New England Cranberry Bread
A moist, flavorful cranberry bread with bright citrus notes and crunchy nuts, perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet breakfast treat enjoyed by all.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- Stir in orange juice, shortening, and beaten egg until well blended.
- Fold in coarsely chopped cranberries and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- Bake for 55 minutes.
- Cool on a rack for 15 minutes before removing from the pan.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting half of the cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry flavor. If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. Make sure to measure the flour properly to avoid a dense loaf; spoon it into the measuring cup instead of scooping. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This New England Cranberry Bread makes a delightful breakfast or snack when served warm with butter or cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. For a festive touch, try serving it with a side of homemade cranberry sauce or enjoy it with a slice of cheese for a savory contrast. It also makes a lovely gift wrapped in parchment paper.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the bread in slices. To reheat, simply toast individual slices or warm the whole loaf in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of New England Cranberry Bread contains roughly 414 calories, with 6g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1368mg per serving (59% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe without thawing them first. Just add them directly to the batter. They may add a little extra moisture, so consider reducing the orange juice slightly if you prefer a drier bread.
How can I make this bread healthier?
To make this bread healthier, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You can also reduce the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Additionally, using applesauce in place of shortening can cut down on fat while keeping the bread moist.
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this bread gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum, which will help with the texture. Keep an eye on the baking time, as gluten-free breads may require slight adjustments.
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).