This delightful Cranberry Loaf is the perfect blend of tart cranberries and a buttery, sweet crumb topping. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, it’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients:
– For the Loaf:
– 2 cups sugar
– 3 large eggs (room temperature)
– ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon almond extract
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 8 oz fresh cranberries
– For the Crumb Topping:
– ¼ cup brown sugar
– ¼ cup all-purpose flour
– ⅓ cup cold unsalted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two standard loaf pans or one 9-inch cake pan.
2. Cream eggs and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and doubled in volume. This step ensures a light, fluffy texture for the loaf.
3. Add wet ingredients: Incorporate the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract into the egg mixture. Mix until smooth and well-blended.
4. Prepare dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Add cranberries: Fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
6. Make the crumb topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, and butter. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Assemble and bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans. Sprinkle the crumb topping generously over the batter. Bake for 45-50 minutes (for two loaves) or 60-70 minutes (for one large loaf), until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve:Let the loaves cool completely in their pans before slicing and serving. Enjoy as is, or with a pat of butter for extra indulgence!
This cranberry loaf is perfect for holiday gatherings, casual brunches, or just enjoying with a cup of tea. The tartness of the cranberries contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the crumb topping, making each bite a delight.