The holiday season is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and indulging in delicious treats that bring warmth and cheer to our hearts. Among the many festive delights, the Christmas Cranberry Loaf stands out as a perfect combination of sweet and tart, offering a delightful balance that is sure to please your taste buds. This loaf, with its tender crumb, bursts of fresh cranberries, and buttery crumble topping, is a must-have addition to your holiday baking repertoire.
Whether you’re looking for a treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee in the morning, a dessert to serve after a holiday meal, or a gift to share with friends and family, this cranberry loaf is the answer. It’s simple to make, yet impressive enough to become a holiday tradition. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this delicious loaf, from preparing the ingredients to serving the final product.
Ingredients: A Perfect Blend of Flavors
To make the Christmas Cranberry Loaf, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Loaf:
- 2 cups sugar: The sugar adds sweetness to the loaf and helps to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- 3 eggs, room temperature: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the loaf. Using them at room temperature ensures they mix more easily with the other ingredients.
- ¾ cup butter, room temperature: Butter adds richness and flavor to the loaf, creating a tender crumb.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the loaf.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract: Almond extract provides a subtle, nutty flavor that complements the cranberries.
- 2 cups flour: Flour gives the loaf its structure, helping it to rise and hold its shape.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Baking powder is the leavening agent that helps the loaf rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness.
- 1 (8 oz) bag fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a burst of tartness and a festive touch to the loaf.
For the Crumble:
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the crumble topping.
- ¼ cup flour: Flour gives the crumble its texture, helping it to form a crumbly topping.
- ⅓ cup butter: Butter binds the crumble ingredients together and adds a delicious buttery flavor.
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Before you begin mixing the ingredients, it’s important to prepare your baking environment. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Thoroughly grease two loaf pans with butter or cooking spray to prevent the loaf from sticking. If you prefer, you can also make this recipe as one large loaf or even in a 9-inch cake pan, though the baking time will vary.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
The first step in making the batter is to mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and sugar. Beat the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the volume has nearly doubled. This step is crucial for achieving a light, airy texture in the final loaf. The beating process incorporates air into the batter, which helps the loaf rise and gives it a tender crumb.
Next, add the room temperature butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until the ingredients are smooth and well combined. The butter should be fully incorporated, creating a rich, creamy batter that forms the base of your loaf.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Once the wet ingredients are well mixed, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense, tough loaf. The goal is to incorporate the dry ingredients while retaining the light, airy texture created in the previous step.
After the dry ingredients are mixed in, fold in the fresh cranberries. The cranberries should be evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring that each slice of the loaf has a balance of sweet and tart flavors. The bright red cranberries not only add flavor but also give the loaf a festive appearance that is perfect for the holiday season.
Step 4: Transfer to the Pan
With the batter ready, it’s time to transfer it to the prepared loaf pans. Pour the batter into the pans, spreading it evenly with a spatula. The batter should reach about halfway up the sides of the pans, allowing room for the loaf to rise as it bakes.
Step 5: Prepare the Crumble
The buttery crumble topping is what sets this cranberry loaf apart, adding a delicious contrast of textures. To make the crumble, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter in a small bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the ingredients until the mixture becomes sandy and crumbly. The butter should be well distributed, forming small clumps that will crisp up as the loaf bakes.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the top of the loaves. The crumble will add a sweet, crunchy layer that complements the soft, tender crumb of the loaf.
Step 6: Bake
Place the loaf pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes if you’re making two loaves. If you opted for one large loaf, increase the baking time to 60-70 minutes. The loaf is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The top should be golden brown, with the crumble adding a beautiful texture and flavor.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the loaves are baked, allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes. This cooling time helps the loaf set, making it easier to remove from the pan without crumbling. After cooling, slice the loaf and enjoy the perfect combination of tart cranberries and sweet, buttery crumble.
Conclusion
The Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a versatile and festive treat that brings together the bright, tart flavor of cranberries with the comforting sweetness of a tender, buttery loaf. Whether you serve it as part of a holiday breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert, this loaf is sure to become a favorite during the holiday season. With its simple preparation and delightful flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year, making your holiday celebrations even more special. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma of this Christmas Cranberry Loaf baking in your kitchen.