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
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and position the rack in the middle position for even baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Whisk the wet ingredients until they form a smooth, homogeneous mixture with no visible shortening lumps.
- Gently introduce the wet ingredients into the dry ingredient mixture, using a flexible spatula and stirring with minimal strokes to prevent gluten development.
- Fold in chopped fresh cranberries and roughly chopped pecans or walnuts, ensuring they are evenly suspended throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface with the back of a spatula to create an even top.
- Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, rotating halfway through to promote uniform browning.
- Check for doneness by inserting a clean toothpick or wooden skewer into the center – it should emerge without any wet batter clinging to it.
- Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents crumbling.
- Carefully turn out the bread onto a wire cooling rack and let it cool completely to room temperature before slicing.
- 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