Merry Cranberry Bread
A moist and flavorful cranberry bread featuring a tangy orange sauce, walnuts, and a light Miracle Whip base, perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients.
- Pour into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until edges pull away from the pan.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- Remove from the pan and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using Greek yogurt instead of Miracle Whip. You can also substitute the walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version. If you want to enhance the flavor, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon. Ensure your baking soda is fresh for optimal rising.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with Fig Ice Cream for a delightful dessert. You can also enjoy it as a breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea. Adding a spread of cream cheese or butter enhances its flavor and makes for a satisfying snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Merry Cranberry Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Merry Cranberry Bread contains roughly 299 calories, with 6g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1039mg per serving (45% 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 cranberry orange sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries, but you will need to add sugar and orange juice to mimic the flavor of cranberry orange sauce. Use about 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of sugar, and the zest and juice of one orange to achieve a similar taste.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! This Merry Cranberry Bread freezes well. Just ensure it is completely cooled before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and placing in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This allows the flavors to meld and can enhance the overall taste. Just ensure you let it cool completely before storing.
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).