Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry loaf is a deliciously moist and flavorful treat, perfect for any time of the year, but especially during the colder months when fresh cranberries are in season.
With a delicate balance of sweetness from the sugar and tartness from the cranberries, this loaf offers a refreshing.
twist on traditional baked goods. The added crumble topping adds a satisfying crunch, making every bite irresistible.
This loaf is not only simple to make but also a great way to incorporate fresh fruit into your baking. Whether you’re preparing it for breakfast.
a snack, or dessert, this cranberry loaf will become a staple in your kitchen. Its rich flavor and tender crumb are sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
2 cups sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
¾ cup butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 (8 oz) bag fresh cranberries
For the Crumble Topping:
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flour
⅓ cup butter, cold and cubed
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. It’s important to make sure the pan is well-prepared to prevent the loaf from sticking once it’s baked. Set the pan aside for later.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and softened butter. Use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream.
the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy. This process should take about 2-3 minutes, helping to create a soft texture for the loaf.
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter. After adding the eggs, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract to infuse the batter with rich flavor.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser loaf. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
Now, fold in the fresh cranberries gently. The cranberries will add bursts of tartness and juiciness to the loaf. It’s important to not overmix the batter, as the cranberries could break apart.
Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. The pan should be filled about ¾ full, leaving some room for the loaf to rise during baking. Set the loaf pan aside while you prepare the crumble topping.
To make the crumble topping, combine the brown sugar and flour in a small bowl. Add the cold, cubed butter, and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients.
The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake the cranberry loaf in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the loaf during the last few minutes of baking to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make
Making cranberry loaf is a simple process that can be broken down into just a few steps. Begin by preparing your loaf pan and preheating the oven.
Make sure to cream the butter and sugar together thoroughly to achieve a light texture for the loaf.
The eggs and extracts come next, followed by the dry ingredients, which should be carefully folded in. This helps ensure that the loaf remains fluffy and tender.
The cranberries are folded in gently to avoid breaking them up too much, preserving their burst of flavor when baked. Once the batter is prepared, pour it into the pan and top with a simple crumble topping.
which adds both flavor and texture. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, allowing the cranberries to shine through in every bite.
Variations
While this cranberry loaf recipe is delicious as is, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your preferences.
For a spicier twist, add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients. These spices pair wonderfully with cranberries, adding depth and warmth to the flavor.
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, consider adding a cup of chopped white chocolate or dark chocolate chips to the batter. The sweetness of the chocolate complements the tart cranberries, creating a delightful contrast.
For those who enjoy nuts, try adding a half-cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter. These nuts provide a satisfying crunch and richness.
that pairs perfectly with the cranberries. You can also sprinkle some on top of the crumble for an extra layer of texture.
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to choose a blend that is designed for baking to ensure the loaf holds its structure and texture.
If you prefer a lighter loaf, substitute half of the butter with applesauce. This will reduce the fat content while still maintaining the loaf’s moist texture.
Additionally, you could use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, if you’re watching your sugar intake.
For a citrusy touch, add the zest of one orange to the batter. This brightens the flavors and adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the cranberries. The zest enhances the loaf without overpowering the other ingredients.
Lastly, if fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute them with dried cranberries. Although the texture will differ, dried cranberries still provide a sweet-tart flavor and work beautifully in this loaf.
Tips
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start. This helps ensure the batter mixes more smoothly and results in a lighter loaf.
Cold butter can cause the mixture to be lumpy, while cold eggs can affect how well the ingredients combine.
Don’t skip sifting the dry ingredients. This helps ensure that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is key to achieving an even rise in the loaf. It also helps prevent clumps from forming.
When folding the cranberries into the batter, be gentle. Overmixing will break the berries, turning them into mush. The goal is to incorporate them evenly without crushing them.
For an even distribution of the crumble topping, sprinkle it in an even layer over the batter. If you find that.
the topping is clumping together, use your fingers to break it up into smaller crumbs before adding it to the loaf.
Be sure to check the loaf towards the end of the baking time. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning while the center finishes baking.
To prevent the loaf from sticking to the pan, line the pan with parchment paper or grease it generously with butter or cooking spray. This makes it easier to remove the loaf once it’s baked and cools down.
Let the loaf cool completely before slicing. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to firm up, giving you the perfect slice every time.
Conclusion
This cranberry loaf is a simple yet delicious way to enjoy the tart sweetness of cranberries. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just a cozy treat at home
this loaf is sure to please everyone. The combination of moist crumb and crunchy crumble topping makes it a standout recipe.
With so many ways to customize it, you can easily make this cranberry loaf your own. From adding spices and nuts to adjusting the sweetness, it’s a versatile recipe that will become a favorite in your baking repertoire.