Introduction
As the festive season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked Christmas cranberry loaf wafting through the house. This easy Christmas cranberry loaf recipe is a staple during the holiday season, offering a perfect blend of tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cranberry loaf is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of warmth and flavor to their holiday celebrations.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our best cranberry loaf for the holiday season is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This homemade cranberry Christmas bread is gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. The addition of orange zest in this Christmas cranberry loaf lends a refreshing citrusy note, perfect for brightening up winter mornings. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, brunch, or as a festive dessert, this cranberry loaf is sure to become a holiday favorite.
Its low sugar content makes it a healthier alternative to traditional holiday treats, while still delivering on flavor. The festive cranberry loaf baking tips included in this recipe will help you achieve a perfect loaf every time, making it an ideal choice for gifting to friends and family during the holiday season.
Ingredients
For this easy Christmas cranberry loaf recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
– Baking powder and baking soda
– Salt and ground cinnamon
– Fresh or frozen cranberries
– Almond milk or any plant-based milk
– Maple syrup or agave nectar
– Orange zest and vanilla extract
– Coconut oil or vegan butter
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch, or by substituting almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, maple syrup, orange zest, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
4. Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cranberry loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Expert Tips for Success
– To prevent the cranberries from sinking to the bottom of the loaf, toss them in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter.
– Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the loaf light and fluffy.
– For a festive touch, sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the batter before baking.
– Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Variations and Substitutions
For a dairy-free Christmas cranberry loaf, simply swap the almond milk for any plant-based milk of your choice. You can also experiment with different mix-ins like dried cranberries, raisins, or even chocolate chips for a decadent twist. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, increase the amount of maple syrup or add a drizzle of glaze on top once the loaf has cooled.
Serving Suggestions
This spiced Christmas cranberry loaf pairs beautifully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy holiday treat. Serve slices of the loaf with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or a spread of vegan butter for a delightful breakfast or dessert option. For a festive brunch spread, complement the cranberry loaf with fresh berries, yogurt, and a selection of cheeses.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Simply thaw them before adding them to the batter.
Q: How can I make this cranberry loaf nut-free?
A: To make this recipe nut-free, omit the nuts and use a nut-free milk alternative.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, this Christmas cranberry loaf is a delightful addition to your holiday baking repertoire. With its warm spices, juicy cranberries, and citrusy undertones, this loaf is a festive treat that appeals to all palates. Whether you’re following a gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diet, this recipe offers options for everyone to enjoy. Try out different variations, experiment with flavors, and share this delicious cranberry loaf with your loved ones this holiday season. Happy baking!
Christmas Cranberry Loaf
A festive Christmas cranberry loaf infused with tart cranberries, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness. This gluten-free and vegan loaf with orange zest is a perfect holiday treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour blend
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup almond milk or any plant-based milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup coconut oil or vegan butter
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan with coconut oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond milk, maple syrup, orange zest, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cranberry loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
