Why Make This Recipe
Christmas Cranberry Loaf is the perfect treat for the holiday season. This delightful loaf is not only delicious but also brings the vibrant flavors of fresh cranberries and zesty orange to the table. It’s a wonderful way to share the joy of Christmas with family and friends. The sweet and tart combination keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it makes your home smell fantastic while it’s baking!
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (regular or dairy-free alternative)
- Zest of 1 orange (for flavor)
Directions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Christmas Cranberry Loaf is delicious served warm or at room temperature. You can slice it and enjoy it plain or spread a little butter on top for added richness. Pair it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy experience. It’s also a lovely addition to a holiday breakfast or brunch table!
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Store any leftover Christmas Cranberry Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it at room temperature before serving!
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Loaf
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Don’t overmix the batter; stirring just until combined is best.
- You can add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for extra texture.
- For more flavor, let the loaf sit overnight before slicing.
Variation
Try adding chocolate chips for a delicious twist on the traditional loaf. You can also experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or lime, to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
How long does it take to bake the loaf?
The loaf typically takes about 60 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on it, and do the toothpick test to check for doneness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the milk with a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free butter or margarine in place of the unsalted butter.
Christmas Cranberry Loaf
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (divided) Used in the batter and for sweetening.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) Butter should be softened for easy mixing.
- 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (regular or dairy-free alternative) Can be substituted with a dairy-free alternative.
- Zest of 1 orange For flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- In a bowl, mix the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Mix well.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk. Stir in the cranberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Baking
- Bake for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
