Ingredients
2 cups sugar
3 eggs, room temperature
¾ cup butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon almond extract
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 (8 oz) bag fresh cranberries
Crumble
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup flour
⅓ cup butter
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and thoroughly grease 2 loaf pans (this can also be made as one very large loaf or in a 9-inch cake pan).
In a large bowl, add eggs and sugar and beat for 5 minutes, or until the volume of the mixture has nearly doubled (don’t skip this step!).
Mix in butter, vanilla, and almond extract until smooth.
Gently mix in flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined, then fold in cranberries.
Transfer batter to the prepared pans.
In a small bowl, mix together all topping ingredients until sandy in texture. Sprinkle over loaves.
Bake for 45-50 minutes for 2 loaves or 60-70 minutes for 1 large loaf. Bake until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
Allow loaves to cool before slicing.
Variations and Tips for Cranberry Loaf Recipe
Variations
- Add Nuts:
- Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Citrus Twist:
- Add the zest of an orange or lemon to complement the tartness of the cranberries.
- Spiced Loaf:
- Enhance the loaf with 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, or a pinch of cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Cranberry:
- Stir in ½ cup of dark or white chocolate chips for a sweeter loaf.
- Glazed Cranberry Loaf:
- Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice or milk over the cooled loaf.
- Dried Fruit Mix:
- Combine fresh or dried cranberries with raisins, chopped apricots, or cherries for a fruitier loaf.
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Swirl:
- Add a cream cheese swirl by layering spoonfuls of sweetened cream cheese mixture into the batter before baking.
- Healthier Version:
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
- Gluten-Free:
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the loaf gluten-free.
- Vegan Option:
- Replace eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce, and use plant-based milk and butter alternatives.
Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Loaf
- Use Fresh or Frozen Cranberries:
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
- Coat the Cranberries:
- Toss cranberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter to prevent sinking.
- Don’t Overmix:
- Mix the batter just until combined to ensure a tender and moist loaf.
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Allow eggs, butter, and milk to come to room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Check for Doneness:
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it should come out clean when done.
- Cool Completely:
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Storage:
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. The loaf stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Freeze for Later:
- Cranberry loaf freezes well. Wrap in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
- Bake Evenly:
- If the top is browning too quickly, cover with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Pair It Up:
- Serve slices with cream cheese, butter, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
These tips and variations will help you customize and perfect your cranberry loaf to suit any occasion or preference!