Breakfast Breads

 

Ultimate Breakfast Bread: Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread
Introduction

Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the citrusy brightness of oranges and the nutty crunch of walnuts. Perfect for a leisurely breakfast or brunch, this bread is moist, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether enjoyed toasted with a pat of butter or as part of a festive brunch spread, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds. Let’s dive into creating this irresistible breakfast bread from scratch, ensuring each step is meticulously detailed for your baking pleasure.
Ingredients
For the Bread:

-2 cups all-purpose flour
-1 cup whole wheat flour
-1 cup granulated sugar
-1 tablespoon baking powder
-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-Zest of 1 orange
-1 cup fresh orange juice (about 3 oranges)
-1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-2 large eggs, beaten
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-1 cup dried cranberries
-1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Batter

1-Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

2-Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest.

3-Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix together the fresh orange juice, melted butter, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract.

4-Combine Mixtures: Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

5-Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts until evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 2: Bake the Bread

1-Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

2-Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean.

3-Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Next, move the bread to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Serving Suggestions

-Toast and Butter: Slice the Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread and toast until lightly golden. Serve with a smear of butter.
-Brunch Spread: Serve slices of the bread alongside yogurt, fresh fruit, and a selection of cheeses for a festive brunch spread.
-Gift Idea: Wrap slices of the bread in parchment paper and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Tips for Success

-Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh oranges for both the juice and zest to maximize the citrus flavor.
-Even Mixing: Mix the batter gently and just until combined to avoid overdeveloping the gluten, which can result in a dense bread.
-Storage: Keep the cooled bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Variations

-Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts for a nut-free version of Cranberry Orange Bread.
-Gluten-Free: Substitute gluten-free flour for the all-purpose and whole wheat flours to make this recipe gluten-free.
-Add Spice: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a spiced variation.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread is a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table, offering a burst of citrus flavor balanced with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create a moist and flavorful breakfast bread that will become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread filling your kitchen and savor each slice of this delicious Cranberry Orange Walnut Bread!

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