Bake a Festive Favorite: A Delicious Holiday Cranberry Loaf for the Season!

Photo byAngie bright

As the holiday season approaches, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your home. One treat that has become a beloved tradition in many kitchens is the Holiday Cranberry Loaf. This moist and flavorful bread combines the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with a delicate crumbly topping, creating the perfect balance of tart and sweet in every bite.

Baking during the holidays is all about creating warmth and memories, and this cranberry loaf is an ideal way to capture that festive spirit. Cranberries are a quintessential winter fruit, and their vibrant red color makes this loaf as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you're enjoying it at breakfast, serving it as an afternoon snack with tea, or offering it as a thoughtful homemade gift, this cranberry loaf brings holiday cheer with every slice.

The Holiday Cranberry Loaf Recipe

This simple but delightful recipe will become a staple in your holiday baking repertoire. The ingredients come together effortlessly, with a rich, buttery batter and the fresh pop of cranberries providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. The crumble topping adds a subtle, caramel-like flavor that elevates this loaf to a whole new level of indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 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

Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup flour
• ⅓ cup butter

Preparation Steps

Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly greasing two loaf pans. You can also use one large loaf pan or even a 9-inch cake pan if you prefer a different shape for your cranberry loaf.

Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar for a full 5 minutes. This step is crucial to achieve the light and airy texture of the loaf. Skipping this would result in a denser bread, so be patient and let the mixture nearly double in volume before moving on.

Once the eggs and sugar are properly beaten, mix in the softened butter along with the vanilla and almond extracts. Continue beating until you have a smooth and creamy batter.

Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Be cautious not to overmix, as this could toughen the loaf. Once everything is combined, fold in the fresh cranberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Transfer to Pans:
Pour the batter into your greased loaf pans. If you're using two pans, divide the batter evenly.

Prepare the Crumble Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter, mixing until you get a sandy, crumbly texture. Sprinkle this topping generously over the batter in both loaf pans, making sure every corner is covered.

Bake:
Place the pans in the preheated oven. If you're baking two loaves, they should be done in about 45-50 minutes. For a larger single loaf, bake for 60-70 minutes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness—if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready to go!

Cool and Serve:
Let the loaves cool in their pans before turning them out and slicing. The wait will be worth it as the aromas of cranberries and buttery crumble fill your kitchen.

This Holiday Cranberry Loaf is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweet crumble topping makes it a perfect holiday treat. It’s easy to make and will surely impress your guests, making it a great choice for festive gatherings or cozy family evenings.

Here are some excellent sources for your Holiday Cranberry Loaf recipe:

1. Taste of Home offers a variety of cranberry loaf recipes, including options like Cranberry Walnut Bread and Cranberry Orange Bread. These recipes provide different twists on the classic, using ingredients like orange zest, walnuts, and optional glazes for added flavor​(Taste of Home)​(Taste of Home)​(Taste of Home).
2. You can also explore a guide on 58 Cranberry Recipes from Taste of Home, which includes many baked goods ideal for the holiday season, like cranberry loaves, muffins, and desserts​(Taste of Home)​(Taste of Home).

These sources will give you additional inspiration and tips on variations, toppings, and storing your holiday bread!