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Christmas Cranberry Loaf

Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a delightful holiday treat that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the warmth of orange zest and a hint of sweetness. This loaf is perfect for festive gatherings, breakfast, or a cozy snack with a cup of tea or coffee. The bright cranberries and orange flavors make it an ideal dessert to celebrate the holiday season. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Loaf

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 large orange)
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries, roughly chopped

For the Orange Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Make the Cranberry Loaf

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and orange zest until well combined.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the orange juice and buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  7. Pour into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
  8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
  9. Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Orange Glaze

  1. Mix Glaze Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth and pourable.
  2. Glaze the Loaf: Once the loaf is completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Cranberries: If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before adding to the batter. You may want to toss them in a little flour to prevent them from sinking.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth batter.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense loaf.

Variations

  • Nutty Cranberry Loaf: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
  • Lemon Cranberry Loaf: Replace the orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a different citrus flavor.
  • Cranberry White Chocolate Loaf: Add 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the batter for extra sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Breakfast or Brunch: Serve slices of this loaf with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of cream cheese for a delicious holiday breakfast or brunch.
  • Afternoon Snack: Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
  • Gift Giving: Wrap slices of the loaf in festive wrapping and give as holiday gifts to friends and neighbors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Loaf Ahead of Time?

Yes, this cranberry loaf can be made a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature until ready to glaze and serve.

How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Loaf?

Store leftover cranberry loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator.

Can I Freeze Cranberry Loaf?

Yes, you can freeze this loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Can I Use Dried Cranberries Instead of Fresh?

Yes, you can use dried cranberries. Soak them in hot water for 10-15 minutes, then drain before adding to the batter to keep them moist.

How Do I Make the Loaf Less Sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sugar by 1/4 cup and omit or reduce the amount of glaze used.

Christmas Cranberry Loaf is the perfect festive treat to enjoy during the holiday season. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange flavors makes it a delightful addition to any holiday gathering or cozy winter afternoon. Whether you serve it for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this loaf is sure to spread holiday cheer. Gather your ingredients, bake, and enjoy the festive flavors of this cranberry loaf!

Happy Baking!

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