This Cranberry Loaf recipe is a must-try for any baking enthusiast! Bursting with the tangy flavor of fresh cranberries and topped with a buttery crumble, it’s an irresistible treat for any occasion. With simple ingredients like sugar, eggs, butter, and flour, this recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Cranberry loaf is a delightful and versatile baked treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Bursting with the tartness of fresh cranberries and the sweetness of a buttery crumble, this recipe is sure to become a favorite among your family and friends. In this article, we’ll dive into the ingredients and steps needed to create this delicious cranberry loaf, along with some tips for making it even more special.
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:
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup flour
- ⅓ cup butter
How To Make Cranberry Loaf:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Thoroughly grease two loaf pans, or alternatively, you can use one large loaf pan or a 9-inch cake pan.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, add the eggs and sugar. Beat them together for about 5 minutes, or until the volume of the mixture has nearly doubled. This step is crucial for achieving a light and fluffy texture in your loaf.
- Incorporate Butter and Extracts: Once the eggs and sugar are well-beaten, mix in the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
- Fold in Cranberries: Carefully fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to Pans: Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, flour, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble mixture over the top of the loaf batter.
- Bake: Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes if using two pans, or 60-70 minutes for one large loaf. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the loaves to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and serve your delicious cranberry loaf.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cranberry Loaf:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature before beginning the recipe. This helps ensure a smooth and evenly textured batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Customize the Crumble: Feel free to customize the crumble topping with your favorite nuts or spices for added flavor and texture.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: While fresh cranberries are preferred for this recipe, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to thaw them before folding them into the batter.
Conclusion:
Cranberry loaf is a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion, from holiday gatherings to weekend brunches. With its sweet and tart flavor profile and buttery crumble topping, it’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted with a smear of butter, this cranberry loaf is sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
- Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
- While fresh cranberries are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can substitute dried cranberries if needed. Just be aware that dried cranberries may add a bit more sweetness to the loaf.
- Can I freeze cranberry loaf?
- Yes, cranberry loaf freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- What can I serve with cranberry loaf?
- Cranberry loaf is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
- How long will cranberry loaf stay fresh?
- When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, cranberry loaf will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Alternatively, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries?
- Yes, you can experiment with different fruits in this recipe. Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples would all make delicious substitutions for the cranberries.
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