Holiday Cranberry Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and zesty orange flavor that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda together.
- Combine the juice and rind of 1 orange and the shortening with enough boiling water to make 3/4 cup.
- Mix the dry ingredients with the liquid mixture until just combined.
- Add chopped nuts and halved cranberries to the batter and fold in gently.
- Pour into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50-60 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half the shortening with unsalted butter. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar slightly or add a splash of vanilla extract. Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best taste; frozen can work, but they may alter the texture. Sifting the dry ingredients well ensures a lighter loaf.
Serving Suggestions
This delightful cranberry bread pairs beautifully with Spiced Fruit Butter for a festive breakfast or snack. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a side of cream cheese or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the flavors. Enjoy it alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for an inviting treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cranberry bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, simply slice and warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cranberry Bread contains roughly 434 calories, with 7g protein, 101g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value) and iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries for fresh ones. However, keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to balance the flavors.
What can I add to make it more festive?
To enhance the holiday spirit, consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. You could also mix in some chopped oranges or apples for added flavor and texture, making it even more seasonal.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! You can freeze cranberry bread for up to three months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving for the best results.
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).