Cranberry Bread Recipe: A Festive and Flavorful Treat

There’s something magical about the sweet-tart burst of cranberries baked into a soft, buttery loaf. Whether you’re savoring a slice with your morning coffee or serving it as a holiday dessert, cranberry bread captures the essence of the season. This recipe is perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers, delivering a moist, flavorful loaf every time. Let’s dive into why cranberry bread deserves a place on your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Easy to Make: No advanced baking skills required.
2. Bursting with Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet, buttery bread is irresistible.
3. Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or gifting.
4. Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest for a personal touch.
5. Seasonal Appeal: A festive treat that’s ideal for the holidays.

Nutrition Information:

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 190mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work best. Dried cranberries can be used but will create a sweeter bread.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tang. Substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice if needed.
• Walnuts: Optional, but add a delightful crunch. Pecans or almonds are great alternatives.
• Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of the salt level. Margarine can be substituted, but the flavor may vary.

How to Make Cranberry Bread (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven. Proper preparation ensures smooth baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy, ensuring a light and tender loaf.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly mix the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mix.
6. Fold in Add-Ins: Gently stir in cranberries and nuts to avoid crushing them.
7. Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake until golden brown. Check doneness with a toothpick.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool before slicing to ensure clean cuts and the best texture.

Expert Tips for Success

• Toss Cranberries in Flour: Coat cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before mixing them into the batter to prevent sinking.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check Early: Oven temperatures vary, so check the bread at 50 minutes.

Variations and Customizations

• Orange Cranberry Bread: Add one tablespoon of orange zest and replace half the buttermilk with orange juice.
• Chocolate Cranberry Bread: Fold in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Vegan Option: Replace butter with vegan butter, flax eggs, and buttermilk with almond milk + vinegar.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Storage: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with a smear of cream cheese or butter.
• Pair with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cocoa.
• Serve as part of a festive holiday brunch alongside quiche and fruit salad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

A: Yes, but the bread will be sweeter. Soak dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes before using for better texture.

Q: Can I make this bread ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Cranberry bread stays moist and flavorful for a few days and freezes well.

Q: Can I use a different loaf pan size?

A: You can use an 8×4-inch pan, but the baking time may vary. Start checking at 45 minutes.

Q: How do I prevent the bread from sticking to the pan?

A: Grease the pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Related Recipes

• Blueberry Lemon Bread: A zesty and sweet loaf perfect for spring.
• Pumpkin Spice Bread: A fall favorite loaded with warm spices.
• Banana Walnut Bread: A classic that’s always a hit.
• Zucchini Bread: A moist and veggie-packed treat.

Conclusion

Cranberry bread is a timeless recipe that combines simplicity with festive flavors. Whether you’re baking for your family or preparing holiday gifts, this loaf is sure to impress. Try it today and let its sweet-tart goodness. brighten your day!

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