Cranberry Sweet Bread

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🍞 Cranberry Sweet Bread (Mini Loaf Style)

From the image, these look like beautiful mini loaves filled with red cranberries — soft, buttery, and perfect for breakfast or gifting. Here’s your big, detailed recipe with everything included just like you requested 😊

🌟 Introduction

Cranberry Sweet Bread is a moist, tender quick bread bursting with juicy cranberries in every bite. Baked in small foil pans, it’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, tea time, or homemade gifts. The balance between sweet batter and slightly tart cranberries makes it irresistible.

This bread doesn’t require yeast, making it simple and beginner-friendly while delivering bakery-quality results.

📜 History

Cranberry bread became popular in North America where cranberries grow naturally. Native Americans were among the first to use cranberries in cooking. Later, cranberries became a traditional ingredient in holiday baking, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Quick breads like this became popular in the 19th century after baking powder was introduced, making bread easier and faster to prepare without yeast.

🧾 Ingredients (Makes 4 Mini Loaves or 1 Large Loaf)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
  • ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add-ins:

  • 1½ cups fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon flour (to coat cranberries)

🥣 Formation (Preparing the Batter)

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease mini loaf pans or line with parchment.
  3. In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In another bowl, whisk eggs, melted butter, milk, and vanilla.
  5. Gradually combine wet and dry ingredients. Do not overmix.
  6. Toss cranberries with 1 tablespoon flour (prevents sinking).
  7. Gently fold cranberries into batter.
  8. Pour evenly into loaf pans (about ¾ full).

🔥 Baking Instructions

  1. Place pans in the center rack.
  2. Bake:
    • Mini loaves: 30–40 minutes
    • Large loaf: 50–60 minutes
  3. Insert a toothpick in center — if it comes out clean, it’s done.
  4. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

👩‍🍳 Methods (Different Variations)

1️⃣ Classic Cranberry Bread

Follow recipe exactly as written.

2️⃣ Orange Cranberry Bread

Add:

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons orange juice

3️⃣ Glazed Cranberry Bread

Mix powdered sugar + milk + vanilla and drizzle on top.

4️⃣ Nutty Version

Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.

💪 Benefits

  • Cranberries are rich in antioxidants.
  • Supports immune system.
  • Good source of fiber.
  • Provides quick energy from natural carbohydrates.
  • Perfect homemade alternative to processed bakery goods.

❤️ Lovers of This Recipe

This bread is loved by:

  • Holiday baking fans
  • Tea & coffee lovers
  • Kids (sweet and colorful!)
  • Homemade gift makers
  • Beginner bakers

It’s especially popular during winter and festive seasons.

🥗 Nutrition (Approx. per slice)

  • Calories: 210–250 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 8–10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 18g

(Values vary depending on ingredients used.)

🏆 Tips for Perfect Bread

  • Do not overmix batter (keeps it soft).
  • Use room-temperature ingredients.
  • If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw.
  • Let bread cool fully before slicing.

🎁 Conclusion

Cranberry Sweet Bread is soft, flavorful, and beautifully festive. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or yourself, it brings warmth and comfort in every bite.

It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for sharing.

If you’d like, Achraf, I can also give you:

  • A low-sugar version 🍃
  • A diabetic-friendly version
  • A Moroccan-style twist 🇲🇦
  • Or a professional bakery-style recipe

Just tell me 😊

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