Cranberry Fruit Mini-Loaves
Mini cranberry fruit loaves feature tart cranberry sauce and warm spices, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy desserts, appealing to those who love moist, flavorful baked goods.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Wheat Chex bran cereal, crushed ⓘ
- 2/3 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 2 dashes nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 1/3 cups whole cranberry sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup orange juice ⓘ
- 1/3 cup raisins ⓘ
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease three mini loaf pans (5 x 3 x 2 inches).
- In a bowl, combine flour, crushed Wheat Chex cereal, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a separate bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, raisins, chopped pecans, vegetable oil, and grated orange peel.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened.
Tips & Substitutions
For added texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf. If you don't have cranberry sauce, try using apple sauce or mashed bananas as a substitute. To enhance flavor, a splash of vanilla extract can be added to the wet ingredients. Allow the loaves to cool completely before slicing for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry fruit mini-loaves make a delightful breakfast or snack. Serve with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for extra richness. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee. They also complement holiday meals beautifully and can be served alongside dishes like Fern'S Spinach Noodle Pudding for a festive touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the mini-loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Fruit Mini-Loaves contains roughly 1427 calories, with 21g protein, 310g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (91% of the Daily Value), and calcium (82% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1691mg per serving (74% 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 sugar and water to create a sauce. This will ensure the right consistency and sweetness. Keep in mind that fresh cranberries are tart, so adjust the sugar according to your taste.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you don't have pecans, walnuts or almonds can be great substitutes. Both will provide a nice crunch and flavor. For a nut-free option, you can replace the nuts with additional raisins or even sunflower seeds for added texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make these mini-loaves gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that includes xanthan gum. Make sure that the baking powder is also gluten-free. This will allow you to enjoy the same delicious flavors without the gluten.
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).