Cranberry Pecan Bread
User Reviews
4.7
Cranberry Pecan Bread
Description
This quick bread recipe uses a mix of all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, softened butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to create a rich batter. Chopped pecans and dried cranberries are folded in just before baking. The batter is poured into a greased loaf pan and baked until the surface turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
The bread’s texture is tender and moist from the buttermilk, with bursts of tartness from the cranberries and a subtle crunch from pecans throughout. The golden crust adds a lightly crisp contrast to the soft crumb inside.
The bread can be served as is or finished with a drizzle of white chocolate mixed with heavy cream to add a creamy sweetness. It pairs well with coffee or tea and can be sliced for breakfast or a snack. Optional chopped pecans can be sprinkled on top before baking for added texture.
Notes suggest variations such as adding orange zest for more citrus flavor, substituting coarse sugar topping if white chocolate is unavailable, adjusting baking times depending on pan size, and using leftover bread for French toast.
Ingredients
For the bread:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour 260 grams
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 150 grams
- 1/2 cup butter softened, salted
- 2 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk 8 ounces
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries
For the white chocolate drizzle:
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
Optional toppings:
- 2 tablespoons pecans for sprinkling on top of the bread, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 8 1/2"x4 1/2" loaf pan with cooking spray. Line with a piece of parchment paper for easier removal.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set the dry ingredients aside.
- In a separate bowl, use an electric hand mixer to mix together the sugar, butter, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, folding gently with a rubber spatula. Mix just until blended after each addition and do not overmix the batter.
- Fold in the pecans and cranberries. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes on the center rack, or until the top of the loaf is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it and place it on a wire rack to cool.
- For the white chocolate glaze, place the white chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave the chips for 20 seconds. Stir. Microwave for another 20 seconds. As soon as the chips start melting, start microwaving for 10 or even 5 second intervals. Be careful not to let it get too hot or it will burn. Be patient and stir between each time interval. You will end up with very thick, melted white chocolate. Spoon or drizzle this on top of the bread. Sprinkle with the extra pecans, if desired.
Notes
- Adding orange zest to the batter enhances the cranberry flavor with citrus notes.
- If white chocolate is unavailable, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for extra sweetness and texture.
- Baking times may vary if using a different size or shape loaf pan; check doneness accordingly.
- Leftover cranberry pecan bread slices can be repurposed to make French toast.
- Calories are estimated based on 10 slices, but vary by ingredient brands; consult a nutritionist for precise counts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 447 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 447kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 23g | 35% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Cholesterol | 72mg | 24% |
| Sodium | 364mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 158mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 33g | 66% |
| Vitamin A | 425IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 0.1mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 83mg | 8% |
| Iron | 1.6mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.7
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