Cranberry Bliss Sweet Tart Festive Nut Bread

This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread My GoTo Bliss Loaf

By Emma PrescottSeptember 19, 2025

Table of Contents

Ready for Some Baking Bliss?

Ever find yourself craving something a little bit sweet, a little bit tart, and totally comforting? Honestly, same! Well, get your aprons ready because we're diving into a recipe that ticks all those boxes: This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread .

It's like a hug in a loaf, I kid you not.

Sweet, Tart, and Totally Delicious

This Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe isn't just any old bread, mind you. It's got that festive vibe that reminds you of cozy holidays and sharing good times.

Think perfectly balanced flavors the tang of cranberries mingling with the earthy crunch of walnuts. Divine!

A Classic with a Twist

Cranberry Orange Bread has been a staple in many homes, particularly around the holidays. This recipe takes that classic combination and elevates it with a hint of spice and plenty of nuts.

It's easy enough for a beginner baker and requires about 1 hour 10- 20 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields around 10-12 slices so it's great for sharing or stashing away for yourself!

Why You'll Adore This Recipe

One of the best things about Homemade Cranberry Bread is how easily it fits into any occasion. Whether you're enjoying a slice with your morning cuppa, adding it to a holiday brunch spread, or wrapping it up as a thoughtful gift, it always hits the spot.

Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants from the cranberries, giving you a little health boost with every bite.

Honestly, the beauty of this Nut Bread Recipe lies in its simplicity and flavor. If you're looking for an Easy Cranberry Nut Loaf or a truly special Holiday Bread Recipe , this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's get baking!

Ingredients & Equipment for Blissful Baking

Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Before we dive headfirst into baking this Festive Cranberry Nut Bread , we need to gather our bits and bobs.

This recipe is super forgiving, so don't fret if you're missing a fancy gadget or two. We'll make do, darling!

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here's the shopping list to bake our Easy Cranberry Nut Loaf .

Nuts : 1 cup (120g) Walnuts or Pecans, roughly chopped. Opt for good quality nuts. They'll smell nutty, not stale. You can toast them for a richer flavor.
Flour : 2 cups (250g) All-Purpose Flour (plain flour). Plain flour works best here.
Sugar : ¾ cup (150g) Granulated Sugar. The regular stuff is just fine.
Baking Powder : 1 teaspoon . Make sure yours is fresh. It helps Cranberry Orange Bread rise.
Baking Soda : ½ teaspoon . Also, check for freshness.
Salt : ¼ teaspoon . Just a pinch.
Cinnamon : 1 teaspoon ground . Adds a lovely warmth.
Vegetable Oil : ½ cup (120ml) Sunflower or canola. Use a neutral oil.
Eggs : 2 Large . Free range if you can.
Orange Juice : ¼ cup (60ml) Freshly squeezed is best.
Vanilla Extract : 1 teaspoon . Real vanilla is heavenly!
Cranberries : 1 ½ cups (170g) Fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped. For the Cranberry Walnut Bread .

My mum always says frozen berries are a lifesaver. Honestly, she's not wrong!

Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up

Cinnamon is the star here, adding that warm, comforting vibe. You could throw in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves if you're feeling adventurous.

Orange juice brightens the flavour and compliments the cranberries beautifully. If you don't have orange juice, apple juice will do in a pinch.

These little touches will boost the Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You really don't need much to make this Nut Bread Recipe .

Loaf Pan : 9x5 inch. This is essential.
Parchment Paper : For easy release.
Mixing Bowls : Large one.
Whisk & Spatula : For mixing.
Measuring Cups & Spoons : Obvious, right?
Baking Sheet : For toasting nuts.
Oven : Set to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Don't have parchment? Grease and flour the pan well. And if you are looking for a perfect bake for a Holiday Bread Recipe , these things will come in handy.

Now you're all set to create your very own Homemade Cranberry Bread !

Let's Talk Baking This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread

Honestly, sometimes you just crave something comforting, you know? Something that screams "autumn" or maybe even "Christmas," depending on your vibe.

That's where this amazing Cranberry Nut Bread comes in. It’s super easy to whip up, and the smell alone will have your neighbours knocking! You have to trust me.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Magic

Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your stuff together. This is key! Measure out all your ingredients.

Chop your nuts and cranberries. That's your essential mise en place done! Grab a loaf pan and grease it well.

Seriously, don't skimp here, or you'll be chipping away at the bread for ages. I like to line mine with parchment paper, leaving some overhang.

Makes life so much easier, trust me.

