### Cranberry Orange Nut Bread Recipe: A Delicious Holiday Favorite
#### Introduction
Add a touch of festive cheer to your baking routine this holiday season with our delicious cranberry orange nut bread recipe! This bread is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor from the sweet cranberries, zesty oranges, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.
#### Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tbsp grated orange zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups cranberries, dried or fresh, chopped
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or almonds
#### Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Loaf pan (9x5 inches)
- Parchment paper (optional)
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients**
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups of granulated sugar, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1 tsp of salt, and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon (add nutmeg if desired). Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
3. **Cream the Butter and Eggs**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 2 large eggs until light and fluffy. This will help create a tender crumb texture in your bread.
4. **Add Wet Ingredients**
- Gradually add ¾ cup of fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp of grated orange zest, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract to the butter-egg mixture. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. **Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients**
- Slowly stir in the dry ingredient mix into the wet mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough bread, so be gentle!
6. **Fold in Cranberries and Nuts**
- Gently fold in 2 cups of chopped cranberries and ½ cup of chopped walnuts or almonds. This step is crucial as it ensures the fruit and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. **Pour into Loaf Pan**
- Transfer the mixture to your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. **Bake**
- Place the bread in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool and Serve**
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan and transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### Tips and Variations
- **Add Citrus Zest:** For extra zing, zest another orange or add a bit of lemon zest.
- **Glaze It Up:** Drizzle a simple glaze made from confectioners' sugar and a few drops of orange juice over the cooled bread for an elegant finish.
#### Conclusion
Enjoy your delicious cranberry orange nut bread with a cup of tea or coffee, perfect for any time of day. This recipe not only serves as a delightful treat but also makes great holiday gifts to share with friends and family. Happy baking!