Adored Pioneer Woman’s Zesty Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

Cranberry nut bread emerges as a breakfast game-changer, packed with zingy fruit and crunchy kernels that electrify morning routines.

Seasonal ingredients mingle like old friends, blending tart and sweet notes in perfect harmony.

Every slice tells a story of culinary magic, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Nutty textures crackle against soft, pillowy crumb, creating a sensory playground for your palate.

Bright citrus whispers dance through the dense landscape, lifting flavors to unexpected heights.

Fragrant and inviting, this bread promises to turn an ordinary breakfast into a memorable feast.

You won’t be able to resist breaking off another piece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 8

Must-Have Ingredients for Cranberry Nut Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Opt for pure cane sugar for a cleaner sweetness.
• Baking Powder: Select aluminum-free for a more neutral taste.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Baking Soda: Fresh box ensures maximum leavening power.

• Fresh Orange Juice: Select ripe, juicy oranges for vibrant citrus notes.
• Orange Zest: Use organic oranges to avoid wax and pesticides.
• Shortening: Look for non-hydrogenated options for healthier baking.
• Egg: Choose free-range eggs for better color and richer flavor.

• Cranberries, Pecans: Select plump, firm cranberries and crisp nuts for maximum crunch and burst of flavor.

Gear You’ll Need for Cranberry Nut Bread

• Large mixing bowl: Roomy vessel for combining dry and wet ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Perfect tool for blending dry ingredients evenly without lumps.
• Separate mixing bowl: Dedicated space for preparing liquid mixture.
• Spatula: Essential for gently folding ingredients and creating smooth batter.
• 9×5 inch loaf pan: Standard size for creating perfectly shaped bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measuring for consistent results.
• Grater: Helps create fresh orange zest with ease.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly and prevent soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Reliable method for checking bread's doneness.
• Cutting board: Clean surface for chopping cranberries and nuts.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping of add-ins.

How to Bake Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread

• Jumpstart The Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F. Grab a loaf pan and give it a quick grease with butter or cooking spray.

• Mix Dry Foundations

Toss all your dry ingredients into a large bowl. Whisk them together until they’re perfectly blended, creating a smooth, even base for your cranberry orange bread.

• Blend Liquid Magic

In another bowl, combine your wet ingredients. Swirl them together until they’re silky smooth, releasing the bright, zesty orange aroma and creating a rich, creamy mixture.

• Create Batter Harmony

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Gently fold everything together, being careful not to overmix. Sprinkle in chopped cranberries and nuts, stirring until they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

• Bake And Transform

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a gentle touch. Slide the pan into the warm oven and bake for about an hour. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean when inserted in the center.

• Cool And Savor

Let the bread rest in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely, then slice and enjoy. A small pat of butter makes it extra special – a perfect treat with coffee or tea.

Smart Swaps for Cranberry Nut Bread Recipes

• Elevate Your Orange Cranberry Bread
• Zest Boost: Double the orange zest for an extra citrusy punch that'll make your bread sing with bright, tangy flavor.
• Nutty Crunch: Toast nuts before adding to enhance their natural oils and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Glaze Magic: Drizzle a simple orange-powdered sugar glaze over the cooled bread for an elegant, sweet finish that complements the tart cranberries.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for future enjoyment – perfect for quick breakfast or unexpected guests.

How to Serve Cranberry Nut Bread at Brunch

• Brunch Brilliance: Serve this orange cranberry bread alongside a fresh fruit salad and a hot cup of coffee for a delightful weekend brunch spread.
• Sweet Afternoon Companion: Pair a slice with a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese spread for an indulgent afternoon tea treat.
• Gifting Goodness: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a rustic ribbon for a homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
• Breakfast Boost: Toast a slice and spread with a thin layer of orange marmalade to elevate your morning breakfast experience.

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Nut Bread

• Preserve Peak Freshness: Store the cranberry orange bread tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining its soft texture and vibrant flavors.
• Refrigerate for Extended Enjoyment: Extend the bread's shelf life by storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, ensuring each slice remains moist and delicious.
• Freeze for Future Cravings: Slice the bread before freezing, then wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen bread stays fresh for 2-3 months, ready to thaw and savor whenever hunger strikes.
• Revive and Reheat Perfectly: Bring refrigerated or frozen bread to room temperature naturally, or warm gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore its just-baked warmth and soft crumb.

Rustic Pioneer Woman Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic cranberry nut bread celebrates holiday baking traditions with tart berries and crunchy nuts. Warm slices pair perfectly with coffee, inviting you to savor seasonal comfort and homemade goodness.

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Ingredients

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• 1 ½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped)
• ½ cup nuts, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¾ cup orange juice
• 1 large egg, well beaten
• 2 tbsps shortening
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp grated orange peel
• ½ tsp baking soda

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan with non-stick spray or butter.
2. Dry Mixture: Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a large mixing bowl until uniformly combined.
3. Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, blend orange juice, orange zest, vegetable shortening, and egg until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Batter Integration: Fold wet ingredients into dry mixture using minimal strokes, maintaining a light texture and preventing overmixing.
5. Add-ins: Gently incorporate chopped cranberries and pecans throughout the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
6. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the surface. Bake for 55-65 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent golden browning.
7. Doneness Check: Test bread with a toothpick inserted into center – it should emerge clean without raw batter.
8. Cooling: Let bread rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
9. Serving: Enjoy at room temperature, optionally toasted with a pat of butter for enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir wet and dry ingredients minimally to keep the bread tender and avoid tough, dense texture.
• Zest Selection: Use fresh, bright orange zest for maximum citrus flavor and vibrant aroma that complements cranberries.
• Cranberry Coverage: Coat chopped cranberries in a light dusting of flour before adding to batter to prevent sinking during baking.
• Temperature Precision: Allow ingredients like egg and shortening to reach room temperature for smoother mixing and better overall bread consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg