Heavenly Cranberry Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble
Welcome to a culinary journey filled with warmth and sweetness! Our Cranberry Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble recipe is a delightful blend of tart cranberries, aromatic orange zest, and a heavenly brown sugar crumble topping. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast treat or a delightful dessert, this irresistible bread will surely satisfy your taste buds. Join us as we explore the secrets behind creating this delicious loaf, complete with FAQs, cook notes, variations, and even keto and low-carb adaptations. Let’s dive into the world of homemade baking perfection!
Ingredients:
For the Bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, well beaten
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
For the Brown Sugar Crumble:
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Cranberries and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Make Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, diced unsalted butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix with a fork or pastry cutter until crumbly.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the brown sugar crumble topping over the batter.
- Bake and Cool: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: While fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available. Simply thaw them before chopping and using in the recipe.
- Orange Zest Substitute: If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version of this bread. You can also substitute them with chopped pecans or almonds if preferred.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto Option: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour for a low-carb alternative. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar. Adjust the quantity of sweetener according to taste preference.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe or use a low-carb sweetener. You can also omit the brown sugar crumble topping for a lower carb count.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones? A: While dried cranberries can be used as a substitute, they may result in a slightly different texture and flavor. If using dried cranberries, soak them in hot water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding to the batter.
Q: Can I freeze leftover slices of cranberry bread? A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices of cranberry bread in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.
Q: Can I add other fruits to the bread batter? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, or diced apples for a delicious variation.
Q: Can I make this bread in muffin tins instead of a loaf pan? A: Yes, you can divide the batter among muffin tins lined with paper liners for individual servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as muffins will bake faster than a loaf.
Indulge in the irresistible charm of homemade baking with our Cranberry Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble! With its perfect balance of tart cranberries, citrusy orange zest, and sweet brown sugar crumble topping, this bread is a true delight for the senses. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert, each slice is a heavenly experience that will leave you craving for more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary adventure filled with warmth, sweetness, and pure satisfaction. Dive into the world of homemade goodness and savor the magic of Cranberry Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble!