Festive Cranberry Loaf

Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
A bright, citrus-infused quick bread studded with tart cranberries and toasted walnuts.
Festive Cranberry Loaf recipe image

This Festive Cranberry Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring a tender crumb infused with fresh orange juice and zested rind. The brightness of the cranberries cuts through the richness of the shortening, while chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch. It’s a versatile quick bread that shines as a breakfast treat with coffee or as a dessert alongside tea. The recipe is straightforward, requiring no yeast or rising time, making it an accessible project for bakers of all skill levels. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead option for holidays, brunches, or simply a cozy weekend baking session.

Festive Cranberry Loaf

Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 1103.4

Description

This Festive Cranberry Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, featuring a tender crumb infused with fresh orange juice and zested rind. The brightness of the cranberries cuts through the richness of the shortening, while chopped walnuts add a satisfying crunch. It&# 226;ÂÂs a versatile quick bread that shines as a breakfast treat with coffee or as a dessert alongside tea. The recipe is straightforward, requiring no yeast or rising time, making it an accessible project for bakers of all skill levels. The result is a moist, flavorful loaf that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent make-ahead option for holidays, brunches, or simply a cozy weekend baking session.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350ðF (175ðC). Grease and line an 8.5x4.5x2.5-inch loaf pan with wax paper or parchment.
  2. In a large bowl, sift together 2 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the shortening into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, fresh orange juice, and grated orange rind.
  5. Add the liquid mixture all at once to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just moistened; do not overmix.
  6. In a small bowl, toss the coarsely chopped cranberries, chopped walnuts, and 1 teaspoon of flour together to coat.
  7. Fold the cranberry-walnut mixture into the batter until evenly distributed.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 1 hour, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. For best texture and easier slicing, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in aluminum foil and let it stand overnight before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4


Amount Per Serving
Calories 1103.4kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 34.8g54%
Saturated Fat 9.3g47%
Cholesterol 141.2mg48%
Sodium 5209.5mg218%
Total Carbohydrate 160.1g54%
Dietary Fiber 4.4g18%
Sugars 64.9g
Protein 35.4g71%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cranberry loaf, orange bread, quick bread, holiday baking, walnut bread, citrus loaf, breakfast bread, dessert loaf, fruit bread, christmas baking, thanksgiving dessert, vegetarian baking, homemade bread, tart cranberry, zesty orange
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