Deliciously Easy Cranberry Apple Bread Recipe for Fall Baking

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A metal scoop nestled in a vibrant collection of fresh red cranberries, ready for picking and use in holiday recipes.

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like the aroma of baking filling your home. One standout recipe that captures the essence of fall is cranberry apple bread. This delightful treat perfectly balances tart cranberries and sweet apples, resulting in a moist loaf ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.

In this post, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a cozy autumn day. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!

Why Cranberry Apple Bread?

Cranberry apple bread is a delicious way to celebrate fall flavors. The combination of fresh cranberries and apples creates a wonderful contrast that’s both sweet and tart. Did you know that apples are not just tasty but also nutritious? A medium apple has about 95 calories and provides around 14% of your daily fiber needs.

This bread is versatile, too! Enjoy it plain, spread with butter, or toasted with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It also makes for a thoughtful homemade gift during the holiday season. The vivid colors of the cranberries and apples make it a lovely centerpiece for any table.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if fresh isn’t available)

• 1 cup peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)

  
  

Having everything measured out before you start makes the process smoother and more enjoyable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your bread bakes evenly and comes out perfectly golden brown.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray. Lining it with parchment paper can also help with easier removal later.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step is crucial for even distribution of the dry ingredients, which affects the texture of your bread.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Make sure it’s well combined for a uniform flavor throughout the bread.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; it’s fine if a few lumps remain.

Step 6: Fold in the Cranberries and Apples

Gently fold in the cranberries and diced apples. The vibrant colors and textures at this stage make your batter exciting and visually appealing.

Step 7: Pour into the Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.

Step 8: Bake

Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell of baking cranberry apple bread will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist!

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and savor your delicious creation!

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Apple Bread

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and apples enhance the flavor. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter. They retain their shape and provide a delightful contrast.

• Add Nuts: For extra texture, consider adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. This adds not just crunch but also a nutty flavor.

  
  

• Spice It Up: Experiment with spices! A pinch of ground ginger or cloves can add an inviting warmth to the bread.

  
  

• Storage: Store your cranberry apple bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months.

  
  

Embrace the Fall Flavor

Cranberry apple bread beautifully captures the flavors of fall. Easy to make, this moist and flavorful loaf is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you enjoy it with morning coffee or share it during gatherings, it can become a seasonal favorite.

So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the process of baking this delightful treat.

Happy fall baking!