Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick bread combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the crunch of walnuts, making it a unique addition to breakfast tables or holiday gatherings. Its moist texture and zesty orange flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed on its own or slathered with cream cheese, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, anyone can whip up this delicious bread in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert—this bread adapts to any meal.
• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of cranberries and orange zest creates a refreshing taste that brightens your day.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with walnuts and cranberries, it offers a healthy twist on traditional bread recipes.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gathering the right tools can make all the difference. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Sifter
• Whisk
• Non-toxic bread loaf pan
• Food processor

Why These Tools Matter

• Measuring spoons & cups: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results every time you bake.
• Sifter: Helps to aerate the flour, giving your bread a lighter texture.
• Food processor: Makes chopping cranberries and walnuts quick and easy, saving you valuable preparation time.

Ingredients

For the Bread

• 2 Cups Unbleached Flour (I use Bob Mills)
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
• 1 Large Egg
• 1/2 Cup Orange Juice
• Grated Orange Zest
• 2 Tbsp Butter, melted
• 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries, cut in half or chopped in food processor
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts, chopped

Kitchen Essentials

• Basic Kitchen Gadgets (measuring spoons, cups, sifter, whisk etc)
• Non-toxic bread loaf pan
• Food Processor

How to Make Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Adjust the oven rack to the middle position and preheat your oven to 350° F. This ensures even baking for your bread.

Step 2: Prepare the Loaf Pan

Spray a loaf pan with non-cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Sift together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, and sea salt.
2. Add the halved or chopped cranberries and stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl:
1. Beat the egg until frothy.
2. Add orange juice and grated orange zest along with melted butter.
3. Mix until smooth.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture:
1. Use a strong rubber spatula or wooden spoon to mix gently.
2. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until no dry flour is visible.
3. Gently fold in chopped walnuts.

Step 6: Transfer Batter to Pan

Scrape the batter into your prepared loaf pan using a spatula:
1. Even out the top so it bakes uniformly.

Step 7: Bake Your Bread

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for 50–55 minutes.
2. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once baked:
1. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
2. Cut into even slices once fully cooled—enjoy as is or spread with cream cheese or butter!

How to Serve Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it plain or with a spread, there are plenty of options to enhance your experience.

With Cream Cheese

• A smooth layer of cream cheese adds richness and balances the tartness of the cranberries.

Toasted with Butter

• Toasting the bread brings out its flavors and when slathered with butter, it creates a warm, comforting snack.

As a Breakfast Side

• Serve slices alongside scrambled eggs or yogurt for a fulfilling breakfast that offers both sweetness and texture.

With Honey or Maple Syrup

• Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the warm bread for an extra touch of sweetness that complements the cranberries.

Accompanied by Cheese

• Pair slices with soft cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer that pairs well with wine (non-alcoholic options available).

In a Sandwich

• Use slices to create a unique sandwich filled with turkey or chicken, arugula, and a smear of cranberry sauce for a delicious twist.

How to Perfect Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

Achieving the perfect loaf of Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread is easy with just a few tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your bread turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and quality walnuts make a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Measure Accurately: Ensure you measure your ingredients correctly for consistent results.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently mixing the batter helps keep the bread tender and fluffy.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
• Store Properly: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.

Best Side Dishes for Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread pairs beautifully with several side dishes, making it versatile enough for any occasion. Here are some great side ideas.

1. Scrambled Eggs
2. Fluffy scrambled eggs provide protein and balance the sweetness of the bread.
3. Greek Yogurt
4. A serving of Greek yogurt topped with fruit adds creaminess and freshness alongside your bread.
5. Fruit Salad
6. A colorful fruit salad complements the flavors of cranberry with a burst of seasonal fruits.
7. Nut Mix
8. A handful of mixed nuts gives you an added crunch and healthy fats that’s perfect with sweet bread.
9. Garden Salad
10. A light garden salad dressed with vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of the bread.
11. Vegetable Soup
12. A warm bowl of vegetable soup pairs perfectly as a hearty side dish on cooler days.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, and even a small misstep can affect your final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread.

• Using the wrong flour: Different flours have different properties. Always use unbleached flour as specified in the recipe for the best texture.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense bread. Stir just until combined, and then gently fold in the walnuts.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so use precise measurements for flour, sugar, and other ingredients. A kitchen scale can help.
• Skipping the sifting step: Sifting helps combine dry ingredients evenly and adds air. Don’t skip this step to ensure a lighter texture.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking.

Freezing Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 10-15 seconds.
• Stovetop: Toast slices on medium heat until warmed through and slightly crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread gluten-free?

You can substitute unbleached flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Be sure to check for xanthan gum in your blend.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can! Just remember that dried cranberries are sweeter than fresh ones, so you may want to reduce sugar slightly.

How long does Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

What can I serve with Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread?

This bread pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or butter. You can also enjoy it plain or toast it for breakfast.

Conclusion

Mom’s Cranberry Walnut Bread is not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, it allows room for customization by adding spices like cinnamon or other nuts. Try it today and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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