Description
As the holiday season gets closer, making a homemade cranberry bread is the best way to celebrate. This quick bread is loved by all, with its tart cranberries and sweet, moist texture. It's great for gifts, breakfast, or a quick snack.
Ingredients
Baking a delicious homemade cranberry loaf bread for the holidays is easier than you might think. The key is having the right ingredients on hand. Let's take a closer look at the essential components needed to create this tasty seasonal treat.
Ingredients:
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- Whole Wheat Flour - 1 ½ cups
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- Almond Flour - ½ cup
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- Baking Powder - 2 teaspoons
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- Baking Soda - ½ teaspoon
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- Salt - ½ teaspoon
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- Honey or Maple Syrup - ⅓ cup (for natural sweetness)
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- Unsweetened Applesauce - ½ cup (for moisture)
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- Greek Yogurt - ½ cup (adds protein and moisture)
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- Eggs - 2 large (for binding and protein)
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- Vanilla Extract - 1 teaspoon
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- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries - 1 cup (can be chopped for smaller pieces)
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- Chopped Nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans) - ½ cup (optional, for added texture and healthy fats)
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- Cinnamon - ½ teaspoon (optional, for flavor)
If fresh cranberries are hard to come by, you can substitute 3/4 cup of dried cranberries for every 1 cup of fresh. And if you prefer a deeper, more caramelized taste, swap out the white sugar for brown sugar.
Instructions
tep-by-Step Mixing Instructions
Baking homemade cranberry orange bread is a fun way to celebrate the holiday season. It's easy to make and results in a warm, fragrant loaf. This is great for gifting or sharing with family and friends. Here's how to mix this quick bread step by step:
instructions:
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- Preheat the Oven:
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- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough for the bread to rise properly when you place it inside.
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- Preheat the Oven:
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- Prepare the Loaf Pan:
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- Lightly grease an 8x4 inch loaf pan with cooking spray or olive oil. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
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- Prepare the Loaf Pan:
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- Combine Dry Ingredients:
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of whole wheat flour, ½ cup almond flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using).
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- Whisk the dry ingredients together until well mixed. This helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and baking soda.
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- Combine Dry Ingredients:
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- Mix Wet Ingredients:
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- In a separate bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup honey (or maple syrup), ½ cup unsweetened applesauce, ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 large eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
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- Ensure there are no lumps, and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
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- Mix Wet Ingredients:
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- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
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- Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
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- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a rubber spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined; do not over-mix, as this can make the bread dense.
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- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
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- Add Cranberries and Nuts:
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- Carefully fold in 1 cup of cranberries and ½ cup of chopped nuts (if using). If you're using frozen cranberries, there's no need to thaw them first.
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- Add Cranberries and Nuts:
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- Transfer Batter to Pan:
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- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Use the spatula to smooth out the top.
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- Transfer Batter to Pan:
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- Bake:
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- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
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- Bake:
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- Cool the Bread:
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- Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes.
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- After cooling slightly, carefully transfer the bread to a wire rack to cool completely. If using parchment paper, you can lift it out of the pan.
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- Cool the Bread:
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- Slice and Serve:
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- Once the bread is completely cool, slice it into pieces. Serve as a healthy breakfast option or snack. It pairs well with a spread of almond butter or cream cheese.
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- Slice and Serve:
Storage:
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- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The bread can also be frozen for longer storage; simply wrap it tightly and thaw as needed.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Cranberry Bread
By following these simple steps, you'll have a delicious and moist cranberry orange bread
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 -60 minutes