Cranberry Spice Loaves
Cranberry Spice Loaves offer a delightful blend of tart cranberries and warming spices, making them perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy afternoons. Moist and flavorful, these loaves are ideal for those who enjoy fruity, spiced baked goods with a crunchy nutty topping. Great for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream shortening and sugar together.
- Add beaten egg and stir in raisins and chopped nuts.
- Combine sifted all-purpose flour, salt, soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix well.
- Stir in crushed cranberry sauce.
- Spoon the batter into two greased and floured 9 x 5-inch loaf pans.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow loaves to cool before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider replacing half of the shortening with applesauce or Greek yogurt. You can also swap the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier taste, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger. Make sure to sift your flour for better aeration, and don't overmix the batter to keep the loaves tender.
Serving Suggestions
These cranberry spice loaves make a delightful breakfast or snack and pair beautifully with Tammy'S Easy Spinach Dip for a savory contrast. Serve slices with a pat of butter or cream cheese. They also make excellent gifts during the holiday season, perfect for sharing at gatherings or with neighbors. Consider serving with a warm beverage like spiced tea or coffee.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry spice loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, thaw at room temperature and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry Spice Loaves contains roughly 584 calories, with 6g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value), iron (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1411mg per serving (61% 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 jellied cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you'll need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cranberries are tart. Consider adding an extra 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar to the batter to balance the flavors. Puree the fresh cranberries and stir them in as you would the jellied sauce.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cranberry spice loaves, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum to help with texture. You may also need to adjust the liquid slightly, so keep an eye on the batter for the right consistency.
Can I add other spices or ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice for added warmth. You can also incorporate orange zest for a citrusy note or swap the nuts for your favorite variety. Just be mindful not to overload the batter to maintain the right texture.
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).