Vegan Christmas Cranberry Loaf

Vegan Christmas Cranberry Loaf is a magic to holiday baking. A hot loaf of bread and a hot beverage are comfort in all its simplicity. This recipe makes the table merry. The star is the cranberries in this loaf. Their sourness balances out the sweet taste and gives a burst of flavor to each bite. Add some orange zest and orange juice, and you have a fresh and vibrant citrus boost. The spices enhance the flavor. This Vegan Christmas Cranberry Loaf is tender and juicy. It captures the essence of the holiday in a classic yet fresh way.

STATS

• Diet: Vegan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Course: Dessert or Snack
• Cuisine: Holiday Baking
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Yield: 10 slices
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy Cooking
• Method: Baking

EQUIPMENT

• Mixing bowls for dry & wet ingredients
• Measuring cups & spoons for accuracy
• Whisk for smooth blending
• Loaf pan for baking
• Parchment paper for lining
• Spatula for folding the batter
  Cooling rack for even cooling

INGREDIENTS

• Two cups of all-purpose flour
• One teaspoon of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of baking soda
• One teaspoon of ground cinnamon and half a teaspoon of salt
• Half a teaspoon of nutmeg, ground
• One cup of cranberries, either fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup coconut sugar or sugar
• Half a cup of nondairy milk
• One tablespoon of neutral oil and two teaspoons of flaxseed meal
• Six teaspoons of water
• One teaspoon of vanilla essence
• Two tablespoons of orange juice and one tablespoon of orange zest

INGREDIENT NOTES

Cranberries:

• Cranberries, Fresh or frozen labor. Fresh berries provide the best consistency as the frozen make the loaf moist. No need to thaw before using.

Flour:

• The structure is provided by general-purpose flour. A gluten-free blend is also possible.

Sugar:

• White sugar is a light sweetener. Coconut sugar gives a complex and caramel flavor.

Flax egg:

• This is a blend of flaxseed meal and water used as the binding agent. It is used instead of eggs in this vegan dish.

Orange zest and juice:

• These lighten the loaf and counterbalance the sourness of the cranberries.

Spices:

• Cinnamon and nutmeg produce a warm and cozy taste.

Oil:

• A neutral oil does not dry out the loaf or overwhelm the taste.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Set the oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Use paper towels for wrapping a loaf pan. In a bowl, mix flaxseed meal & water to make the flax egg.
3. Let it thicken for five minutes.
4. In a large basin, combine the cake flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, & nutmeg.
5. In a another bowl, combine the sugar, oil, dairy-free milk, fiber blend, vanilla, orange zest, and juice from the orange.
6. Mix the dry components with the wet mixture. Gently stir till just blended.
7. Using a spatula, fold in cranberries, being careful not to mix too much.
8. Bake for the next forty minutes, preferably till a knife pushed in the center and checked to come out clean.
9. Give the loaf ten minutes to cool in the pan.
10. Move to a cooling tray after that. When it cool down, cut into slices & serve.

TIPS

• Lightly coat with flour and then fold in. This makes them unable to sink.
• Stir in pecans or walnuts.
• Before baking, sprinkle coarse sugar on the top to make it festive.
• It’s best not to stir the batter too completely.
• Drizzle over with a touch of orange glaze, made of powdered sugar and juice, if you like.

STORAGE INFORMATION

Fridge:

• Keep in an airtight sealed box for at least 5 days. For optimal flavor, reheat a little before dishing.

Freezer:

• Put the slices in a freezer bag after wrapping them in foil or wrap made of plastic. Keeps well for the next 2 months. Thaw full night at room temperature.

FAQs

Can the dried fruit be used?

• They are sweeter than fresh, yes, but still. To balance the taste, slightly lower the amount of sweetness.

Could this possibly be made gluten-free?

• Yes. A gluten-free flour blend works well. Baking time may vary slightly.

Can I add other fruits?

• Yes. Apples or pears pair well with cranberries in this loaf.

Does this need frosting?

• No. The loaf is flavorful on its own, but a glaze adds extra sweetness if desired.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per slice)

Calories: 210
Protein: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fiber: 3 g Fat: 8 g
Calcium: 5% DV
Iron: 7% DV
Vitamin C: 12% DV
Sodium: 180 mg