Are you looking for a quick dinner idea that's also healthy and incredibly delicious? Then look no further! This cranberry walnut bread recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and the result is a moist, flavorful loaf that's bursting with holiday cheer. This homemade cooking masterpiece is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, combining the tartness of cranberries with the crunch of walnuts for a truly unforgettable taste experience. Let's dive into this easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- 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.
Combining Dry & Wet Ingredients:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly risen loaf.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air, leading to a lighter texture.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Bringing it All Together:
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
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Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts. This preserves their texture and prevents them from sinking to the bottom.
Baking & Cooling:
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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.
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Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Walnut Bread:
- Use fresh cranberries: While frozen cranberries work well, fresh cranberries offer a brighter flavor.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough bread.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Let it cool completely: Allowing the bread to cool completely before slicing prevents it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Add spices: A teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- Use different nuts: Pecans or almonds are delicious substitutes for walnuts.
- Add citrus zest: A tablespoon of orange or lemon zest brightens the flavor profile.
- Make it a sweeter bread: Increase the sugar by ¼ cup for a richer, sweeter loaf.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Fiber: 2-3g
This delicious cranberry walnut bread is a perfect addition to your breakfast table, afternoon snack, or even as a dessert alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It's a simple yet impressive recipe that showcases the best of homemade cooking. Enjoy!