Cranberry loaf is a delightful treat, especially popular during the fall and winter seasons. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare a delicious cranberry loaf:
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate sour cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in cranberries and nuts: Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Allow the cranberry loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Once cooled, slice the cranberry loaf and serve. Optionally, dust the top with powdered sugar before serving.
Enjoy your delicious homemade cranberry loaf with a hot cup of tea or coffee!
