Description
Cranberry Walnut Bread with Orange Zest is a moist and fragrant plant-based bread bursting with fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, and bright orange zest. Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or anytime treat, this bread combines natural sweetness and a satisfying crunch for a deliciously cozy flavor experience.
Ingredients
																
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			Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
 - 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
 - 3/4 cup sugar
 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
 
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
 - 3/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, oat, or soy)
 - 1/4 cup vegetable oil
 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (natural)
 - 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
 
Flavorings and Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
 - 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
 - Zest of 1 medium orange
 
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. Rinse fresh cranberries and pat dry. Toast walnuts lightly in a pan until fragrant and set aside. Grate the orange zest carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith.
 - Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined for even rising and flavor.
 - Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with plant-based milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract (natural), and the natural gelling agent to create a smooth, moist mixture.
 - Bring it all together: Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold in the fresh cranberries, toasted walnuts, and orange zest to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
 - Bake to perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
 
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor.
 - Toast walnuts before adding to enhance nuttiness.
 - Do not overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
 - Zest oranges before juicing to retain flavor potency.
 - Check doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
 
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
 - Cook Time: 55 minutes
 - Category: Appetizers
 - Method: Baking
 - Cuisine: American
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of loaf)
 - Calories: 180
 - Sugar: 12g
 - Sodium: 120mg
 - Fat: 8g
 - Saturated Fat: 1g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 7g
 - Trans Fat: 0g
 - Carbohydrates: 25g
 - Fiber: 3g
 - Protein: 4g
 - Cholesterol: 40mg
 
Keywords: Cranberry Walnut Bread, Orange Zest Bread, Plant-Based Bread, Gluten-Free Bread, Fruit and Nut Bread, Breakfast Bread, Snack Bread