Cranberry Apple Bread Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Apple Bread is a delightful balance of tart cranberries and sweet apples, perfect for autumn mornings or an afternoon treat. Moist and flavorful, it features a crunchy oat topping and a simple vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 3/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored, about 1/4″ squares)
• 1 cup halved fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup flour (to mix with fruit)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup flour (for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)
• 1/4 cup oats
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well blended.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples and cranberries with 1/4 cup flour; this helps prevent the fruit from sinking during baking.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until almost combined.
6. Step 6: Fold in the floured fruit mixture until evenly distributed, then pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
7. Step 7: For the topping, mix the brown sugar, 1/4 cup flour, cinnamon, and oats in a small bowl, then stir in the melted butter with a fork. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
8. Step 8: Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. Step 9: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Step 10: While cooling, mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create the glaze. Drizzle it over the bread, slice, and serve.

Tips & Variations

• To keep the fruit from sinking, make sure to toss it well in flour before adding to the batter.
• Substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones if fresh aren’t available, but do not thaw before adding.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the oat topping for extra crunch and flavor.
• For a dairy-free glaze, use a plant-based milk alternative.

Storage

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing to maintain texture and prevent the batter from becoming too wet.

What can I use instead of vegetable oil?

You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or light olive oil for a different flavor profile, keeping the same quantity.

Cranberry Apple Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Apple Bread is a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for fall and winter. Packed with fresh cranberries and tender apple cubes, it combines warm spices like cinnamon with a sweet vanilla glaze drizzle. A crunchy oat and brown sugar topping adds texture and makes each bite delightful. Ideal for breakfast, snacking, or dessert, this bread offers a cozy homemade treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Bread Ingredients

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup chopped apples (peeled & cored, about 1/4″ squares)
• 1 cup halved fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for coating fruit)

Topping Ingredients

• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 3 tablespoons butter (melted)

Glaze Ingredients

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift or stir together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon evenly.
4. Coat fruit with flour: In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples and halved cranberries with 1/4 cup of flour to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
5. Mix batter: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined; the batter may be slightly lumpy but should have no large pockets of flour.
6. Add fruit and fold in: Fold in the flour-coated fruit mixture carefully until distributed evenly throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top.
7. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and oats. Stir in the melted butter using a fork until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the batter in the loaf pan.
8. Bake the bread: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs attached.
9. Cool and remove: Allow the bread to cool for about 5 minutes in the pan, then carefully remove it and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make and add glaze: While the bread cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle this glaze evenly over the cooled bread. Slice and enjoy your delicious cranberry apple bread!

Notes

• Coating the fruit in flour helps prevent sinking and ensures even distribution in the bread.
• You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats if preferred, but texture may vary slightly.
• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen can be used; no need to thaw but add a couple extra minutes to baking time.
• Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and moist.
• For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs and use a plant-based butter and milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry apple bread, fruit bread, cinnamon bread, holiday bread, quick bread, fall baking