Cranberry Loaf: The Perfect Handmade Holiday Gift
Introduction
The holiday season often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety — the hustle of finding the perfect gifts, the pressure of holiday sales, and the worry of unintentionally forgetting someone special. To ease this seasonal stress, I’ve turned to handmade gifts whenever possible, and food has always been my go-to. This Cranberry Loaf is a hit among friends and family, making it the perfect last-minute treat. It’s a delicious balance of tart cranberries and sweet, buttery loaf, topped with a delightful crumble. Simple to make and sure to impress, it’s a holiday favorite that will warm the hearts of anyone who receives it.
Ingredients
- For the Loaf:
- 2 cups sugar
- 3 eggs, at room temperature
- ¾ cup butter, at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 (8-oz) bag of fresh cranberries
- For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease two loaf pans, or use a 9-inch cake pan for a different presentation. You can also make one large loaf if desired.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has nearly doubled in volume. This step is crucial for achieving the loaf’s desired texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and butter to the egg mixture. Beat until creamy and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse sand.
- Fill Pans and Add Topping: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the batter.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes for two loaves, or 60–70 minutes for one large loaf. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf — it should come out clean.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the loaves to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then remove and let them cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Methods
- Beating the Eggs and Sugar: This step is crucial for achieving a light, fluffy loaf. The extended beating time incorporates air, helping the loaf rise properly and giving it a tender crumb.
- Folding the Batter: When mixing the dry ingredients into the wet, use a folding motion to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense loaf.
- Using Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness that balances the sweetness of the loaf. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used — just do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
History of Cranberry Bread
Cranberries have long been a staple in North American cuisine, especially in the northeastern United States where they are native. Cranberry bread recipes became popular in the mid-20th century as cranberries were often harvested in the fall and used in various holiday dishes. Over the years, cranberry bread has evolved from a simple, rustic loaf to a variety of recipes, each with its unique twist, like this almond-scented version with a sweet crumble topping.
Benefits
- Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Vitamin Boost: This loaf provides a good source of Vitamin C from cranberries and a dose of Vitamin E from the butter.
- Festive Flavor: The combination of almond and vanilla extracts gives the loaf a festive aroma and flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Homemade and Thoughtful: A homemade gift like this shows care and effort, making it more meaningful and appreciated.
Nutritional Information (per slice, assuming 12 slices per loaf)
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 28g
Reasons to Make It
This Cranberry Loaf is a delightful holiday treat that’s easy to make, looks stunning, and fills your home with the wonderful scent of baking. It’s a versatile recipe — great for breakfast, dessert, or gifting. Making this loaf allows you to share a piece of homemade love with friends and family, reducing the stress of holiday shopping and adding a personal touch to your gifts.
New Tips and Methods
- Try Orange Zest: Adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter can elevate the flavor, complementing the cranberries beautifully.
- Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled loaf for a sweet finishing touch.
- Use Almond Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a nuttier flavor and a more moist texture.
- Add Nuts: For extra crunch, mix in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Enjoy baking this delightful Cranberry Loaf and watch as it becomes a holiday tradition in your home, bringing smiles and cheer to everyone around!