Exquisite Cranberry Loaf: A Delightful Recipe for Your Baking Adventures

Indulge in the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness with this Cranberry Loaf recipe, a delightful addition to your baking repertoire. With its moist texture and burst of cranberry flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite. Here’s how to create this culinary masterpiece:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 eggs, at room temperature
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (8 oz) bag fresh cranberries

For the Crumble Topping:

• ¼ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) and generously grease two loaf pans. Alternatively, you can opt for one larger loaf pan or a 9-inch cake pan for a different presentation.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture for approximately 5 minutes or until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency, ensuring that the volume has noticeably increased. This step is crucial for achieving the desired texture, so take your time with it.
3. Add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the egg and sugar mixture. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
4. Gradually incorporate the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense loaf.
5. Gently fold the fresh cranberries into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out evenly.
7. In a separate bowl, prepare the crumble topping by combining the brown sugar, flour, and unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this evenly over the tops of the loaf batter.
8. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes if using two loaf pans, or 60-70 minutes for a single larger loaf. To ensure thorough baking, insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf – it should come out clean when done.
9. Once baked, remove the cranberry loaves from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Once cooled, slice the loaves into thick, delectable slices and serve. Enjoy the irresistible blend of flavors and textures with each bite!

This Cranberry Loaf recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack. Embrace the warmth and comfort of homemade baking with this delightful creation.