Save A festive, moist loaf infused with warming ginger and tart cranberries—perfect for the holiday season or as a cozy snack with tea.
I first baked this loaf for a winter gathering with friends. The aroma filled our kitchen, and everyone went back for seconds. It's now our seasonal treat enjoyed with a warm mug of tea.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter (melted and cooled): 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Light brown sugar (packed): 3/4 cup (150 g)
- Large eggs: 2
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Orange zest: Zest of 1 orange
- Fresh or dried cranberries: 1 cup (120 g)
- Crystallized ginger (chopped): 1/4 cup (40 g)
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk, yogurt or sour cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Combine batter:
- Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Add-ins:
- Gently fold in cranberries, crystallized ginger, and nuts if using.
- Fill pan:
- Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–55 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Save This loaf became a staple at our holiday breakfasts, especially when my family gathered around the table on chilly mornings to enjoy each slice together.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, loaf pan, parchment paper, wire rack
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, dairy, and eggs. May contain tree nuts if using them. If allergic, check ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per slice (based on 10 slices, without nuts or glaze): 225 calories, 8 g fat, 35 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein
Save Serve slightly warm for the best flavor and texture. This festive loaf will brighten any cold day.
Recipe Questions
- → How can I enhance the ginger flavor?
Add 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger for extra zing and a more pronounced warmth.
- → Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, soak dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes and drain before folding into the batter.
- → Is it possible to make this loaf dairy-free?
Substitute unsalted butter with a plant-based alternative, and use dairy-free milk and yogurt.
- → What nuts work best in this loaf?
Chopped walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch, but you may omit them for a nut-free version.
- → Can this loaf be glazed?
Drizzle a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled loaf for extra sweetness.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.