Cranberry Festive Bread
A moist, flavorful bread bursting with tart cranberries, sweet dates, and crunchy walnuts, perfect for festive gatherings or as a delightful breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare a loaf pan.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk, vegetable oil, beaten eggs, and grated orange rind.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and beat until smooth.
- Fold in cranberries, chopped dates, and chopped walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before removing from pan and serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding orange zest or a splash of orange juice for extra flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To make this recipe vegan, try using flax eggs and a plant-based milk. Ensure cranberries are evenly distributed for a balanced taste throughout the loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This festive bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, consider serving it alongside Snow White Fudge for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm slices in a toaster or oven until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Festive Bread contains roughly 323 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1058mg per serving (46% 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 or frozen?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen ones. However, the texture and flavor will be different, as dried cranberries are sweeter and less tart. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that it may continue to cook slightly while cooling in the pan.
Can I add other nuts or fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with different nuts like pecans or almonds, and fruits such as chopped apples or pears. Just keep the total amount of add-ins similar to the original recipe to maintain the right batter 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).