Cranberry Nut Bread: A Deliciously Festive Recipe
Cranberry nut bread is a quintessential holiday treat, perfect for cozy gatherings and gifting. Its moist texture, bursting cranberries, and crunchy nuts create a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. This recipe will guide you through creating this delightful bread from scratch, ensuring a perfect outcome every time.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields one loaf of delicious cranberry nut bread. Adjust quantities as needed for multiple loaves.
- Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth!)
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, no need to thaw)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or a mix are all great choices)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Nut Bread Perfection:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your perfectly baked bread.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even leavening throughout the bread.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix! Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
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Add Cranberries & Nuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and nuts. This preserves the texture of the cranberries and nuts, preventing them from being mashed.
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Bake to Golden Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cooling & Enjoying: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the bread to set properly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Cranberry Nut Bread Success:
- Fresh Cranberries: Using fresh cranberries provides a brighter, more intense flavor.
- Nut Variety: Experiment with different types of nuts or a combination for added flavor and texture.
- Glaze (Optional): A simple powdered sugar glaze adds a touch of sweetness and elegance.
- Storage: Store leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the freezer for longer storage.
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This detailed recipe ensures a delightful cranberry nut bread experience. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking journey and the final product with your friends and family – happy baking!
