Description
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe is a festive treat that’s perfect for holiday baking. Loaded with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and nuts, this sweet bread is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Add wet ingredients: Stir in sour cream and milk until combined.
- Combine and fold: Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Gently fold in cranberries, orange zest, and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, smooth the top, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve.
Notes
- For extra holiday flavor, drizzle with a simple orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice).
- This loaf freezes well—wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
