Cranberry-Orange Nut Bread Recipe ๐
Overview:
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the holiday season with this scrumptious Cranberry-Orange Nut Bread recipe! Bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries, the refreshing zest of oranges, and the crunch of nuts, this bread is perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any weeknight treat. Plus, it’s ready in under 4 hours, making it a convenient option for busy bakers. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 cup butter, chilled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup nuts (such as walnuts or pecans), chopped
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 2514.5
- Fat: 89.2g
- Saturated Fat: 35.9g
- Cholesterol: 333.5mg
- Sodium: 3782.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 392.6g
- Fiber: 18.3g
- Sugar: 173.6g
- Protein: 46.2g
Instructions:
Preparing the Bread:
- Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
- Grease the bottom of a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Mixing the Ingredients:
- Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut in the chilled, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the orange zest, freshly squeezed orange juice, and the egg to the flour mixture.
- Stir the ingredients together just until moistened. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
Adding the Cranberries and Nuts:
- Mix in the coarsely chopped cranberries and chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
Baking:
- Bake the cranberry-orange nut bread in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Check for doneness by inserting the toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is ready.
- Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
Serving:
- Carefully transfer the bread from the loaf pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread into thick, irresistible slices.
- Serve the cranberry-orange nut bread as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a spread of butter for added indulgence.
- Enjoy your homemade creation with a cup of hot tea or coffee, and savor the delightful flavors of the holiday season!
Recipe Notes:
- Fresh Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use frozen cranberries. Simply thaw them before chopping and adding to the batter.
- Nuts: Feel free to use your favorite nuts in this recipe. Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work well and add a delicious crunch.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage. Simply thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
- Variations: For a twist on this classic recipe, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Gift Idea: Wrap slices of this bread in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season.
Conclusion:
This Cranberry-Orange Nut Bread recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. With its vibrant flavors, moist texture, and easy preparation, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy during the holidays or any time of year. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this irresistible homemade bread!
