Cranberry Orange Loaf
A moist, flavorful cranberry orange loaf combining tart cranberries and bright orange zest, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or holiday gatherings, appealing to citrus and fruit lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg and mix with cranberry orange relish, orange juice, and water.
- Add the wet ingredients all at once to the dry ingredients.
- Stir until just moistened.
- Pour the batter into a greased and floured 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter loaf, consider using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. You can replace shortening with unsalted butter for a richer flavor. If you don't have cranberry orange relish, a combination of fresh cranberries and orange zest can work as a substitute. Remember not to overmix the batter to keep it tender, similar to tips for baking Pumpkin Bread(Yields 2 Loaves).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious Cranberry Orange Loaf warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. It pairs beautifully with cream cheese or butter spread on top. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside a warm beverage like spiced tea or coffee. This loaf also makes a delightful gift during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice the loaf and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the microwave or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Orange Loaf contains roughly 391 calories, with 7g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1367mg per serving (59% 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 add nuts or chocolate chips to the batter?
Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch to the texture. Similarly, chocolate chips can provide a sweet contrast to the tart cranberries. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan.
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).