Cranberry And Orange Loaf

Christmas is about cozy fires, twinkling lights, and the sweet smells wafting from the kitchen. This delightful Cranberry and Orange Loaf recipe captures the essence of the holiday season with its zesty citrus flavor and bursts of tart cranberries. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your Christmas baking repertoire.

**Ingredients:**

– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– ½ tsp baking soda
– ½ tsp salt
– ¾ cup granulated sugar
– zest of 1 orange
– ½ cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup vegetable oil
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
– ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

3. In a separate bowl, rub the granulated sugar and orange zest together with your fingertips to release the fragrant oils from the zest and create an aromatic sugar.

4. Add the orange sugar mixture to the dry ingredients and mix well.

5. In another bowl, whisk together the orange juice, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.

6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.

7. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts, if using, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

8. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

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

10. Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Once cooled, dust the Cranberry and Orange Loaf with powdered sugar for a snowy finish.

**Enjoy your Cranberry and Orange Loaf with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy Christmas treat that is bursting with seasonal flavors. The combination of tangy cranberries and bright orange zest is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your holiday celebrations. This loaf also makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family – just wrap it up in some festive paper and tie it with a ribbon for a heartfelt present. Share the joy of Christmas baking with this delicious recipe that is sure to become a staple in your holiday traditions.**