Cranberry And Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry nut bread with warm cinnamon and orange notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a tasty breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and margarine together until smooth.
- Add milk, egg, cinnamon, vanilla, and orange extract; beat well.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in cranberry sauce and chopped pecans.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 60 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moist texture, ensure the margarine is softened adequately before creaming with sugar. You can substitute half of the sugar with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile. If you don't have orange extract, fresh orange zest works wonderfully. Consider adding dried fruits like raisins or swapping pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor. This bread pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of this cranberry and nut bread warm or at room temperature. It makes a delightful breakfast or snack, especially when paired with butter or cream cheese. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a yogurt parfait. This bread also complements holiday meals and is a great addition to a brunch spread, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry And Nut Bread contains roughly 507 calories, with 9g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 708mg per serving (31% 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 fresh cranberries instead of whole cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with some sugar and water to create a similar sauce consistency. This will add a tart flavor that complements the sweetness of the bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to check that your baking powder is gluten-free as well. The texture may vary slightly, but it should still be delicious.
How can I enhance the flavor of this bread?
To enhance the flavor, you could add spices like nutmeg or cloves in addition to cinnamon. A handful of orange zest can elevate the citrus notes, and if you're a fan of nuts, consider toasting the pecans beforehand to deepen their flavor.
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).