The Baking Ballet: step-by-step Guide

Heat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .
Give those nuts a little love! Spread them on a baking sheet and toast for around 5- 7 minutes , until they smell amazing. Careful, they burn easily!
In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mix the oil, eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.
Pour the wet stuff into the dry stuff and gently fold until just combined. Don't overmix! Seriously, this is crucial.
Fold in the toasted nuts and cranberries.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 50- 60 minutes , until a skewer comes out clean.

Pro Tips and Tricks

Want to elevate your Homemade Cranberry Bread ? Try toasting the nuts it makes a huge difference. Also, don't overmix the batter.

Honestly, it's the biggest mistake people make. Gently fold until everything is just combined, ok? If the top of your bread starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil.

This allows it to cook evenly without burning.

This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread , with its Cranberry Orange Bread and Cranberry Walnut Bread variations, is really the best Holiday Bread Recipe you'll find. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread

Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You've got the recipe for Cranberry Bliss: Sweet & Tart Festive Nut Bread .

Now, here are a few tips and tricks I've picked up along the way to make sure your loaf is a total triumph.

How to Serve Your Cranberry Nut Bread

Fancy it up, why don't you? Slicing and serving your Cranberry Orange Bread can be more than just, well, slicing and serving.

How about a dusting of icing sugar for that snowy, festive feel?

A wee dollop of mascarpone or whipped cream never hurt anyone, either. If you're feeling fancy, a drizzle of orange infused honey would be just the ticket.

This Festive Cranberry Bread goes down a treat with a steaming mug of tea or a glass of chilled fizz.

Storing Your Easy Cranberry Nut Loaf

Right, listen up. This Homemade Cranberry Bread keeps well, but only if you treat it right. Once it's completely cool, wrap it tightly in cling film.

Then, pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Fancy making it ahead? You can freeze the Cranberry Nut Bread Recipe . Wrap it super tightly in cling film, then foil, and it'll last for up to 2 months.

To defrost, leave it at room temperature overnight. Warm it up in the oven for a few minutes and you got a perfect Nut Bread Recipe slice!.

Swaps and Changes for Your Orange Nut Bread

Feeling adventurous? A little tweaking can make This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread even better. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Works a treat, honestly!

Want to mix up the nuts? Go for it! Walnuts, pecans, even a handful of chopped hazelnuts would be smashing.

Swap cranberries for blueberries if you like! It is not Cranberry Walnut Bread anymore, but it is just as tasty.

Nutrition Lowdown on Cranberry Bliss Nut Bread

Alright, let's keep it real. Each slice of this Cranberry Nut Bread is roughly 250-300 calories. There's also a good bit of fibre from the cranberries and nuts.

It's all about balance, innit?

Listen, baking should be fun, not stressful. Don't be afraid to experiment with this Holiday Bread Recipe and make it your own. Happy baking, luv!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries for This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread, or do they need to be fresh?

Absolutely, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure they are coarsely chopped while still frozen. No need to thaw them first, as this can make them release too much moisture and potentially affect the bread's texture.

Using frozen cranberries is a great way to make this bread year round, even when fresh cranberries are out of season!

Help! My bread is browning too quickly on top. What can I do?

Oh, bother! That's a common baking woe. If your bread is getting too brown on top before it's cooked through, simply tent it loosely with a piece of foil. This will shield the top from the direct heat and allow the inside to finish baking without burning the exterior. Think of it as a little hat for your bread!

What's the best way to store This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread to keep it fresh?

To keep your cranberry nut bread moist and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze it for up to 2 months.

When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Can I substitute the nuts in This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread? I'm not a fan of walnuts or pecans.

No worries, you can absolutely swap out the walnuts or pecans for other nuts! Almonds, hazelnuts, or even macadamia nuts would work beautifully in This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread. Just make sure to chop them to a similar size as the original nuts for even distribution.

Feel free to experiment and find your favorite combination; baking is all about putting your own spin on things, isn't it?

I'm trying to cut back on sugar. Can I reduce the amount in this recipe for This Festive Cranberry Nut Bread?

You can certainly reduce the sugar a bit. I'd suggest starting by reducing the sugar by about 1/4 cup (50g). Keep in mind that reducing the sugar significantly will affect the bread's sweetness and texture, potentially making it slightly drier.

You might consider adding a touch more orange juice or applesauce to compensate for the lost moisture and maintain the desired consistency. A sugar substitute suitable for baking could also be used!

My batter looks a bit lumpy, is that okay?

A few lumps are perfectly fine, darling! The key is not to overmix the batter. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined, leaving a few lumps is better than an over mixed batter, so fear not!