Almond Cranberry Loaf: A Sweet, Nutty, and Flavorful Delight
This Almond Cranberry Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and nutty, with the tartness of cranberries and the crunch of almonds. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delicious snack!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds (for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan (9×5 inches) or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake the loaf: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
This Almond Cranberry Loaf is a crowd-pleaser, with its perfect mix of flavors and textures. It’s ideal for sharing with family and friends or enjoying on your own with a warm cup of tea!