Christmas Cranberry Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread bursting with tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive occasions or as a delicious holiday treat with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the dry ingredients: sugar, salt, soda, and flour, then add the beaten egg.
- Combine the shortening with the juice and grated rind of one orange, and enough boiling water to make 3/4 cup of liquid.
- Mix the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients; fold in the cranberries and chopped walnuts.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 325°F for one hour.
- Slice the bread the next day to allow flavors to settle and improve texture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter bread, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter can be used as a substitute. To enhance the orange flavor, add a teaspoon of orange extract. Make sure to let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings alongside dishes like Eggnog Trifle.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Christmas Cranberry Bread with a smear of cream cheese or butter for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside Fruit 'N Yogurt Salad for a refreshing contrast. This bread also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in cellophane and tied with a ribbon.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer, where it will keep for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cranberry Bread contains roughly 193 calories, with 4g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1619mg per serving (70% 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 frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just add them directly to the batter without thawing to maintain their shape and tartness. This works particularly well if you’re making the bread during the off-season when fresh cranberries are not available.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you’re allergic to walnuts or prefer a different nut, pecans are a great substitute. You could also leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version, or add seeds like sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
How can I make this bread more festive?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a warmer flavor profile. You can also fold in some chocolate chips or top the bread with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet finish.
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).