There are some things I hear a lot: "Do I have any clean underwear?", "When's dinner ready?", and "Mom, mom, MOM!" are in the top three. But around Thanksgiving and Christmas, I also frequently hear "This is the best cranberry bread ever!"

In fact, this simple quick bread has become a family tradition. I like to bake up a couple loaves for our family, plus more to give as gifts to neighbors, friends, and family. The flavors are heavenly - not just sweetened cranberries, but also cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of orange.

Best Ever Cranberry Bread Recipe

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup halved fresh cranberries
1/2 cup golden raisins
1 tablespoon freshly grated orange peel
2 eggs
3/4 cup milk
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract

1. Place the raisins in a small bowl and cover with water. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8 1/2" x 4 1/2" loaf pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold in the cranberries. Strain the raisins and fold into the flour mixture. Stir in the orange peel.





3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then stir in the milk, butter, and vanilla. Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

4. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire cooling rack and cool completely. Store at room temperature.


This post originally appeared in December of 2012.