Cranberry Bread Recipe for Bread Machine: A Holiday Favorite
Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic recipe! Today, we're going to show you how to make a scrumptious Cranberry Bread using your trusty bread machine. This festive loaf is perfect for the holidays, with its vibrant color, tart and sweet flavors, and irresistible aroma. Let's dive right in!
Ingredients: Simple and Festive
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients with a few festive additions. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 1/2 cups bread flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Steps to Cranberry Bread Perfection
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's get baking! Here's a step-by-step guide to make the perfect Cranberry Bread in your bread machine:
1. Prepare the Dough
Place the warm water, melted butter, bread flour, sugar, salt, and yeast in the bread machine pan in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the 'Dough' cycle and press 'Start'.
2. Add the Cranberries and Nuts
About 5 minutes before the dough cycle ends, open the lid and add the cranberries and nuts (if using). Allow the machine to continue mixing the ingredients until the dough is well combined.
3. Bake the Bread
Once the dough cycle is complete, remove the dough from the pan and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover the pan with a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil.
4. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove the bread from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips for the Best Results
Here are a few tips to help you achieve the perfect Cranberry Bread every time:
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor and texture. Avoid using dried cranberries, as they can make the bread too dense.
- If you prefer a less dense bread, you can reduce the amount of cranberries to 1 cup.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, you can brush a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled bread.
Nutritional Information
Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 slice, based on 12 slices per loaf):
| Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrate | Dietary Fiber | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250 | 5g | 1.5g | 5mg | 350mg | 45g | 2g | 7g |
This Cranberry Bread is not only delicious but also a great source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. Enjoy it as a snack, with your morning coffee, or as a delightful addition to your holiday spread!
Happy baking, and we hope you love this Cranberry Bread recipe as much as we do! Don't forget to share your creations with us on social media. Happy holidays!
