As the holiday season approaches, the kitchen fills with a symphony of flavors and delicious aromas, and the unmistakable scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the house is pure magic. I recently discovered a delightful recipe for Christmas Cranberry Bread that captures all the warmth and joy of this festive time. Picture this: bright red cranberries nestled in a moist, sweet loaf, enhanced with a zing of orange zest that dances on your taste buds.
This recipe is a perfect way to elevate your holiday gatherings, whether you’re brunching with family or surprising guests with a thoughtful homemade gift. Best of all, it's incredibly simple to whip up, making it ideal for those busy days leading up to the celebrations. With just 15 minutes of prep and under an hour in the oven, you’ll have a scrumptious treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Ready to fill your home with holiday cheer? Let’s get baking!
Why You'll Love This Christmas Cranberry Bread
- This Christmas Cranberry Bread is super easy to make, with just 15 minutes of prep time that fits perfectly into your busy holiday schedule.
- The vibrant cranberries combined with orange zest create a burst of flavor that will impress your taste buds and make your kitchen smell heavenly.
- This recipe not only serves as a delightful centerpiece for your holiday brunch but also makes a thoughtful and tasty gift for friends and family.
- With its beautiful presentation, this loaf is sure to catch the eye and become a crowd favorite at any festive gathering.
Christmas Cranberry Bread Ingredients
For the Bread
- All-Purpose Flour – essential for a light and fluffy texture.
- Granulated Sugar – adds sweetness, balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
- Baking Powder – ensures a nice rise, giving the bread a wonderful lightness.
- Salt – enhances flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Large Eggs – bind the ingredients together for a rich, moist crumb.
- Milk – adds moisture, making the bread tender and delicious.
- Vegetable Oil – provides fat for a soft texture; can be substituted with melted butter for extra flavor.
- Fresh Cranberries – introduces a burst of tartness that perfectly complements the sweetness; if using dried, reduce sugar slightly.
- Orange Zest – brightens the flavor profile, infusing your Christmas Cranberry Bread with a delightful citrus note.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Bread
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. This sets the stage for a beautifully baked bread that comes out perfectly without sticking.
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Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Combining the dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors, making every bite delightful.
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Mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest in a separate bowl. This step infuses the batter with moisture and a zesty aroma that elevates the bread’s flavor.
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Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed. You want to see some lumps here, as overmixing can lead to a dense loaf.
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Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully. This adds vibrant color and tartness while keeping the berries intact, ensuring delightful bursts of flavor in every slice.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top to ensure even baking, and watch that batter transform into golden perfection!
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Bake for 50–55 minutes until the bread is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The bread’s crust should be lightly golden, inviting you to indulge.
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Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring the loaf to a wire rack. This cooling period lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each slice even more scrumptious.
Optional: Drizzle with a simple glaze for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Christmas Cranberry Bread
Room Temperature: Store the bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and ready to enjoy.
Fridge: If you want to extend its freshness, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Make sure it’s well-wrapped to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap slices of Christmas Cranberry Bread tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months; just thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: For a warm treat, gently reheat slices in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds, bringing back that lovely fresh-baked taste.
Christmas Cranberry Bread Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your Christmas Cranberry Bread to suit your tastes!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious alternative that everyone can enjoy. There are wonderful blends available that maintain flavor and texture.
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Vegan: Replace eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoon water per egg) and use almond milk or coconut milk instead. This way, everyone can partake in the festive joy!
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Nutty Delight: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch and nutty flavor. The texture contributes a lovely contrast to the softness of the bread.
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Spiced Version: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced holiday twist that will fill your home with cozy vibes.
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Dried Fruits: Swap half of the cranberries with dried fruits like apricots or raisins for a sweet and chewy element that complements the tartness beautifully.
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Chocolate Chip Surprise: Fold in ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent treat that pairs surprisingly well with the tartness of the cranberries. A sweet surprise in every slice!
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Zestier Citrus: Enhance the vibrant flavor by adding zest from a lemon or lime along with the orange zest. This adds a refreshing, bright note that elevates the overall experience.
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Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely minced jalapeño to the batter for a surprising kick that will warm your belly and excite your taste buds.
What to Serve with Christmas Cranberry Bread?
Nothing brings the holiday spirit to life quite like the sweet, tangy aroma of freshly baked bread.
- Creamy Butter: A dollop of rich, creamy butter enhances the bread's sweetness, creating a warm, comforting experience that melts on your tongue.
- Orange Marmalade: The citrus notes in the marmalade harmonize perfectly with the orange zest in the bread, deepening the flavors and adding a delightful sticky layer of sweetness.
- Cheese Platter: Pair with a selection of sharp cheddar or brie; their creaminess contrasts beautifully with the tartness of the cranberries, enhancing the overall taste.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad adds freshness and balance; think vibrant oranges, juicy apples, or even pomegranate seeds for a festive touch.
- Hot Spiced Cider: Sip on warm spiced cider while enjoying your bread; the cinnamon and cloves will echo the comforting holiday flavors beautifully.
- Coffee or Tea: A cozy cup of coffee or herbal tea complements the sweetness of the bread while providing a soothing warmth—perfect for those chilly winter afternoons.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Elevate your bread with a gooey chocolate drizzle for a sweet twist, combining the tang of cranberries with rich chocolate flavor—a delightful surprise!
- Ice Cream: Don’t hesitate to serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream; the warm, moist bread alongside cold, creamy goodness creates an irresistible treat.
Make Ahead Options
This Christmas Cranberry Bread is a fantastic candidate for meal prep, allowing you to savor the season's festivities without the last-minute rush. You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can prepare the wet mixture (eggs, milk, oil, and orange zest) the night before and refrigerate it overnight. This way, when you're ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the cranberries, and bake! The bread will be just as delicious and flavorful, perfect for impressing your family and guests while saving you precious time during the busy holiday season.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Christmas Cranberry Bread, use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; if you opt for dried cranberries, remember to reduce the sugar slightly to avoid overpowering sweetness.
- Ensure you do not overmix the batter; stirring until just combined helps maintain a light and fluffy texture.
- Greasing the loaf pan is essential to prevent sticking, but consider lining the bottom with parchment paper for added ease during removal.
- Bake the bread until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, checking around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Christmas Cranberry Bread Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use for the Christmas Cranberry Bread?
Absolutely use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture! They provide a delightful tartness that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the bread. If they're not available, feel free to use dried cranberries, but reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to keep the flavor balanced.
How should I store leftover Christmas Cranberry Bread?
To keep your bread fresh, store it at room temperature wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just ensure it’s well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out!
Can I freeze Christmas Cranberry Bread?
Yes! For longer storage, slice the bread and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw the slices at room temperature, or reheat them gently in a toaster oven for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my Christmas Cranberry Bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, this might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined, leaving some lumps in the batter for the lightest texture. Additionally, make sure your baking powder is fresh, as this is key for a good rise!
Are there any dietary considerations for Christmas Cranberry Bread?
Yes! If you're baking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. For those avoiding eggs, try using flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) as an egg replacer. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens!
How long does the Christmas Cranberry Bread last?
This scrumptious bread can last up to 3 days at room temperature, about a week in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer. After baking, make sure to store it properly to maintain its moisture and flavor, and you’ll be enjoying delightful slices for many days to come!
Christmas Cranberry Bread
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and orange zest in a separate bowl.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just mixed.
- Fold in the fresh cranberries carefully.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until the bread is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring the loaf to a wire rack.
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