As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked treats filling the air. Get ready to spread holiday cheer with our delightful Christmas Cranberry Loaf recipe. Bursting with tart cranberries and warm spices, this moist and flavorful loaf is the perfect addition to your holiday table or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey to create a seasonal delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 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
Crumble:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup butter
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla and almond extracts until combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and softened butter. Mix until the ingredients come together and form a crumbly texture.
- Assemble Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the top of the batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Orange Zest: Add a burst of citrus flavor by incorporating the zest of one orange into the batter.
- Nuts: For added texture and crunch, fold in chopped pecans or walnuts along with the cranberries.
- Glaze: Drizzle the cooled loaf with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice for a sweet finishing touch.
Keto and Low Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this cranberry loaf, substitute almond flour for the all-purpose flour and use a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia instead of sugar. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Low Carb Option: Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe and use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for a lower carb content. You can also substitute butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen cranberries can be used instead of fresh. However, be sure to thaw and drain them before incorporating them into the batter.
Q: How should I store the cranberry loaf? A: Store the cooled cranberry loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply pour the batter into the loaf pan and add the crumble topping just before baking.
In conclusion, our Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a delightful treat that captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite. With its vibrant cranberries, warm spices, and buttery crumble topping, this loaf is sure to become a festive favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea by the fireplace or sharing it at a holiday gathering, this cranberry loaf is guaranteed to spread joy and cheer to all who indulge. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of holiday magic fill your home as you bake up this delectable Christmas treat!
