Bright, tart cranberries and a hint of orange make this Christmas Cranberry Loaf a must-have for the holiday season. Perfectly moist, slightly sweet, and bursting with festive flavors, this loaf is ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting to loved ones.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive Flavor: Cranberries and orange zest make this loaf unmistakably Christmas-themed.
- Simple to Make: Easy enough for a quick bake during the holiday rush.
- Great for Gifting: Wrap it up for a delicious homemade present.
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (120ml) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup (120ml) milk
- 1 ½ cups (150g) fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped
For the Glaze (Optional)
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla, orange juice, and orange zest.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender loaf.
- Gently fold in the cranberries.
5. Bake the Loaf
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover with foil for the last 15 minutes.
6. Cool and Glaze
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- If glazing, mix powdered sugar, orange juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Orange Juice: It adds a bright and natural flavor.
- Chop Cranberries Roughly: This helps distribute the tartness evenly.
- Test for Doneness: Baking times may vary, so check the loaf near the end of the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices warm with a pat of butter for breakfast.
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a festive dessert.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keeps well for up to a week.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Cranberry Loaf is the perfect combination of tart and sweet, with a citrusy twist that screams holiday cheer. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing it as a gift, it’s bound to spread joy and deliciousness this season.
Happy Holidays and happy baking! 🎄🍞