Cranberry Nut Bread: A Festive Delight for Any Occasion
Cranberry nut bread is a classic, comforting treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert. The tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and subtly sweet bread create a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are especially welcome during the holiday season. This recipe provides a moist, flavorful loaf that’s easy to make and sure to impress. Whether you’re looking for a homemade gift, a tasty addition to your brunch spread, or simply a satisfying snack, this cranberry nut bread recipe is a winner.
## Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Nut Bread
* **Festive Flavors:** The combination of cranberries and nuts evokes the warmth and joy of the holidays.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires no special skills or equipment and comes together quickly.
* **Moist and Delicious:** The bread stays moist for days, thanks to the oil and buttermilk in the recipe.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or as an accompaniment to your favorite holiday dishes.
* **Great for Gifting:** Homemade cranberry nut bread makes a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these ingredients:
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 3 cups (360g), provides the structure for the bread.
* **Granulated Sugar:** 1 1/2 cups (300g), adds sweetness and moisture.
* **Baking Powder:** 1 teaspoon, leavens the bread and gives it a light texture.
* **Baking Soda:** 1 teaspoon, helps with leavening and reacts with the buttermilk to create a tender crumb.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Orange Zest:** 1 tablespoon, adds a bright, citrusy note.
* **Eggs:** 2 large, bind the ingredients and contribute to the richness of the bread.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1/2 cup (120ml), adds moisture and keeps the bread tender.
* **Buttermilk:** 1 cup (240ml), adds tanginess and helps create a tender crumb. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to the 1-cup mark. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
* **Vanilla Extract:** 1 teaspoon, enhances the flavor of the bread.
* **Fresh or Frozen Cranberries:** 1 1/2 cups (150g), adds tartness and beautiful color. If using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them before adding them to the batter.
* **Chopped Nuts:** 1 cup (100g), such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, adds texture and nutty flavor. Toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter will enhance their flavor.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Loaf Pan:** 9×5 inch loaf pan. Make sure it is properly greased and floured, or lined with parchment paper.
* **Mixing Bowls:** You’ll need a large bowl for the dry ingredients and a medium bowl for the wet ingredients.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Whisk:** To combine the dry ingredients.
* **Spatula:** To fold in the cranberries and nuts.
* **Cooling Rack:** To cool the bread after baking.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create the perfect cranberry nut bread:
**Step 1: Prepare the Loaf Pan**
* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. Alternatively, line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
**Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients**
* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest until well combined. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
**Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients**
* In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the eggs are well incorporated into the mixture.
**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
* Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough bread. A few lumps are okay.
**Step 5: Fold in the Cranberries and Nuts**
* Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Be careful not to crush the cranberries.
**Step 6: Pour Batter into the Loaf Pan**
* Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
**Step 7: Bake the Bread**
* Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top of the bread starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
**Step 8: Cool the Bread**
* Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.
**Step 9: Slice and Serve**
* Once the bread is completely cool, slice it and serve. Enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or with a dollop of cream cheese.
## Tips for the Best Cranberry Nut Bread
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the bread will taste.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread. Mix until just combined.
* **Toast the Nuts:** Toasting the nuts before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. To toast nuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until lightly browned and fragrant. Alternatively, you can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Room temperature ingredients combine more easily and result in a smoother batter.
* **Add Orange Glaze (Optional):** For an extra touch of sweetness and flavor, you can drizzle the cooled bread with an orange glaze. To make the glaze, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of orange juice until smooth.
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For a richer flavor profile, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the cranberries and nuts. Semisweet or dark chocolate chips work particularly well.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup.
* **Experiment with Nuts:** Try different types of nuts, such as pecans, walnuts, almonds, or macadamia nuts, to find your favorite combination.
* **Store Properly:** Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
## Variations and Adaptations
This cranberry nut bread recipe is a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to try:
* **Apple Cranberry Nut Bread:** Add 1 cup of diced apples to the batter for a fruity twist.
* **Spice Cranberry Nut Bread:** Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of cloves to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor.
* **Lemon Cranberry Nut Bread:** Substitute lemon zest for orange zest and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the wet ingredients for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Vegan Cranberry Nut Bread:** Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg), use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly.
* **Gluten-Free Cranberry Nut Bread:** Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and follow the recipe as directed. You may need to add a binding agent like xanthan gum to help hold the bread together.
## Serving Suggestions
Cranberry nut bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:
* **Butter:** A classic choice that complements the flavors of the bread.
* **Cream Cheese:** Adds a tangy and creamy element.
* **Honey or Maple Syrup:** For a touch of extra sweetness.
* **Yogurt:** A healthy and refreshing option.
* **Coffee or Tea:** The perfect accompaniment to a slice of cranberry nut bread.
* **Soup or Salad:** Cranberry nut bread can be a delicious side dish to a light soup or salad.
## Make Ahead Tips
* **Prepare the Batter in Advance:** You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before baking.
* **Bake Ahead:** The bread can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or gifting.
* **Freeze for Later:** As mentioned before, this bread freezes beautifully. Make a loaf (or two!) ahead of the holidays and have a special treat ready to defrost whenever you need it.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that this is an estimate, and actual values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
* Calories: 250-300 per slice
* Fat: 12-15g
* Saturated Fat: 2-3g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 150-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 35-40g
* Fiber: 1-2g
* Sugar: 20-25g
* Protein: 3-4g
## Conclusion
Cranberry nut bread is a delightful and versatile treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With its festive flavors, moist texture, and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re baking for yourself, for loved ones, or for a holiday gathering, this recipe will bring joy and deliciousness to your table. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the wonderful aroma of freshly baked cranberry nut bread. Happy baking!
## Recipe Card
**Cranberry Nut Bread**
A moist and flavorful bread with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Bake Time:** 50-60 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour 5 minutes
**Yield:** 1 loaf (9×5 inch)
**Ingredients:**
* 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 tablespoon orange zest
* 2 large eggs
* 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
* 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries
* 1 cup (100g) chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.
3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Gently fold in cranberries and chopped nuts.
6. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice and serve.
**Notes:**
* For best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
* Don’t overmix the batter.
* Toast the nuts before adding them to the batter for enhanced flavor.
* Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Enjoy your homemade cranberry nut bread!