Baked Goods > Quick Breads

Cranberry Orange Loaf Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Special Equipment Needed:
- 9x5 inch loaf pan
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Gradually beat in the flour mixture alternately with the orange juice and sour cream. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 60 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
7. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F (175 degrees C)
Serving Size: 10 slices

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 220
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Butter: Can be substituted with margarine or coconut oil.
- Orange juice: Can be substituted with pineapple juice or apple juice.
- Sour cream: Can be substituted with plain yogurt or buttermilk.
- Cranberries: Can be substituted with dried cranberries or blueberries.
- Walnuts: Can be substituted with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.

Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins or dried cherries for a sweeter loaf.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is softened before creaming with the sugar.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing.

Storage Instructions:
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 10 minutes.

Presentation Ideas:
- Slice the loaf and serve with butter or cream cheese.
- Drizzle with a glaze made of orange juice and powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
- Orange zest
- Chopped walnuts
- Powdered sugar

Pairings:
- Tea
- Coffee
- Hot chocolate

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fruit salad
- Yogurt
- Toast

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the loaf is too dry, add a few tablespoons of orange juice or sour cream to the batter.
- If the loaf is too moist, add a few tablespoons of flour to the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before using.
- Do not leave the loaf out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Food History:
Cranberry orange loaf is a classic combination of flavors that has been around for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, where it was served as a dessert or snack.

Flavor Profiles:
This loaf has a sweet and tart flavor from the cranberries and orange juice, with a hint of nuttiness from the walnuts.

Serving Suggestions:
- Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Toast and spread with butter or cream cheese.

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Taste: Sweet, Tangy, Citrusy, Fruity, Tart, sweet, citrusy, tangy