Grama'S Cranberry Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread with raisins and walnuts, perfect for breakfast or as a festive treat, offering a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl.
- Cut in margarine until the mixture becomes crumbly.
- Add beaten egg and orange juice all at once, then stir until evenly moistened.
- Fold in raisins, chopped walnuts, and chopped cranberries.
- Spoon the batter into a greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool on a rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. If you want to reduce sugar, you can use a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup, adjusting the liquid content slightly. Ensure the cranberries are fresh or properly thawed if frozen to maintain their texture. For a twist, try adding orange zest for extra citrus flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grama's Cranberry Bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or a smear of butter, making it a fantastic breakfast or snack option. Consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or oven at a low temperature until just warmed through, preserving its moistness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grama'S Cranberry Bread contains roughly 744 calories, with 8g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1662mg per serving (72% 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. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the batter. This will help maintain the bread's texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you prefer not to use walnuts, you can substitute them with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor. Alternatively, you can omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free version, or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
To check if the bread is done, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the bread is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically until fully cooked.
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).