Irresistible Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf Recipe

The aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf wafts through the air like a warm hug on a chilly day. With every slice, you uncover a delightful mosaic of tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your palate. This holiday bread isn’t just food; it’s an experience that wraps you in nostalgia.

Picture this: the family gathers around the kitchen table, laughter fills the air, and someone dramatically slices into this beautiful loaf. Suddenly, everyone is fighting over who gets the biggest piece. The best part? It’s not just for holidays; it’s perfect any time you want to treat your taste buds to something special.

I remember the first time I made this delightful bread for my family’s holiday brunch. The way their eyes lit up with each bite was priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture and structure in your bread.

• Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the tartness of cranberries beautifully.

• Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; make sure it’s fresh for optimal rise.

• Salt: Just a pinch elevates all the flavors in this bread.

• Unsalted Butter: Use room temperature butter for easy mixing and rich flavor.

• Eggs: They bind everything together and add moisture to the loaf.

• Milk: Whole milk will keep your bread moist and tender.

• Cranberries: Fresh or dried; they bring vibrant color and tangy flavor.

• Pistachios: Toasted pistachios add crunchiness and nutty depth.

• Vanilla Extract: A splash enhances the overall sweetness and aroma of the bread.

• Zest of Orange or Lemon: Adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens up the flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures even distribution of ingredients.

Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when it looks light and airy.

Add Eggs and Milk: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by milk and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well-combined but be careful not to overmix.

Fold in Fruits and Nuts: Gently fold cranberries, pistachios, and citrus zest into the batter using a spatula. Be cautious here; you want to maintain that lovely texture.

Bake Your Loaf: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean when done.

Now you have created a Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf that’s not just tasty but also makes your kitchen smell heavenly! Enjoy every bite as you savor both its flavor and the memories it creates!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients and then fold in wet ingredients gently to prevent overmixing. Bake until golden brown for a perfectly moist texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or use walnuts instead of pistachios. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra holiday kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store your cranberry pistachio holiday bread loaf in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy warm.

Memories of my first holiday baking attempt flood back; my friends devoured this loaf within minutes, leaving me with nothing but crumbs and joy.

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries for the cranberry pistachio holiday bread loaf?

Yes, just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the batter.

What is the best way to serve cranberry pistachio holiday bread loaf?

Serve it warm with butter or cream cheese for a delicious treat any time.

How long can I store this bread?

This bread stays fresh for about three days at room temperature in an airtight container.

Print

Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cranberry Pistachio Holiday Bread Loaf is a festive delight that brings warmth and joy to any table. Bursting with the vibrant tartness of cranberries and the nutty crunch of pistachios, this easy-to-make loaf offers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Ideal for holiday gatherings or as a thoughtful gift, every slice promises to evoke nostalgia and delicious memories.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: About 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 cup cranberries (fresh or dried)
• 3/4 cup chopped pistachios, toasted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk and vanilla.
4. Gently fold in dry ingredients along with cranberries, pistachios, and citrus zest.
5. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (70g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can substitute cranberries with dried cherries and use walnuts instead of pistachios for variations. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.