Cranberry Relish Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread with a hint of orange and nuts, ideal for holiday gatherings or as a festive breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
- Beat the egg, then add orange juice, grated orange rind, melted shortening, and water to make 2/3 cup.
- Add the liquid mixture to the flour mixture all at once and stir until just dampened.
- Fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts until well blended.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and cool several hours or overnight before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider substituting half of the cranberries with blueberries or chopped apples. If you don’t have white vinegar, apple cider vinegar works as a good alternative. To ensure the bread rises properly, make sure your baking soda is fresh. Also, avoid overmixing the batter once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, as this can lead to a dense loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry relish bread is delightful served plain or with a spread of cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee and makes a great addition to brunch. For a festive twist, serve it alongside My Mama'S Cobbler for dessert, or enjoy it as part of a holiday breakfast spread with scrambled eggs and bacon.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry relish bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or toast individual slices for a crispy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Relish Bread contains roughly 420 calories, with 7g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (16% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and iron (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1741mg per serving (76% 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. However, do not thaw them before adding to the batter as this can make the bread soggy. Just toss them in frozen, and they will bake beautifully into the bread.
How can I make this bread healthier?
To make cranberry relish bread healthier, consider substituting whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the sugar slightly or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, adding nuts can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
What should I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it may be due to overmixing or not having enough leavening agent. Ensure you mix until just combined and check that your baking soda is fresh. Adding a bit more liquid can help if the batter seems too thick.
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).