Grandma Ruthie'S Cranberry Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry nut bread with bright orange notes, perfect for holiday gatherings or breakfast, combining tart cranberries with crunchy walnuts or pecans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the loaf pan(s) with greased wax paper.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together the bread flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut the margarine into the dry mixture until crumbly.
- In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, grated orange rind, and lightly beaten egg.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just enough to dampen the mixture; do not beat.
- Fold in the nuts (if using) and cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan(s).
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (baking time not specified).
- Allow to cool before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you want to enhance the citrus notes, add more grated orange rind or a splash of lemon juice. You can substitute the walnuts or pecans with almonds or hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor. Ensure the cranberries are evenly distributed in the batter for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Grandma Ruthie's Cranberry Nut Bread with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for a delicious breakfast or snack. It pairs beautifully with Cold Veggie Salad for a light lunch or can be enjoyed alongside coffee or tea. For a festive touch, serve it during holiday gatherings as a delightful addition to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry nut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or toast them for a warm treat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Ruthie'S Cranberry Nut Bread contains roughly 1054 calories, with 26g protein, 157g carbohydrates, and 38g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (51% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2483mg per serving (108% 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 frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries in place of frozen ones. However, fresh cranberries are more tart, so you may want to slightly increase the sugar in the recipe to balance the flavors. Make sure to rinse and sort through the fresh cranberries before adding them to the batter.
What can I use instead of orange juice?
If you don't have orange juice, you can substitute it with other fruit juices like apple juice or even a mixture of water and a little lemon juice for acidity. Just keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the bread slightly, but it will still be delicious.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Grandma Ruthie's Cranberry Nut Bread gluten-free, substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check the flour blend's instructions for any specific adjustments needed in hydration or baking time.
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).