Description
A festive quick bread bursting with tart cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for Christmas mornings, brunch, or edible gifts.
Ingredients
2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon baking soda
¾ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons butter or shortening
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 egg, beaten
1½ cups coarsely chopped fresh or dried cranberries
½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Grease or line a standard loaf pan.
3. Cream the softened butter or shortening with the sugar using a pastry blender.
4. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Mix until crumbly.
5. Add orange zest, orange juice, and beaten egg. Stir until smooth.
6. Fold in cranberries and nuts.
7. Pour into prepared pan and bake for about 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
Can be made with fresh or dried cranberries.
Pecans or walnuts both work well.
Use one bowl and no mixer for easy cleanup.
Yields 3–4 mini loaves—great for gifting.
Freezes beautifully when wrapped well.
Tastes amazing warm with butter.
Can also be baked as muffins using the same batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Easy & Decadent Christmas Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 256
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 345mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 16mg