The holiday season is a time for sharing love, joy, and delicious food. When gift-giving starts to feel overwhelming, this Cranberry Loaf offers a delightful solution. Packed with vibrant cranberries and infused with the warm, comforting flavors of almond and vanilla, this loaf is as beautiful as it is tasty. Whether as a thoughtful homemade gift or a last-minute treat for guests, this loaf is sure to spread holiday cheer.
Why This Recipe Works
Festive Flavor: The tartness of fresh cranberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of the loaf, creating a harmonious holiday flavor.
Versatile Gift Idea: This loaf is easy to prepare, travels well, and is loved by both kids and adults, making it an ideal edible gift.
Moist and Buttery Texture: With the richness of butter and the lightness of perfectly beaten eggs, the loaf achieves a tender crumb.
Crunchy Topping: The brown sugar and butter topping adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft interior.
Easy to Customize: Swap out cranberries for dried fruit, add nuts, or use orange zest for a citrusy twist.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
2 cups sugar: Sweetens the loaf and ensures a soft texture.
3 eggs, at room temperature: Helps create structure and richness.
¾ cup butter, room temperature: Adds flavor and moisture.
½ tsp vanilla essence: Provides a subtle, sweet aroma.
½ tsp almond extract: Enhances the nutty undertone.
2 cups flour: The base for the batter.
1 tsp baking powder: Helps the loaf rise beautifully.
½ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness.
1 (8 oz) bag of fresh cranberries: Adds tangy bursts of flavor.
For the Topping:
¼ cup flour: Helps bind the topping.
¼ cup brown sugar: Adds caramel-like sweetness.
⅓ cup butter: Creates a sandy, crumbly texture.
How to Make the Cranberry Loaf
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Generously grease two loaf pans or a 9-inch cake pan.
Step 2: Beat the Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar.
Beat on high speed for 5 minutes, or until the mixture doubles in volume and becomes pale and fluffy. This step ensures a light and airy loaf.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the room-temperature butter, vanilla essence, and almond extract.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the loaf tender.
Step 5: Add the Cranberries
Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, ensuring even distribution.
Step 6: Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, and butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Sprinkle the topping generously over each loaf.
Bake for 45–50 minutes for two loaves, or 60–70 minutes for one large loaf.
Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the loaf is ready.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the loaves to cool completely in the pans before removing them.
Slice and enjoy, or wrap for gifting.
Tips + Tricks for Perfect Cranberry Loaf
Room-Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs and butter ensures a smoother batter and better texture.
Don’t Skip the Egg Beating: Beating the eggs and sugar for a full 5 minutes aerates the mixture, contributing to a light crumb.
Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe, but if using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
Even Baking: Rotate the pans halfway through baking for uniform results.
Customizations: Add chopped nuts, white chocolate chips, or orange zest to make the loaf your own.
Serving Suggestions
As a Breakfast Treat: Pair slices with a cup of coffee or tea for a festive morning start.
For Dessert: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of vanilla glaze.
Holiday Gifting: Wrap individual loaves in parchment paper and tie with twine for an elegant presentation.
With Ice Cream: Warm slices and serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45–50 minutes (two loaves) or 60–70 minutes (one loaf)
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~90 minutes
- Yield: 2 standard loaves or 1 large loaf
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cranberry Loaf isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s a visual and aromatic delight that embodies the spirit of the holidays. Its vibrant red cranberries are reminiscent of festive decorations, while the subtle almond and vanilla scents evoke warmth and nostalgia. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or gifted to loved ones, this loaf is guaranteed to bring smiles and moments of holiday cheer.
So, preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and bake a batch (or two!) of this delightful cranberry loaf. Happy holidays!