Welcome to a culinary journey that celebrates the flavors of the season with our delightful Cranberry Loaf recipe. As the crisp air of autumn settles in and the holiday spirit fills our hearts, there’s no better way to indulge in the warmth and comfort of homemade goodness than with this irresistible treat. Bursting with tart cranberries, accented with hints of vanilla and almond, and finished with a buttery crumb topping, this loaf is a true embodiment of seasonal joy. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and embark on a baking adventure that will fill your home with the sweetest aromas and your taste buds with pure delight.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sugar
- 3 eggs (thawed)
- 1 and 1/4 cups of room temperature butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla powder
- 30 milliliters of almond flavor
- 2 cups of flour
- 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- One eight-ounce bag of fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
Topping:
- 2/3 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of butter, chilled and cubed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla powder and almond flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and flour for the topping. Cut in the chilled butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle the topping over the batter in the loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes and Variations
- For added texture and flavor, toss the chopped cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
- Experiment with different nuts such as chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty twist.
- Substitute the almond flavor with orange zest for a citrusy kick.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
Keto Version:
- Replace sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
- Substitute almond flour for all-purpose flour to reduce carb content.
- Adjust the amount of cranberries to fit within your daily carb limit.
Low-Carb Version:
- Use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour.
- Swap out sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as stevia or xylitol.
- Limit the amount of cranberries or use sugar-free dried cranberries to lower the carb count further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? A: Yes, frozen cranberries can be used in this recipe. Simply thaw them before chopping and incorporating them into the batter.
Q: Can I omit the almond flavor? A: Absolutely! Feel free to omit the almond flavor or substitute it with another extract of your choice, such as lemon or coconut.
Q: Can I freeze Cranberry Loaf? A: Yes, this loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: Can I add orange zest to the batter? A: Certainly! Adding orange zest will complement the tartness of the cranberries beautifully and add a refreshing citrus flavor to the loaf.
Q: How long will Cranberry Loaf stay fresh? A: Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, Cranberry Loaf will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for extended freshness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our Cranberry Loaf recipe is a delightful expression of seasonal flavors and homemade goodness. Whether enjoyed with a cup of steaming coffee on a chilly morning or shared with loved ones during festive gatherings, this loaf promises to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds with every bite. With its tender crumb, bursts of tart cranberries, and buttery crumb topping, it’s a treat that embodies the joy and comfort of the holiday season. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked goodness fill your home as you embark on this culinary adventure. Cheers to indulging in the simple pleasures of homemade delights!
