Mum’s Cranberry Bread Recipe
Introduction
This delightful Mum’s Cranberry Bread is a cherished family recipe, lovingly passed down from my mother, who often baked this delectable quick bread as a thoughtful gift for friends and neighbors. The combination of fresh cranberries and the zesty kick of orange juice results in a bread that is both refreshing and comforting, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, whether served warm with butter or enjoyed as a cold treat. If you’re in the mood for a little crunch, feel free to toss in some nuts, though my mother preferred it nut-free, and I have continued that tradition. With its easy preparation and delightful flavor, this bread is sure to become a beloved addition to your baking repertoire.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (12 servings)
- Category: Quick Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Berries, Fruit, Healthy, Oven, Quick Recipes
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Baking powder | 4 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh cranberries | 1 cup |
| Fresh lemon rind (grated) | 1 tablespoon |
| Shortening | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Orange juice | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 209.6 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 19.1 mg |
| Sodium | 326.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 43.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 4.2 g |
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a greased 2-pound loaf pan, ensuring it’s ready to receive the delightful mixture.
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Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step is essential as it aerates the flour and helps to create a light and fluffy texture in the final product.
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Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, grated lemon rind, shortening, egg, orange juice, and milk. It is crucial to mix these ingredients well to ensure that the shortening is evenly distributed throughout the mixture, enhancing the moisture and flavor of the bread.
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Mix the Ingredients Together: Pour the wet mixture into the bowl containing the dry ingredients. Gently stir the mixture until just combined. Take care not to over-mix, as this could lead to a denser bread. The batter should be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly fine.
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Transfer to the Loaf Pan: Carefully spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
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Bake the Bread: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. To check for doneness, insert a fork or toothpick into the center of the bread; it should come out clean, indicating that the bread is fully baked.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling slightly, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This bread can be enjoyed warm, toasted with butter, or served cold, and it also makes a fantastic gift wrapped in a decorative cloth.
Final Thoughts
Mum’s Cranberry Bread is not just a recipe; it embodies the warmth and love that comes from home-baked goods. This simple yet flavorful bread is perfect for holiday gatherings, brunches, or as a comforting snack throughout the week. The versatility of this bread allows it to be enjoyed in various ways, whether as a dessert or a delightful breakfast option. With its tender crumb and the burst of tartness from the cranberries, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking rotation.
By taking the time to bake this bread, you’re not only creating something delicious but also continuing a tradition that honors the memories of those who came before you. Enjoy each slice as a reminder of the love that went into making it. Happy baking!
