Christmas Cranberry Loaf: A Festive Treat Perfect for the Holidays

Nothing says the holidays like the delightful aroma of freshly baked goodies filling your home. One such festive treat is the Christmas Cranberry Loaf—a moist, flavorful loaf bursting with tangy cranberries and a touch of seasonal spices. This recipe is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a thoughtful homemade gift. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to creating this holiday favorite.

Ingredients for Christmas Cranberry Loaf

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious loaf:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
• Zest of 1 orange

Add-Ins

• 1½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (coarsely chopped)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional for added crunch)

For Glaze (Optional)

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons orange juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar using a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender loaf.

Step 5: Fold in the Add-Ins

1. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and nuts (if using) with a spatula until evenly distributed.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
2. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled loaf for an extra touch of sweetness and decoration.

Tips for Perfect Christmas Cranberry Loaf

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and zest will give your loaf a vibrant citrus flavor.
2. Prevent Sinking Cranberries: Toss the cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to keep them from sinking to the bottom.
3. Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to substitute cranberries with dried cranberries or add white chocolate chips for a sweeter twist.
4. Storage: Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive and Flavorful: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest captures the essence of the holidays.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a foolproof recipe for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert.

Conclusion

The Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a timeless holiday classic that will fill your home with the warm and cozy flavors of the season. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or looking for a thoughtful homemade gift, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your apron, turn on some holiday tunes, and bake this delightful loaf to spread holiday cheer!