Cranberry Nut Loaf Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
🥖 Yield: 1 loaf
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Cranberry Nut Loaf recipe, a festive treat perfect for any occasion, especially during the Christmas season. Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of walnuts, this loaf is sure to become a favorite among your loved ones.
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 cups | All-purpose flour |
| 1 cup | Sugar |
| 1 1/2 tsp | Baking powder |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/2 tsp | Baking soda |
| 1/4 cup | Butter |
| 1/4 cup | Margarine |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 | Orange (peel and juice) |
| 3/4 cup | Fresh cranberries |
| 1 1/2 cups | Walnuts |
Instructions
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan, ensuring easy removal of the loaf once baked.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Ensure they are well combined to guarantee an even distribution of leavening agents.
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Incorporate Butter: Cut in the butter and margarine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step adds richness and texture to the loaf.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Crack the egg into the bowl, and pour in the freshly squeezed orange juice along with the grated orange peel. Mix all these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as it may result in a dense loaf.
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Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter. The cranberries provide a burst of tartness, while the walnuts impart a delightful crunch.
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Transfer to Loaf Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan, ensuring it is evenly spread out to facilitate even baking.
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Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The golden-brown crust and fragrant aroma will indicate that the loaf is perfectly baked.
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Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Cranberry Nut Loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the Cranberry Nut Loaf into thick, generous slices and serve alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. Alternatively, toast slices of the loaf and spread with butter or cream cheese for a delicious breakfast or snack option.
Indulge in the festive flavors of this delightful loaf, perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season or any time you crave a taste of sweetness and warmth. Enjoy every bite of this Cranberry Nut Loaf, a true testament to the joy of baking and sharing homemade treats with loved ones.
