Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful combination of sweet and tangy cranberries with the earthy crunch of walnuts, all wrapped up in a tender, moist loaf. This bread is perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a slightly sweet accompaniment to a savory meal. The tartness of the cranberries beautifully contrasts with the nutty flavor of the walnuts, and a hint of orange zest brightens the whole loaf. Easy to make and wonderfully aromatic while baking, this bread is a comforting treat that’s especially popular during the fall and winter months.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the orange juice, melted butter, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.
- Combine the mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the cranberries and walnuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy the bread on its own, with a spread of butter, or even toasted for extra warmth and crispiness.
This Cranberry Walnut Bread is deliciously versatile and makes for a wonderful homemade gift during the holiday season!
