Cara Jeanne'S Cranberry Orange Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry orange nut bread featuring vibrant orange peel, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime, its bright citrus notes combined with sweet cranberries make it a delightful treat for family gatherings or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Stir in softened butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add grated orange peel, orange juice, and egg; stir just until all flour is moistened.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the cranberries. If you don’t have fresh cranberries, dried ones can be used, but reduce the sugar slightly. Ensure your butter is softened to help create a nice crumb texture. If you want a bit of spice, a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile, complementing the orange zest beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry orange nut bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve it alongside a cheese platter featuring Rose'S Pimiento Cheese Spread. It also makes a lovely gift during the holidays when wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
Once the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the bread and freeze it in an airtight container for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast slices or warm in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cara Jeanne'S Cranberry Orange Nut Bread contains roughly 353 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1409mg per serving (61% 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 a different type of juice instead of orange juice?
Yes, you can substitute the orange juice with apple juice or cranberry juice for a different flavor. However, keep in mind that this may alter the overall taste of the bread, so choose juices that complement the cranberries well. Just ensure the liquid measurement stays the same for the best results.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add it separately according to the package instructions. The texture may be slightly different, but it should still be delicious!
Can I add other fruits to this bread?
Yes, you can experiment with adding other fruits such as blueberries or chopped apples. Just keep in mind that the moisture content may vary, so you may need to adjust the flour slightly to maintain a good batter consistency. Mixing in different fruits can create a delightful twist on this classic recipe.
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).