Lowbush Cranberry Nut Bread
A moist, flavorful bread featuring tart lowbush cranberries and crunchy nuts, perfect for breakfast or teatime, offering a balance of citrus zest and berry goodness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in shortening until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal.
- Combine orange juice and grated orange rind with the well-beaten egg.
- Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just enough to moisten.
- Carefully fold in chopped nuts and cranberries.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Ensure your cranberries are fresh for the best taste; frozen cranberries can also work well but should be thawed and drained. For a nut-free version, simply omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is perfect for breakfast or as a snack and pairs beautifully with a dollop of cream cheese or butter. Consider serving it alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful twist, serve it with a side of yogurt or as part of a festive brunch spread featuring dishes like Spiced Raisin Pound Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Lowbush Cranberry Nut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster or oven until heated through, keeping the texture moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lowbush Cranberry Nut Bread contains roughly 789 calories, with 13g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (43% of the Daily Value), protein (27% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2559mg per serving (111% 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 lowbush cranberries?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries in this recipe. They may be slightly more tart than lowbush cranberries, so consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just make sure to chop them coarsely before adding to the batter for even distribution.
What can I substitute for shortening in this recipe?
If you prefer not to use shortening, you can substitute with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. The flavor will change slightly, with butter adding richness and coconut oil imparting a hint of tropical flavor. Both will yield a deliciously moist bread.
How can I enhance the flavor of the bread?
To enhance the flavor of your Lowbush Cranberry Nut Bread, consider adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. A teaspoon of vanilla extract can also add depth to the flavor. Additionally, incorporating orange zest gives a lovely citrus aroma and complements the cranberries beautifully.
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).