If you are on the lookout for a festive treat that captures the spirit of the season and fills your home with delightful aromas, this Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with the tart brightness of cranberries and the warm notes of orange and cinnamon, this loaf offers a perfect balance of flavors that is both comforting and celebratory. It’s moist, tender, and speckled with juicy berries and crunchy nuts, making every slice a little slice of holiday joy. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or gifting a homemade treasure to friends, this cranberry loaf embodies the essence of the holidays in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe. Each component brings its own special touch—flour lays the foundation, cranberries add that lively pop of tartness, and spices warm things up with cozy flavor. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to create this seasonal masterpiece:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the loaf its soft, tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf without overpowering the natural cranberry tartness.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the loaf rise perfectly for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Supports the leavening alongside baking powder for ideal fluffiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy hint reminiscent of holiday treats.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements cinnamon to deepen the festive spice notes.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Ensures moistness and rich flavor throughout the loaf.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the loaf’s structure.
- 3/4 cup orange juice: Infuses a citrus brightness that perfectly accents the tart cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest: Provides aromatic oils for an extra layer of orange flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (halved): The star fruit that gives the loaf its signature festive burst.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds lovely crunch and a nutty contrast.
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional): Adds a delightful sugary crunch on the crust.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is perfectly hot when the batter goes in. Next, grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper—either option will help the loaf come out easily after baking without sticking to the pan.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Combining these first allows the leavening agents and spices to be evenly distributed throughout the flour, which gives you a uniform rise and flavor in every slice.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and well incorporated. This mixture brings moisture and a fresh citrus zing that contrasts beautifully with the warm spices.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently just until combined—you want to avoid overmixing here to keep the loaf tender. Then fold in the cranberries and nuts if you’re using them, carefully distributing them evenly without breaking up the berries too much.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. If you want a little extra sparkle and texture on top, sprinkle coarse sugar lightly over the batter. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe even more inviting, consider garnishing slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of citrus glaze. A few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary can add a beautiful holiday touch both visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This loaf shines as a standalone treat but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even mulled wine. For a holiday breakfast spread, serve it alongside scrambled eggs or a fruit salad to balance sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie them with festive ribbon to create charming edible gifts. You can also serve the loaf sliced and arranged on a decorative platter with bowl of whipped cream or mascarpone for guests to help themselves during a seasonal gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves its moistness and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Freezing
This loaf freezes very well, making it perfect for advance preparation. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or slice first and freeze in individual portions. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months without losing any of its charm.
Reheating
To enjoy your cranberry loaf warm, simply thaw frozen slices at room temperature and warm them in a toaster oven or microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. This revives the tender texture and enhances the fragrance, making it taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can substitute dried cranberries if fresh or frozen ones aren’t available. Just reduce the amount to 1 cup and soak them in orange juice for about 10 minutes to rehydrate and boost their flavor before adding them to the batter.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version of the Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the loaf’s structure.
Can I omit the nuts if I have allergies?
Absolutely. The nuts add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast but are entirely optional. Your loaf will still be deliciously moist and festive without them.
How long will this loaf stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, this loaf stays fresh and yummy for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to maintain its texture and flavor.
What other citrus fruits could I use instead of orange?
If you want to experiment, lemon or tangerine zest and juice also pair wonderfully with cranberries and spices. They will give the loaf a slightly different bright flavor profile while maintaining that wonderful festive vibe.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe is a joyful way to celebrate the holidays with a simple yet delicious homemade creation. With its tender crumb, festive flavors, and vibrant cranberries, it’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen. I encourage you to bake this loaf soon and share its warmth with your friends and family—it’s truly the sweetest gift you can offer during this special season.
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Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10 slices)
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delightful Christmas Cranberry Loaf features a moist and flavorful quick bread bursting with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest. Perfect for breakfast or dessert during the holiday season, it combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts or pecans, making it a festive and easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Add-ins
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, eggs, orange juice, and orange zest until smooth and well mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Carefully fold in the halved cranberries and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you want a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55–65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean slices and best texture.
Notes
- You can substitute dried cranberries for fresh or frozen cranberries by reducing to 1 cup and soaking them in orange juice for 10 minutes before use to rehydrate and add flavor.
- This loaf freezes well, making it convenient for holiday prep or gifting. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
- For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or pecans.
- Coarse sugar topping adds a lovely crunch but is optional based on preference.
