believe! Also, don't overmix the batter. A tough bread is a sad bread.

If you don't have buttermilk, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to milk does the trick. And if you want to get fancy, orange zest brightens things up nicely.

You can even prepare the loaf batter in advance and refrigerate it overnight, or even bake the cranberry walnut bread the day before! Honestly, it makes things so much easier.

Recipe Notes for Your Cranberry Walnut Celebration Loaf

Right then, let's dive into a few notes to make your cranberry walnut bread baking experience as smooth as a baby's bum! Honestly, baking this cranberry nut bread is so easy.

Even I can do it!

Serving Suggestions: Showstopper Style!

Picture this: a slice of your gorgeous cranberry walnut loaf , ever so slightly warm, sitting on a pretty plate.

It's practically begging for a schmear of proper butter. Now that's the British way, innit?

For presentation, a dusting of icing sugar makes it look extra fancy. Serve it with a cuppa or even a cheeky glass of fizz for a special occasion.

For a cracking side, try some clotted cream. Pure indulgence! You can even complement our cranberry bread with nuts with a cheese board, this easy bread recipe is super versatile.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

This homemade bread recipe is best enjoyed fresh, of course. If you have any leftovers, wrap it well in cling film or foil.

Pop it in the fridge. It'll keep for about 3 days. To reheat, just toast a slice or warm it gently in the oven.

Freezing this holiday bread recipe is an option too. Slice it first. Then wrap the slices individually. This stops them from sticking together.

When you fancy a slice, just grab one and toast it from frozen. Easy peasy.

Variations: Let's Get Creative!

Fancy a twist? Add the zest of one orange to the batter. Oh my gosh, it's a game changer! It gives the walnut bread recipe a lovely citrusy kick.

You could also try swapping the walnuts for pecans for a different nutty flavour.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can try using a gluten-free flour blend. You'll need to add some xanthan gum to help bind it all together, or replace the buttermilk, as this is a buttermilk bread recipe , with a dairy-free option.

Nutrition Basics: A Treat with Benefits

Okay, so this quick bread recipe is a treat, let's be honest! But it does have some nutritional goodness. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. Walnuts are a good source of healthy fats.

Each slice, roughly, contains: 250 calories, 4g of protein, 10g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, 1g of fiber, 18g of sugar, and 150mg of sodium. Of course, this can vary a little.

So, go on, have a go at baking this cranberry walnut bread . I promise, it's easier than it looks. Plus, the smell alone will make your kitchen feel like a proper bakery! Happy baking, love!