Apple-Cranberry Celebration Bread
A moist, flavorful bread packed with apples, cranberries, and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy mornings with a hint of tartness and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1½ teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1½ teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1½ teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves ⓘ
- ¾ cup shortening ⓘ
- 1 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed ⓘ
- 3 eggs ⓘ
- 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1½ cups grated raw apples ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar ⓘ
- Water to make ¾ cup ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped fresh cranberries ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix and sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves; set aside.
- Cream the shortening and light brown sugar until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and grated apples, along with cider vinegar mixed with water to make 3/4 cup, stirring after each addition.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 11 1/4 x 4 1/2 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan or two small loaf pans.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the pan or pans and cool on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Apple-Cranberry Celebration Bread, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest for a citrusy twist. You can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer taste. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, dried cranberries can be used, though it may alter the moisture content slightly. Ensure to sift your flour to avoid lumps for a smooth batter.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple-Cranberry Celebration Bread is delightful when served warm, perhaps with a pat of butter or cream cheese. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast or afternoon treat. It also makes a wonderful addition to holiday brunches or as a side to dishes like Sandy'S Bread Pudding.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm slices in the oven for a few minutes or in the microwave for a quick snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Apple-Cranberry Celebration Bread contains roughly 781 calories, with 6g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is a good source of protein (11% of the Daily Value), iron (11% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1591mg per serving (69% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different fruits in this bread?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits such as pears or peaches. Just make sure to adjust the moisture levels accordingly by reducing the amount of cider vinegar or water if the fruit is particularly juicy. This will help maintain the bread's texture.
Is this bread suitable for freezing?
Yes, this bread freezes well. Just ensure it is completely cooled and wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, allow it to thaw at room temperature before slicing, or heat individual slices directly from the freezer for a warm, fresh treat.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing the batter or too much flour. To prevent this, mix just until combined and use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. If the batter feels thick, consider adding a bit more liquid to achieve a lighter consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).