Imagine the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the tart sweetness of cranberries and a hint of citrus. The Ocean Spray Cranberry Bread is not just a delightful treat; it's a celebration of flavors that transforms your everyday baking into something extraordinary. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a festive gathering, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to impress your family and friends. Ready to bake a loaf that will have everyone asking for seconds? Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that will elevate your baking game!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a standard 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended and no lumps remain.
- In a separate medium bowl, mix orange juice and vegetable oil until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fold in fresh or frozen cranberries and chopped walnuts (if using) into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Slice and serve the cranberry bread at room temperature. Optional: Spread with butter or cream cheese for extra richness.
Tips
- Choose Your Cranberries Wisely: Fresh cranberries will give your bread a burst of tart flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen cranberries work just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, so keep it gentle!
- Add a Zing: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the wet ingredients. It will enhance the citrus notes and make your bread even more aromatic.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread a few minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its shape and prevents it from becoming soggy.
- Serve It Right: This bread is delicious on its own, but for a special touch, serve it with a spread of butter or cream cheese. You can even toast slices for a warm, comforting treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
