Cranberry Pecan Bread
Cranberry Pecan Bread offers a delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, perfect for breakfast, snack, or holiday gatherings with a moist, flavorful crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- In a separate bowl, combine orange juice, melted margarine, water, and well-beaten egg.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the well and stir just until moistened.
- Fold in chopped cranberries, coarsely ground pecans, and grated orange rind.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Cranberry Pecan Bread, consider using fresh cranberries if available; they provide a brighter taste than dried. If you need an alternative to margarine, unsalted butter works well. For a gluten-free version, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Adding a pinch of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Cranberry Pecan Bread is delightful served warm with a pat of butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making it an excellent choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a festive touch, serve slices alongside Homemade Frozen Sherbet for a refreshing dessert combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cranberry Pecan Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice the bread and warm it in a toaster or oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Pecan Bread contains roughly 449 calories, with 6g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1047mg 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 frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. There's no need to thaw them; just add them directly to the batter. However, be aware that they may release more moisture, so you might need to adjust the baking time slightly.
What can I substitute for orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or a mix of lemon juice and water for a citrusy flavor. Keep in mind that this may alter the taste slightly, but it will still work well in the recipe.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make Cranberry Pecan Bread vegan, replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit until gel-like). Use plant-based margarine or coconut oil instead of regular margarine, and ensure your sugar is vegan.
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).