Cranberry Nut Bread(Makes 1 Loaf)
A moist, flavorful cranberry nut bread featuring fresh cranberries, chopped nuts, and orange zest, perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings with a bright citrus aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare cranberries, nuts, and orange peel.
- Mix together the prepared cranberries, nuts, and orange peel.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in orange juice and egg to moisten the batter.
- Fold in the cranberry mixture.
- Spoon the batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes.
- Cool on a rack for 15 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the sugar with brown sugar. If you're out of shortening, butter or margarine work perfectly. Fresh cranberries can be tart, so adjust the sugar to your taste if using frozen. Ensure the flour is spooned into the measuring cup to avoid a dense loaf. For a twist, add in some orange zest or spices like cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry nut bread is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with a spread of cream cheese or butter. Serve as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It also makes a lovely gift when wrapped in cellophane. For an indulgent dessert, consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of Hot Bittersweet Sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry nut 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 can last for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Nut Bread(Makes 1 Loaf) contains roughly 677 calories, with 2g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is a good source of calcium (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1772mg per serving (77% 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, but you may want to reduce the sugar slightly since they are sweeter. Soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 15 minutes before adding to the batter to help them plump up and integrate better.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your cranberry nut bread turns out too dense, it could be due to overmixing the batter. Always mix until just combined. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents can lead to dense baked goods.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate chocolate chips, other nuts, or spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for added flavor. Just be mindful not to overfill the batter, as this can affect baking time and the texture of the bread.
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).