Make these easy cranberry nut breads for Thanksgiving and Christmas gifts. Moist and delicious cranberry nut breads freeze well, so make a big batch of mini loaves, wrap them in colored cellophane, tie them with a pretty ribbon and give them away!
Fresh Cranberries, Frozen Cranberries & Craisins®
Ocean Spray, a leader in the world of cranberries, produces not only fresh cranberries, but frozen and dried cranberries as well. Known as Craisins®, the sweetened dried cranberries have been a blessing to bakeries, restaurants and home bakers alike. Their sweet flavor, much like raisins, are the perfect addition for quick breads, granola, cereal products and cookies, among other treats. The recipe for Cranberry Nut Bread, uses fresh or frozen cranberries, not dried Craisins®.
Health Benefits of Cranberries
The Cape Cod Cranberry Growers' Association says, "In addition to their urinary tract health benefits, cranberries also contain Phytochemical that may assist in maintaining health. Scientists believe that it is the combined actions of many different phytochemicals that contribute to their overall effects, and cranberries are rich in these compounds."
Cape Cod Provisions says, "Researchers believe phenol compounds called flavonoids, associated with foods such as red wine, help reduce cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate flavonoids work by inhibiting blood clothing, increasing interior blood vessel diameter and protecting oxidation of cholesterol in the bloodstream. This all leads to improved cardiovascular health!"
Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe:
- 13 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 Tablespoons baking powder
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 5 cups sugar
- 1 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil
- 5 large eggs
- 1 Tablespoon orange extract
- 4 1/2 cup whole milk
- 5 cups cranberries, chopped
- 2 1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
Directions: How to Make Cranberry Nut Bread
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spray 5 large or 10-12 mini loaf pans with vegetable spray.
- Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, with a stand mixer using a whip attachment, hand mixer using the whisk attachments, or by hand using a large whisk, mix together sugar and oil. Add eggs and whisk again. Add orange extract and milk and mix well.
- Add dry ingredients and mix only until moistened. Fold in cranberries and walnuts.
- Pour equal amounts of batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes for large loaves, 30-35 minutes for mini loaves, or until pick comes out clean and tops are lightly browned.
- Cool completely before wrapping for freezer storage.
- Makes 5 large loaves or 10-12 mini loaves.
Mini Dessert Breads for Christmas Gift Baskets
- Pumpkin Pound Cake Recipe - Made with sugar and spice and everything nice, and makes the perfect Thanksgiving dessert bread for the buffet table!
- Lemon Tea Cake Recipe - Rich in butter and eggs, soaked in sweet lemon syrup.
- Zucchini Nut Bread Recipe - Add chocolate chips, make cupcakes, add some frosting and this extra moist quick bread will soon become a holiday favorite!
- Homemade Drunken Fruitcake Recipe - Classic buttery fruitcake soaked in brandy and rum.
- Vegan Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe - Same as the original Cranberry Nut Bread only egg-free and dairy-free!
Variations:
- Chocolate Cranberry Dessert Bread - Chocolate and cranberries pair very well together in desserts. Try adding 1 1/2 cups of mini chocolate chips to this recipe!
- Cranberry Dessert Bread - Don't like nuts? Omit them!
Sources: cranberries.org; capecodprovisions.com; oceanspray.com
Donna Diegel - Donna Diegel is an experienced baker and published author with more than 25 years of experience in the food industry.
