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Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

This Simple Christmas Cranberry Bread is a delightful holiday treat featuring fresh cranberries folded into a tender, moist batter topped with a sweet crumbly streusel. Perfect for festive breakfasts, snacks, or gift-giving, this bread combines classic flavors of vanilla and almond with a vibrant burst of cranberry, finished with a crunchy brown sugar and butter topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the batter:

  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 bag (8 oz) fresh cranberries

For the crumb topping:

  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease two loaf pans or alternatively prepare one large loaf pan or a 9-inch cake pan. Proper greasing ensures easy removal of the baked bread.
  2. Beat Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat 3 large room temperature eggs and 2 cups granulated sugar together vigorously for 5 minutes until nearly doubled in volume. This step is crucial for creating a light and tender crumb texture.
  3. Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add 3/4 cup softened unsalted butter, 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, and 1/2 tsp almond extract to the beaten egg and sugar mixture. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients and Fold in Cranberries: Gently incorporate 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt into the batter until just combined to avoid toughening. Carefully fold in 8 oz fresh cranberries evenly; reserve a few cranberries to sprinkle on top if desired.
  5. Transfer Batter to Pans: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pans. If you set aside cranberries earlier, sprinkle them on top for a festive appearance.
  6. Prepare and Apply Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, and 1/3 cup unsalted butter. Use fingers or a fork to mix until the topping is sandy in texture. Optionally add a small pinch of salt to enhance crunch and flavor. Evenly sprinkle this crumb topping over the batter in each pan.
  7. Bake and Cool: Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes if making two loaves, or 60-70 minutes for a single large loaf. The bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the loaves to cool in the pans completely before slicing for the best texture and clean cuts.

Notes

  • Beating the eggs and sugar thoroughly helps create a tender, airy crumb.
  • Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to avoid a dense loaf.
  • Fresh cranberries provide a bright tart flavor and moisture balance.
  • Storing the bread wrapped at room temperature keeps it fresh for 2-3 days; it also freezes well.
  • Feel free to customize the crumb topping by adding a pinch of cinnamon or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.

Keywords: Christmas bread, cranberry bread, holiday baking, sweet bread, streusel topping, festive bread, quick bread

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/simple-christmas-cranberry-bread-recipe/