Here’s a complete guide to making Cranberry Bread, a moist, slightly sweet quick bread perfect for breakfast or snacking:
Cranberry Bread Overview
Cranberry bread is a quick bread (no yeast) made with fresh or dried cranberries. It’s slightly tart, sweet, and often has a soft, tender crumb. Optional add-ins like nuts or orange zest elevate the flavor.
- Texture: Moist, tender, slightly dense
- Flavor: Sweet with a hint of tartness from cranberries
- Servings: 8–10 slices
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (roughly chopped if large)
- 1/2 cup milk or orange juice
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: Zest of 1 orange for extra flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with milk or orange juice.
- Fold in cranberries (and optional nuts or orange zest).
5. Bake
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to a wire rack.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Bread
- Tartness balance: If using very tart cranberries, increase sugar slightly or fold in a tablespoon of honey.
- Prevent sinking: Toss cranberries in a little flour before adding to batter to avoid sinking to the bottom.
- Extra moisture: Substitute half the milk with yogurt or sour cream.
- Storage: Wrap cooled bread in plastic wrap; lasts 3–4 days at room temperature, longer in the fridge.
💡 Serving Ideas:
- Toast slices with butter or cream cheese
- Serve warm with honey drizzle
- Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack
If you want, I can also make a quick cranberry bread muffins version that’s faster to bake and perfect for individual servings.
Do you want me to do that?
