She Strengthens

Holiday Quick Bread: A Delicious Twist on Tradition

Rise to the Occasion

When it comes to quick breads, the magic lies in the leavening agents – baking powder and/or baking soda. These ingredients give your bread its signature lift, without the need for yeast or air-trapped eggs.

Orange-Cranberry Quick Bread: A Seasonal Delight

This festive quick bread is infused with the warmth of orange zest and the tartness of fresh or frozen cranberries. For added crunch, optional chopped pecans bring a delightful textural element to the mix.

Getting Started

To begin, combine flour, sugar, orange zest, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Whisk until the ingredients are well-aerated and lump-free. Next, blend in fresh orange juice, melted butter, an egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until just combined, then fold in the cranberries and nuts (if using).

Baking to Perfection

Heat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan by coating it with butter. Scrape the batter into the pan, smoothing the top and ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve, enjoying the perfect blend of flavors and textures in this delightful holiday quick bread.

Recipe at a Glance

Yield: 1 (9-inch) loaf
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 50 minutes baking and 1 hour cooling)
Active Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Finely grated zest of 1 medium orange
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups cranberries, thawed and sliced in half
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (optional)

Other Delicious Options

Looking for more quick bread inspiration? Try our Apple Quick Bread with Pecan Streusel, Peanut Butter-Honey Banana Bread, or Pecan and Sweet Potato Bread recipes for a taste adventure!