Cranberry bread is a delightful blend of tart and sweet flavors that celebrates the goodness of local produce. This Midwest-inspired bread, adorned with ruby red cranberries, captures the essence of comfort and the abundance of the land. To take this classic treat to the next level, I’ve added a heavenly brown sugar crumble that adds a caramelized crunch to the moist loaf. It’s a bread that embraces the charm of simplicity and the joy of seasonal fruits. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast option, a afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful addition to your dinner table, this cranberry bread with brown sugar crumble is the perfect choice, especially during harvest season or as a special treat for holiday meals.

A Harmony of Flavors and Textures

Serve this delightful cranberry loaf slightly warmed to bring out its rich flavors. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream if you’re in the mood for indulgence. To create a balanced plate, enjoy it with a steaming mug of coffee or a refreshing glass of cold milk. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a slice of cheddar cheese to experience the wonderful interplay of sweet and savory.

Recipe: Cranberry Bread with Brown Sugar Crumble

Servings: 8-10 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg, well beaten
  • 3/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Brown Sugar Crumble:

  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine the beaten egg, orange juice, vegetable oil, and orange zest.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts, if desired.
  5. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
  6. For the crumble, mix the brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  7. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the batter in the loaf pan.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  9. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Variations and Tips

  • Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture, but you can also use frozen cranberries. Just remember not to defrost them before adding them to the batter.
  • For a nut-free option, omit the walnuts or substitute them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a delightful crunch without the nuts.
  • If you prefer a less sweet crumb, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the crumble to 1/4 cup.
  • To enhance the orange flavor, replace the vegetable oil with melted butter and add an additional tablespoon of orange zest.
  • Keep the bread moist by wrapping it in foil or plastic wrap and storing it at room temperature for up to 3 days. It also freezes beautifully, so consider making an extra loaf to enjoy later.

This cranberry bread with brown sugar crumble is a festive and comforting treat that celebrates the flavors of the season. It’s a delightful addition to any meal or a thoughtful gift for your loved ones. Enjoy the warmth and goodness of this homemade goodness!

Bonus Recipe: No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheel Fudge

Are you a fan of chocolate and peanut butter? This no-bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheel Fudge recipe is perfect for you! With just three ingredients and a simple process, you can create a mouthwatering holiday treat that will impress your friends and family.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction to Pinwheel Fudge
  • Ingredients Needed
  • How to Make Homemade Pinwheel Fudge
  • Pinwheel Fudge Variations
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes to Try

Pinwheel Fudge is not only delicious, but it also looks fancy and festive with its swirl pattern and double flavored fudge mix. The best part is, it’s incredibly easy to make and takes only 30 minutes of hands-on time. Even little hands can get involved in the process!

Ingredients Needed:

  • Peanut Butter Chips: Use your favorite brand for the peanut butter fudge.
  • Chocolate Chips: Choose milk chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor or dark chocolate chips for a more balanced treat.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: The not-so-secret main ingredient of fudge! Use your favorite brand.

How to Make Homemade Pinwheel Fudge

  1. Make the chocolate fudge: Combine chocolate chips and half the can of sweetened condensed milk. Microwave and stir until the chips have melted.
  2. Spread the chocolate fudge mixture onto a prepared pan and refrigerate.
  3. Make the peanut butter fudge: Combine peanut butter chips and the rest of the sweetened condensed milk. Microwave and stir until smooth.
  4. Carefully spread the peanut butter fudge layer on top of the chocolate fudge mixture, then refrigerate.
  5. Roll the fudge slab tightly, starting at the long side and leaving the parchment paper behind.
  6. Wrap the rolled fudge in plastic wrap and chill for 2-4 hours before slicing.

Pinwheel Fudge FAQs

How do I store Pinwheel Fudge? Store this Pinwheel Fudge in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can put parchment paper or plastic wrap between each slice to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze Pinwheel Fudge? Yes, you can freeze your Pinwheel Fudge for up to 3 months. Just remember to place parchment paper between each layer to prevent sticking.

A Delicious Edible Gift!

Looking for a delightful edible gift for the holidays? Slice your Pinwheel Fudge and put them in cute gift bags or holiday tins lined with tissue paper and parchment paper. Add a handwritten note, and you have a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors.

Pinwheel Fudge Variations

Want to get creative with your Pinwheel Fudge? Here are some ideas:

  • Mix up the chips: Try using dark chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or peanut butter chips.
  • Add other flavors: Experiment with mint extract, orange extract, or almond extract to create unique flavor combinations.
  • Other add-ins: Add chopped nuts, crushed candy canes, a ribbon of caramel, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch.

Serving Suggestions

Create the ultimate peanut butter and chocolate treat tray by serving this Pinwheel Fudge alongside Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge with Pretzels, Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies, and Better No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars.

More Peanut Butter Dessert Recipes to Try

If you can’t get enough of the peanut butter and chocolate combination, be sure to check out these other mouthwatering recipes:

  • Puppy Chow
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Candies
  • Peanut Butter Balls

We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Pinwheel Fudge recipe!