This Dutch oven cranberry bread is a delightful and moist quick bread, perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a sweet treat. Made with fresh cranberries and a hint of orange zest, it offers a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. Baking it in a Dutch oven ensures a beautifully crusty exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
The Allure of Cranberry Bread
Cranberry bread is a delightful treat that brings a touch of festivity to any table. The vibrant red of fresh cranberries contrasts beautifully with the golden-brown crust, making it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
This quick bread is not just about looks; it offers a wonderful balance of tartness from the cranberries and sweetness from the sugar. The addition of orange zest enhances the flavor, creating a delightful experience with every bite.
Why Use a Dutch Oven?
Baking in a Dutch oven is a game changer for bread enthusiasts. The heavy cast iron retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for an even bake and a crust that is perfectly crispy.
When the lid is placed on the Dutch oven, it traps steam, which helps the bread rise beautifully while keeping the interior moist. This method is particularly effective for quick breads like cranberry bread, ensuring a tender crumb.
Ingredients That Shine
The simplicity of the ingredients is part of what makes this cranberry bread so appealing. With just a handful of staples, you can create a loaf that feels indulgent yet is easy to prepare.
Fresh cranberries are the star of the show, providing bursts of tart flavor throughout the soft bread. The combination of buttermilk and melted butter contributes to the moist texture, while a hint of vanilla and orange zest adds depth to the overall taste.
Preparation Made Easy
Getting started with this recipe is straightforward. Begin by preheating your oven and preparing your Dutch oven to ensure it’s hot when the batter is ready.
Mixing the dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them helps to achieve the perfect consistency. Gently folding in the cranberries ensures they are evenly distributed without overmixing the batter.
The Baking Process
Once the batter is poured into the hot Dutch oven, the magic begins. Covering it with a lid for the first part of the baking process helps create that sought-after crust while keeping the inside tender.
After about 30 minutes, removing the lid allows the top to brown beautifully. The aroma wafting through the kitchen during this time is simply irresistible, making it hard to wait for the bread to cool before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This cranberry bread is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for a comforting snack or slice it for a festive breakfast spread.
It pairs wonderfully with cream cheese or can be enjoyed on its own. For a special touch, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze for added sweetness.
Easy Cranberry Bread in a Dutch Oven
This cranberry bread features a tender crumb with bursts of tart cranberries throughout. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and yields one loaf, perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, halved
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your Dutch oven (with the lid) in the oven to heat up.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the halved cranberries.
- Prepare for Baking: Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Grease the bottom and sides lightly with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter into the Dutch oven.
- Bake: Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the Dutch oven for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 180kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 27g