Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

Beloved Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

Cranberry nut bread transforms ordinary mornings into delightful culinary adventures with its vibrant bursts of tangy flavor.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of sweet and tart sensations that awaken sleepy taste buds.

This rustic quick bread captures the essence of comfort and warmth in every slice.

Wholesome nuts provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with soft, tender crumb.

Zesty citrus undertones weave through the bread, adding complexity and brightness to each delectable bite.

Everyone will gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma wafting from your kitchen.

Tips for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

Tips for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread
  • Crack the Cranberry Code: Seek out vibrant, plump berries that pop with freshness when you press them, ensuring maximum flavor explosion in every slice.
  • Toast Nuts Like a Pro: Spread chopped nuts on a baking sheet and roast them until golden brown, releasing their rich, nutty aroma and adding irresistible crunch.
  • Master the Gentle Mix: Treat your batter like a delicate dance, folding ingredients with a light touch to keep the bread tender and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Toothpick Test Triumph: Slide a wooden pick into the bread's center – if it emerges clean with just a few moist crumbs, your masterpiece is perfectly baked.
  • Cool Carefully: Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain that perfect crisp exterior.

Storing Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

  • Freeze Whole Loaf: Preserve the entire cranberry nut bread by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then cover completely with aluminum foil. Slide the wrapped loaf into a heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. This method keeps the bread fresh and prevents freezer burn for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
  • Slice and Store: Cut the bread into individual portions before freezing. Place parchment paper between each slice to prevent sticking, then stack the slices in a freezer-safe container. Grab and thaw individual servings quickly, perfect for busy mornings or unexpected snack cravings.
  • Refrigerator Short-Term: Keep the bread in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. Consume within 4-5 days for the best taste and texture.

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Variations

  • Citrus Burst Cranberry Nut Bread: Replace orange juice with lemon juice and add lemon zest for a bright, tangy flavor profile that complements the cranberries.
  • Chocolate Chip Cranberry Delight: Fold in dark chocolate chips alongside the cranberries and nuts to create a rich, decadent version of the classic bread.
  • Maple Pecan Cranberry Bread: Swap out regular sugar for maple syrup and use pecans instead of standard nuts for a deeper, more complex sweetness with a nutty undertone.
  • Spiced Winter Cranberry Bread: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, cozy winter-inspired variation that brings extra depth to the original recipe.

Wrap-Up for Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

Cranberry nut bread emerges as winter’s most comforting companion, blending tart berries with nutty richness.

Kitchen adventures spark magical moments when simple ingredients harmonize into something extraordinary.

Pioneer Woman’s recipe transforms humble components into a masterpiece of seasonal delight.

Fragrant orange zest dances through each slice, creating complex flavor landscapes that enchant taste buds.

Home bakers can confidently craft this elegant bread with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Passionate culinary explorers: dive into this recipe, share your delicious results, spark conversations, and inspire fellow bread enthusiasts to embrace their inner baker.

Why You’ll Love Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

Why You'll Love Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread
  • Burst of Seasonal Flavors: Cranberries and orange zest create a vibrant, tangy-sweet combination that dances on your taste buds, capturing the essence of cozy autumn and winter mornings.
  • Effortless Baking Magic: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gorgeous, moist bread with minimal effort, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels who want impressive results without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Comfort Companion: Enjoy this bread as a quick breakfast, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert accompaniment – it slides seamlessly between casual and sophisticated moments with delightful nutty crunch and bright citrus undertones.

What’s Inside Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

Flour Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Crucial foundation for the bread's structure, providing a light and tender crumb.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning, creating a delightful golden crust.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the bread rise and achieve a soft texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Orange Juice, Orange Peel: Brings bright citrus flavor and moisture to the bread, adding depth and complexity.
  • Shortening: Contributes to the bread's tender crumb and helps create a moist texture.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the bread.
Flavor Boosters:
  • Cranberries, Nuts: Add bursts of tartness, sweetness, and crunchy texture, creating a delightful contrast in every bite. Choose fresh or dried cranberries, and opt for walnuts or pecans for the best flavor profile.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

How to Make Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×5 inch loaf pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray.

Step 2: Create The Dry Blend

In a large mixing bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Baking soda

Whisk these ingredients together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prepare The Liquid Mixture

In a separate bowl, mix together:
  • Fresh orange juice
  • Grated orange zest
  • Softened shortening
  • 1 large egg, beaten

Blend these ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine And Fold

Gently pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined – avoid overmixing. Then fold in:
  • Fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
  • Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts work great)

Ensure the add-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. The bread is ready when the top turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool And Enjoy

Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve at room temperature, optionally topped with a small pat of butter.

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Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread delivers classic holiday comfort with rustic charm. Generous cranberries and toasted nuts create a moist, tender loaf perfect for sharing during festive gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

Wet and Flavoring Ingredients:

  • 1 large egg, well beaten
  • ¾ cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons shortening
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Add-ins:

  • 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • ½ cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and position the rack in the middle position for even baking.
  2. Prepare a 9×5 inch (23×13 centimeters) loaf pan by generously coating the interior with unsalted butter or using a non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda using a wire whisk to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Create a separate mixing vessel and add fresh orange juice along with finely grated orange zest, softened vegetable shortening, and a well-beaten large egg.
  5. Whisk the wet ingredients until they form a smooth, homogeneous mixture with no visible shortening lumps.
  6. Gently introduce the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, using a flexible spatula and stirring with minimal strokes to prevent gluten development.
  7. Fold in chopped fresh cranberries and roughly chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring they are evenly suspended throughout the batter.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spatula to create an even top.
  9. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, rotating halfway through to promote uniform browning.
  10. Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick or wooden skewer into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
  11. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
  12. Carefully turn out the bread onto a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing.
  13. Serve at room temperature or lightly toasted, optionally accompanied by a small pat of softened butter.

Notes

  • Craft this festive bread when craving a burst of holiday cheer or seeking a delightful homemade treat.
  • Swap ingredients freely, experimenting with different nuts or adding a personal twist to make the recipe uniquely yours.
  • Slice and store smartly by wrapping tightly, ensuring the bread remains moist and delectable for multiple days of enjoyment.
  • Freezing individual portions creates a convenient backup for spontaneous snack cravings or unexpected guests.
  • Elevate the experience by pairing with soft butter or enjoying alongside a steaming cup of morning coffee.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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