Description
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a festive and flavorful quick bread perfect for holiday celebrations. Bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and warm cinnamon, this moist loaf combines classic holiday flavors in every bite. Optional chopped nuts add a delightful crunch, while a simple orange glaze can elevate its festivity. Easy to prepare and bake, this loaf also freezes well for future enjoyment.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper if desired to ensure easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate and create a smooth batter.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest to infuse the batter with bright citrus notes.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the loaf tough.
- Fold in Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the halved cranberries along with the chopped walnuts or pecans if using, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For an extra festive touch, drizzle the cooled loaf with an orange glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice.
- This loaf freezes well; wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
