What makes this Cranberry Orange Nut Bread a perfect Christmas bread recipe?

This Cranberry Orange Nut Bread is perfect for Christmas because its vibrant flavors of tart cranberries and bright orange zest, combined with crunchy pecans, evoke the festive spirit. It's also a wonderfully moist and tender quick bread that's easy to make, beautiful to present, and ideal for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or gifting, making it a beloved tradition among Christmas bread recipes.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for this Christmas bread recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries! There's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply fold them directly into the batter. Using frozen cranberries won't significantly alter the taste or texture of this delicious Christmas bread recipe.

How should I store this Cranberry Orange Nut Bread to keep it fresh?

To keep your Cranberry Orange Nut Bread fresh, store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. This bread also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; simply wrap the cooled, glazed loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

What are some variations I can try with this Christmas bread recipe?

This versatile Christmas bread recipe offers many delicious variations! You can add white or dark chocolate chips for extra sweetness, incorporate warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for more depth, or swap orange for lemon zest and juice for a brighter flavor. For a richer topping, consider a cream cheese glaze instead of the simple orange glaze.

Christmas bread recipes: 5 Festive Loaves to Brighten Your Holiday Morning

Name: Enchanting Cranberry Orange Nut Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries; 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Description

A moist and flavorful Cranberry Orange Nut Bread, perfect for Christmas morning or holiday gatherings. This festive quick bread features bright cranberries, zesty orange, and crunchy pecans, topped with a sweet orange glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2-3 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan, or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, combine the cooled melted butter, beaten egg, vanilla extract, buttermilk, and orange zest. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.
Step 5: Gently fold in the cranberries and toasted pecans (if using). Mix just until evenly distributed.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top browns too quickly, tent it lightly with aluminum foil.
Step 7: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before carefully removing it to cool completely on the rack.
Step 8: For the glaze, in a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 9: Once the bread is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients like buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and a more even bake. This bread stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months; simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Quick Bread
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 loaf)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 45mg