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Sweet Cranberry-Cherry Slice Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

Sweet Cranberry-Cherry Slice Breads are moist, flavorful loaf cakes bursting with tart cranberries, juicy cherries, and a hint of warm cinnamon. Perfectly tender with a delicate orange zest aroma and a sweet powdered sugar glaze finish, these slice breads make a delightful treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1.0 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.5 cups buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest

Fruit and Nuts

  • 1.0 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, chopped
  • 1.0 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • 0.5 cups chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Glaze

  • 0.25 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water or milk (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside this dry mixture for later use.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer in a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. This step helps create a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Flavorings: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and orange zest, mixing until combined well to infuse moisture and flavor.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Take care not to overmix to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
  6. Fold in the Fruits and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries, halved cherries, and chopped nuts if using. The batter will become thick and chunky, filled with vibrant fruit pieces.
  7. Transfer to the Pan: Pour the thick batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
  8. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the bread top browns too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  9. Cool and Glaze: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent melting.
  10. Prepare Glaze: In a small bowl, combine powdered sugar with a tablespoon of water or milk, stirring until smooth and drizzle-consistent. Drizzle this sweet glaze evenly over the cooled loaf for a finishing touch.
  11. Slice and Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before slicing the bread into thick pieces. Serve and enjoy the moist, fruity sweetness of your homemade Sweet Cranberry-Cherry Slice Breads.

Notes

  • For best results, use fresh fruits if possible; if using frozen cranberries or cherries, do not thaw before mixing to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
  • You can substitute nuts with seeds or omit them for a nut-free version.
  • If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add an extra half teaspoon of orange zest.
  • Store sliced breads in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For a dairy-free alternative, substitute buttermilk with almond milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice.

Keywords: cranberry bread, cherry bread, loaf cake, sweet slice bread, fruit bread, cinnamon, orange zest, baked fruit bread

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/sweet-cranberry-cherry-slice-bread-recipe/