Spiced apple cranberry bread has a way of instantly transporting me back to cozy autumn afternoons. I remember the first time I tried making it myself, nervous about getting the spices just right, hoping for that perfect balance of sweet apples and tart cranberries. The aroma that filled my kitchen as this fall spiced apple cranberry bread baked was pure magic – warm cinnamon, cloves, and that hint of fruitiness. It’s incredibly rewarding to know exactly how to make spiced apple cranberry bread that’s bursting with flavor and has that wonderfully tender crumb. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
You’re going to adore this easy spiced apple cranberry bread for so many reasons! It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and warmly spiced flavors that just screams comfort.
- Incredible taste: A delightful mix of sweet apples and tangy cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Quick prep time: You can whip up this easy spiced apple cranberry bread in just 15 minutes.
- Wholesome ingredients: Packed with fruit and spices for a treat you can feel good about.
- Budget-friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable bake.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike rave about this delicious loaf.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert.
- Aromatic baking experience: Your kitchen will smell amazing while it’s in the oven.
Ingredients for Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this wonderful apple cranberry spice bread. Having everything prepped makes assembling this delicious loaf a breeze, ensuring you get that perfect texture and flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender loaf
- 1 tsp baking soda – helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 tsp salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – a warming spice essential
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – adds depth to the spice blend
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves – for that classic spiced aroma
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger – a little extra warmth
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – creates richness and moisture
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor
- 1 cup buttermilk – crucial for a moist crumb
- 1 cup chopped fresh apples – adds sweetness and tender texture
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries – provides that signature tartness
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – for an extra crunch
How to Make Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
Let’s get this homemade spiced apple cranberry bread into the oven! It’s a straightforward process that fills your kitchen with the most incredible aromas. You’ll love how simple it is to transform these ingredients into a show-stopping loaf.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to properly grease and flour a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your beautiful bread slides out perfectly.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger. This dry mixture is the backbone of our spiced flavor profile.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and softened butter until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This aeration is key to a tender crumb.
- Step 4: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, sweet aroma.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined – overmixing can lead to a tough loaf.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the chopped fresh apples, fresh or frozen cranberries, and chopped nuts (if you’re using them) to create your delicious homemade spiced apple cranberry bread. The batter will be thick.
- Step 7: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 50-60 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your home will be absolutely divine!
- Step 9: Let the spiced apple cranberry loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows it to set slightly. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying this fantastic homemade spiced apple cranberry bread.
Pro Tips for the Best Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
Want to elevate your spiced apple cranberry bread from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that guarantee a fantastic result every time. These simple tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten too much, which can make your bread tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the butter, eggs, and buttermilk. This helps them emulsify better, creating a smoother batter and a more tender crumb.
- If using fresh cranberries, toss them with a tablespoon of the flour mixture before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or a tablespoon of orange zest to the dry ingredients.
What’s the secret to perfect Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread?
The secret to a perfect, moist spiced apple cranberry bread lies in the buttermilk and not overmixing. Buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, while gentle mixing ensures a lovely, soft crumb rather than a dense, tough one. For more baking tips, check out our latest recipes.
Can I make Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter for your spiced apple cranberry bread up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before pouring into the pan and baking.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread?
The most common issue is dry spiced apple cranberry bread. This can happen from overbaking or using too much flour. Always start checking for doneness at the lower end of the baking time, and measure your flour accurately by spooning it into the cup, not scooping. Learn more about proper baking techniques.
Best Ways to Serve Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
This delightful cranberry apple spice loaf is incredibly versatile and delicious served in so many ways! It’s a wonderful treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions to make this spiced apple cranberry bread shine.
- Serve warm slices plain, letting the natural flavors of the spiced apple cranberry bread be the star. A simple cup of coffee or tea makes a perfect companion.
- Toast slices lightly and spread with a generous layer of butter or cream cheese. The warmth brings out the spices beautifully.
- Enjoy this fall spiced apple cranberry bread as part of a brunch spread alongside yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or a savory breakfast casserole. Try our turkey meatballs for a savory addition.
Nutrition Facts for Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
This spiced apple cranberry bread is a delightful treat, and here’s a look at its nutritional profile per serving. Knowing the details helps you enjoy this delicious spiced fruitbread apple cranberry guilt-free!
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more healthy options, explore our healthy recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
Once your delicious spiced fruitbread apple cranberry has cooled completely, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful. I’ve found that a few simple steps can keep this lovely loaf tasting like it just came out of the oven for days!
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let your bread cool fully on a wire rack. Trapped steam will make the inside gummy if you try to store it warm.
- Airtight is Best: Once completely cool, wrap the spiced apple cranberry bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty zip-top bag.
- Refrigerator Storage: Stored this way, your bread will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. This is perfect for enjoying slices throughout the week.
- Freezer for Longer Storage: For longer preservation, wrap the cooled loaf (or slices) very well and freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Methods: To reheat, gently warm slices in a toaster oven or a conventional oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave slices briefly, but be careful not to overheat, as this can make the bread tough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread
What is spiced apple cranberry bread?
Spiced apple cranberry bread is a delicious quick bread featuring a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with the sweet-tart flavors of chopped apples and cranberries. It’s a comforting and aromatic bake, often enjoyed during the fall and holiday seasons, but truly delightful year-round.
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries just as you would fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to your batter. They’ll bake up beautifully, releasing their tartness throughout the loaf. This is a great tip for when fresh cranberries aren’t in season.
Why is my spiced apple cranberry bread dry?
A dry spiced apple cranberry bread is often the result of overbaking or inaccurate flour measurement. Always start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark and use a toothpick to test. Also, be sure to spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, to avoid adding too much.
What is the best apple cranberry bread recipe?
This recipe is certainly a contender for the best apple cranberry bread recipe! Its balance of spices, moist crumb thanks to the buttermilk, and the perfect ratio of apples to cranberries makes it a crowd-pleaser. Following the tips for measuring flour and avoiding overbaking will ensure you achieve fantastic results every time. For more amazing recipes, check out our cheesy ritz crackers.
Variations of Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, you might want to explore some delicious variations of this spiced apple cranberry bread! It’s so adaptable, and you can easily tailor it to different dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas I love to play with.
- Gluten-Free Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread: For a wonderful gluten-free spiced apple cranberry bread, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture remains surprisingly close to the original!
- Vegan Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread: Making this recipe vegan is a breeze. Use two “flax eggs” (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) instead of chicken eggs, substitute dairy-free butter, and use a plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk to create a delicious vegan spiced apple cranberry bread.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Add the zest of one orange or lemon to the batter along with the wet ingredients. This brightens the flavor and complements the apples and cranberries beautifully, creating a more complex spiced fruitbread.
- Mini Loaves or Muffins: Pour the batter into mini loaf pans or muffin tins for quicker baking. Adjust the baking time accordingly – muffins usually take about 20-25 minutes, and mini loaves around 30-35 minutes.
Spiced Apple Cranberry Bread: Flavorful Fall Loaf
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy spiced apple cranberry bread recipe delivers a moist and flavorful loaf perfect for any occasion. Enjoy homemade spiced apple cranberry bread with a delightful blend of fall spices, tart cranberries, and sweet apples. It’s a fantastic holiday spiced apple cranberry bread option.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup chopped fresh apples
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
- In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples, cranberries, and nuts (if using) to create your spiced apple cranberry bread.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the spiced apple cranberry loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For gluten-free spiced apple cranberry bread, substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- For vegan spiced apple cranberry bread, use a flax egg and dairy-free butter and milk.
- Ensure apples are chopped into small, uniform pieces for even baking.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding to the batter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
