Are you craving a comforting, homemade treat that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This cranberry walnut bread recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and experienced cooks alike. It's the ideal addition to your breakfast table, a perfect accompaniment to afternoon tea, or a delightful homemade gift for friends and family. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cranberries and walnuts – let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your bread releases easily once baked.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This thorough mixing ensures even leavening throughout your bread.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this – either works perfectly!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6: Stir in Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. This preserves the texture of the fruit and nuts.
Step 7: Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here – allowing the bread to cool properly prevents it from crumbling.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Walnut Bread:
- Use good quality ingredients: The flavor of your bread will be enhanced by using high-quality butter, vanilla extract, and cranberries.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the bread is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the bread to set properly and prevents it from crumbling when you slice it.
Variations:
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complexity.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in some semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
- Different Nuts: Substitute pecans or macadamia nuts for the walnuts.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Around 250-300 Fat: 10-15g Carbohydrates: 30-40g Protein: 4-6g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy cranberry walnut bread recipe is a perfect example of delicious homemade cooking. It’s a quick dinner idea for those busy weeknights, a healthy meal option when you’re craving something sweet, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy!