Fiesta Cranberry Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry nut bread featuring tangy cranberry sauce, warm cinnamon, and crunchy pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy brunches.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream sugar and margarine together until well blended.
- Add egg, milk, vanilla, and orange extract; beat well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in cranberry sauce and chopped pecans gently.
- Pour batter into a greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 60 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using brown sugar instead of white sugar. If you don't have orange extract, you can substitute it with an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure that you gently fold in the cranberry sauce and pecans to maintain the bread's texture. For an added twist, consider incorporating some chopped dried fruit or swapping pecans for walnuts.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Fiesta Cranberry Nut Bread with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option. For a festive touch, consider serving it alongside some Coleslaw With Dressing for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the Fiesta Cranberry Nut Bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven, or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a soft, delightful treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fiesta Cranberry Nut Bread contains roughly 509 calories, with 9g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 587mg per serving (26% 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 whole cranberry sauce?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but you'll need to cook them down with a bit of sugar and water to create a sauce-like consistency before adding them to the batter. This will help maintain the moisture and flavor of the bread.
What can I do if my bread is too dry?
If your bread turns out dry, consider reducing the baking time slightly next time. You can also add more moisture by incorporating an additional egg or a bit of yogurt. Additionally, serving it with a spread like cream cheese can enhance the overall experience.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Fiesta Cranberry Nut Bread gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, and check labels carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
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).