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Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread

A moist, festive quick bread filled with tart cranberries and subtle citrus flavor, perfect for holiday baking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 240

Ingredients
  

Bread Batter
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.75 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1.5 cups fresh cranberries

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Loaf pan
  • Wire rack
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract and orange zest.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in cranberries gently.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake 45–55 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing.

Notes

For extra flavor, toss cranberries with a tablespoon of flour before folding into batter.