Cranberry Delight Chocolate Chip Bread
This Cranberry Delight Chocolate Chip Bread is a festive treat that perfectly blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the richness of semi-sweet chocolate chips. The addition of crunchy pecans and a hint of orange zest gives this bread an irresistible flavor profile that will brighten up any breakfast or snack time. Ideal for sharing during holiday gatherings or as a delightful homemade gift, this recipe yields three mini loaves, ensuring there's plenty to go around. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and don’t forget to drizzle the luscious chocolate glaze on top for extra indulgence!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (none)
fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
1 cup (chopped)
pecan pieces
1/2 cup (none)
freshly grated orange rind
2 teaspoons (zested from orange)
all-purpose flour
2 cups (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
shortening
2 tablespoons (none)
orange juice
3/4 cup (none)
egg, slightly beaten
1 (beaten)
butter or margarine
1 tablespoon (none)
cocoa or Hershey's dutch-processed cocoa
1 tablespoon (none)
water
1 tablespoon (none)
powdered sugar
1/2 cup (none)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Grease and flour three miniature loaf pans measuring 5 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 inches.
3
In a small bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips, coarsely chopped cranberries, pecan pieces, and freshly grated orange rind. Mix well and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5
Cut in the shortening using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
6
Gently stir in the orange juice, beaten egg, and the reserved chocolate chip mixture until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.
7
Evenly divide the batter among the prepared loaf pans.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Remove from the oven and let the loaves cool in the pans for 15 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
While the loaves are cooling, prepare the Cocoa Drizzle Glaze by microwaving the butter in a small, microwave-safe bowl on high for 20 to 30 seconds until melted.
11
Stir in the cocoa powder and water, then microwave again for 15 to 30 seconds until the mixture is hot and slightly thickened.
12
Gradually whisk in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting the consistency if needed by adding a few drops of water.
13
Once the loaves are completely cooled, drizzle the chocolate glaze over the tops of each loaf and allow it to set before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Delight Chocolate Chip Bread?
Cranberry Delight Chocolate Chip Bread is a festive quick bread that combines fresh cranberries, semi-sweet chocolate chips, pecans, and orange zest, topped with a cocoa drizzle.
What type of chocolate chips are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of Hershey's semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries, as long as they are coarsely chopped.
How many loaves does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield three miniature loaves.
What size loaf pans should be used?
You should use three miniature loaf pans measuring approximately 5 3/4 x 3 1/4 x 2 inches each.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake the loaves for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.
What kind of flour is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
Does this recipe include nuts?
Yes, it includes 1/2 cup of pecan pieces for added crunch.
What gives the bread its citrus flavor?
The citrus flavor comes from a combination of 2 teaspoons of freshly grated orange rind and 3/4 cup of orange juice.
How do I prepare the loaf pans?
Grease and flour the three miniature loaf pans to prevent the bread from sticking.
How do I incorporate the shortening?
Cut the shortening into the dry flour mixture using a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
What is the secret to a tender bread texture?
Be careful not to overmix the batter; stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients only until just moistened.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the loaves cool in their pans for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What are the ingredients for the chocolate glaze?
The glaze is made from butter, cocoa powder, water, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Can I use Dutch-processed cocoa for the glaze?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either regular cocoa or Hershey's Dutch-processed cocoa.
How do I melt the butter for the glaze?
Microwave the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl on high for 20 to 30 seconds until melted.
When should I apply the Cocoa Drizzle Glaze?
Wait until the loaves are completely cooled before drizzling the chocolate glaze over the tops.
How do I know if the glaze is the right consistency?
Whisk the ingredients until smooth and adjust by adding a few drops of water if it is too thick.
What is the best way to serve this bread?
It can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for breakfast or as a snack.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Yes, because it makes three mini loaves, it is perfect for sharing during holiday gatherings or as a homemade gift.
Can I substitute the pecans?
While pecans are recommended, you could substitute them with walnuts or omit them if you have a nut allergy.
Do I need to beat the egg?
Yes, the egg should be slightly beaten before being added to the other liquid ingredients.
What leavening agents are used?
This recipe uses both baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons) and baking soda (1/2 teaspoon).
How much sugar is in the bread?
The bread batter contains 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the glaze uses 1/2 cup of powdered sugar.
Should the cranberries be whole?
No, the cranberries should be coarsely chopped so they are evenly distributed throughout the bread.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the glaze can be made with either butter or margarine.
What is the role of vanilla in this recipe?
Vanilla extract is used to flavor the cocoa glaze for added depth.
How do I mix the chocolate chips and fruit?
In a small bowl, combine the chocolate chips, cranberries, pecans, and orange rind first, then set them aside before adding to the batter.
How do I ensure the glaze sets?
Allow the glaze to sit on the cooled loaves until it is firm before you attempt to slice and serve the bread.