How to Make the Perfect Christmas Cranberry Loaf
The festive season calls for delightful recipes that bring joy to your taste buds and warm your heart. This Christmas Cranberry Loaf Recipe checks all the boxes. Packed with tart cranberries and topped with a sweet crumble, this loaf is perfect for holiday gatherings or a quiet evening by the fire. Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to crafting this seasonal favorite.
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
Step-by-Step Preparation
Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease two loaf pans to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can bake the batter as one large loaf or use a 9-inch cake pan.
Prepare the Batter
Beat the Eggs and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat this mixture for 5 minutes until it nearly doubles in volume. This step is critical to achieving a light and fluffy texture, so don’t rush it.
Add the Wet Ingredients Next, add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be cautious not to overmix, as this can make the loaf dense. Finally, fold in the fresh cranberries, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Transfer the Batter Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans, ensuring an even surface for consistent baking.
Make the Crumble Topping
Combine the Ingredients In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and flour. Add the cold butter and use your fingers or a fork to crumble the mixture until it resembles sand. This topping will add a delightful crunch to the loaf.
Top the Batter Sprinkle the crumble mixture generously over the batter in each pan.
Bake the Loaf
Baking Time
- For two loaves: Bake for 45-50 minutes.
- For one large loaf: Bake for 60-70 minutes.
Test the loaf’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your loaf is ready.
Cool and Serve Once baked, allow the loaves to cool completely in their pans. Transfer them to a wire rack, then slice and serve. Pair with a hot cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate holiday treat.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
Festive Flavors The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the loaf, making it a delightful holiday dessert.
Versatile Presentation Whether you’re gifting it to friends, serving it at a party, or enjoying it with family, this loaf always impresses.
Easy Preparation With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is approachable even for beginner bakers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones? Yes, you can substitute frozen cranberries. Make sure to rinse and dry them before folding into the batter to avoid excess moisture.
How should I store the cranberry loaf? Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I add nuts to this recipe? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter or crumble topping.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. Ensure the baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What other fruits can I use? Dried fruits like raisins or fresh blueberries can be used as alternatives, though the flavor profile will change.
Crafting this Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a joy that brings festive cheer to your kitchen. With its balance of sweet and tart flavors, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a holiday tradition.