Almond Cranberry Bread

🍞 Almond Cranberry Bread 🍞

Almond Cranberry Bread is a delightful baked treat that combines the nutty flavor of almonds with the tartness of cranberries in a moist and delicious bread. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack. Let’s dive into its history, components, preparation steps, and time needed to make it! 🤩

📜 History:
The history of Almond Cranberry Bread is not well-documented, but it likely originated as a variation of traditional fruit and nut bread recipes. Cranberries are native to North America and have been used by Indigenous peoples for centuries. Almonds, on the other hand, have a long history in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. The combination of these two ingredients in a bread recipe likely emerged in more recent times, driven by a desire for unique and flavorful baked goods.

🥖 Components:
To make Almond Cranberry Bread, you’ll need the following components:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the almond extract.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined.

5. Fold in Cranberries and Almonds: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped almonds into the batter.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

⏰ Time Needed:
The preparation time for Almond Cranberry Bread is approximately 15-20 minutes, and the baking time is around 60-70 minutes. So, you can expect to have this delicious bread ready in about 1 hour and 15-90 minutes from start to finish.

Now, you’re all set to enjoy a slice of homemade Almond Cranberry Bread. 🍞😋 This delightful combination of almonds and cranberries is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Cranberry Bread:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values per Serving):

• Serving Size: 1 slice (assuming 12 slices per loaf)
• Calories: 250-300
• Total Fat: 12-14 grams
• Saturated Fat: 5-6 grams
• Cholesterol: 45-55 mg
• Sodium: 250-300 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugars: 15-18 grams
• Protein: 4-6 grams

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: Almond Cranberry Bread can be moderately calorie-dense due to the sugar and butter content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re watching your calorie intake.

2. Healthy Fats: The almonds in this bread provide healthy monounsaturated fats, which can be beneficial for heart health. However, the butter contributes saturated fat, so it’s wise to consume this bread in moderation.

3. Protein and Fiber: While it’s not a significant source of protein or fiber, the bread does contain some, thanks to the almonds and flour. These nutrients can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

4. Added Sugars: Be mindful of the added sugars, mainly from the cranberries and the sugar in the recipe. Excess sugar intake can have negative health effects, so enjoy this bread as an occasional treat.

5. Vitamins and Minerals: Almond Cranberry Bread provides some vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins from the almonds and potential iron from the dried cranberries. However, the amounts may not be substantial.

6. Portion Control: Given the calorie and sugar content, it’s essential to practice portion control when enjoying this bread. Pair it with healthier options like fresh fruit or yogurt to create a balanced meal or snack.

Remember that specific nutrition values can vary based on the exact ingredients and proportions used in your recipe. These values are approximate and can give you a general idea of the nutritional profile of Almond Cranberry Bread.