Grandmother'S Famous Cranberry Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread featuring bright orange zest, sweet raisins, and tart cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy breakfasts with a citrus twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda into a large bowl.
- Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Add grated orange peel, orange juice, and beaten egg; stir until moist.
- Fold in cranberries and raisins.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture, try substituting half of the orange juice with applesauce. You can also use fresh cranberries instead of raisins for a tart flavor. If you prefer a sweeter bread, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread light and fluffy. For a festive touch, consider adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry bread is perfect for breakfast or brunch, served with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful dessert, serve slices with a drizzle of glaze or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also complements savory dishes, making it a versatile addition to your holiday table.
Storage & Reheating
Allow the cranberry bread to cool completely before storing it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandmother'S Famous Cranberry Bread contains roughly 497 calories, with 5g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1452mg per serving (63% 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 in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to rinse and dry them before folding them into the batter. There's no need to thaw them, but you may need to add an extra few minutes to the baking time since they will lower the batter's temperature.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that has xanthan gum included. Make sure to check that all other ingredients, like baking powder and sugar, are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe.
How can I make this bread more citrusy?
To enhance the citrus flavor, you can increase the amount of grated orange peel or add a few drops of orange extract. Another option is to incorporate lemon zest or juice for a unique twist, creating a delicious blend of citrus flavors that will elevate your cranberry bread.
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).