Cranberry Orange Quick Bread Recipe ππ
Overview:
Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is a cherished Christmas tradition that graces many Canadian households during the holiday season. This delightful bread is not only festive but also incredibly versatile, making it a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, or even a cozy winter lunch. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the citrusy zing of orange, this bread is sure to become a favorite in your home as well. With a prep time of just 30 minutes and a total cook time of 1 hour, it’s a quick and easy treat to whip up whenever the craving strikes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 eggs, well beaten
- 1 cup cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cherries (optional)
- Extra flour for dusting cranberries
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 109.1 per slice
- Fat Content: 3g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.6g
- Cholesterol Content: 27.2mg
- Sodium Content: 207.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 18.8g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 8.5g
- Protein Content: 2g
Instructions:
-
Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
-
-
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
-
Incorporate Butter: Cut the butter into small pieces and add them to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse cornmeal.
-
Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, grated orange zest, and beaten eggs.
-
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
-
Prepare Cranberries: Dust the chopped cranberries and dried cherries with a tablespoon of flour. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the bread during baking.
-
Fold in Berries: Carefully fold the floured cranberries and cherries into the batter until evenly distributed.
-
Bake: Spoon the batter into a well-buttered 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle a few whole cranberries over the top for a festive touch. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the casserole dish for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the dish and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
-
Storage: For best results, store the cooled bread overnight before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for easier slicing the next day.
-
Optional Frosting: If desired, frost the cooled bread with confectioner’s frosting. To make the frosting, sift 2 cups of icing sugar into a bowl, then gradually add boiling water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired spreading consistency. Spread the frosting on the slightly cooled bread for an extra touch of sweetness.
-
Serving Suggestions: This Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic sliced and served with butter. For an extra indulgence, try toasting slices under the broiler until golden brown, then spread with butter and sprinkle with cheddar cheese for a savory twist that’s perfect for any time of day.
Tips:
- If fresh cranberries are out of season, you can use frozen cranberries instead. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before adding them to the batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense and tough loaf. It’s okay if there are a few lumps remaining.
- For a festive touch, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- This bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and store one loaf in the freezer for later enjoyment.
Keywords:
Breads, Breakfast, Lunch/Snacks, Fruit, Canadian, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Winter, Christmas, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Quick Bread!
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven on a chilly winter morning or toasting slices for a quick snack, this Cranberry Orange Quick Bread is sure to delight your taste buds with its festive flavors and comforting aroma. Share it with family and friends or savor it all to yourself β either way, it’s bound to become a beloved tradition in your household for years to come.
