Cranberry Bread(Christmas Favorite)
A festive cranberry bread with bright orange flavor, tender crumb, and optional nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings and sweet treats during the Christmas season.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles cornmeal.
- Add orange juice and orange rind; stir until well mixed, but do not beat.
- Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using).
- Pour batter into a well-greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh cranberries; if using frozen, do not thaw them before mixing. You can substitute half of the sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm spice touch that complements the orange. This bread can also be made as muffins; adjust the baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cranberry bread warm or at room temperature, sliced with a pat of butter. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Consider serving it alongside a holiday brunch featuring dishes like Amaretto French Toast for a delightful spread. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in decorative paper.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftover cranberry bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast slices in a toaster or warm in the microwave for a few seconds until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Bread(Christmas Favorite) contains roughly 656 calories, with 8g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1107mg per serving (48% 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 dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried cranberries, but keep in mind that they are sweeter than fresh. You may want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the sweetness. Also, consider soaking the dried cranberries in orange juice for about 30 minutes to rehydrate them before adding to the batter.
What can I substitute for shortening?
You can substitute an equal amount of butter or margarine for the shortening, which will give the bread a richer flavor. If you're looking for a healthier option, use applesauce or a neutral oil like canola oil, though this may slightly change the texture.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
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).