Festive Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Mix in a Jar
Gift a taste of warmth and delight with this Festive Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Mix in a Jar. This quick bread boasts a perfect balance of sweet dried cranberries and creamy white chocolate that creates an irresistible aroma when baked. The layered ingredients not only look beautiful but also make for an amazing DIY gift for friends and family during the holidays or any special occasion. Attaching an embellished recipe card adds a personal touch, guiding your recipient through creating a delicious loaf that will fill their home with joy and the comforting scent of fresh-baked bread. Whether enjoyed warm or cooled, each slice is a cozy indulgence meant to be savored and shared.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
sugar
1 cup
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (fresh grated or ground)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon
dried cranberries
1/2 cup
white chocolate chips
1/2 cup
pecans, chopped
1/2 cup
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
sour cream
1/2 cup
butter, melted
1/4 cup
powdered sugar
1/4 cup
milk
1/2 tablespoon
Instructions
1
To assemble the gift jar: Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Use a wide-mouth funnel to carefully pour the sifted mixture into a quart-sized jar, tapping gently to ensure it settles nicely.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Spoon this mixture over the flour layer in the jar.
3
Next, layer the dried cranberries evenly, followed by the white chocolate chips, and finish with the chopped pecans on top. Secure the lid on the jar and adorn it with decorative elements of your choice, such as ribbons or labels.
4
When you’re ready to bake the bread: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
5
Pour all the dry ingredients from the jar into a large mixing bowl, stirring gently to combine them thoroughly.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs lightly with a fork, then stir in the sour cream until smooth.
7
Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, followed by the egg and sour cream mixture. Mix only until just combined to keep the bread tender.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack (placing foil or waxed paper underneath to catch any drips).
10
For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth, then drizzle or spread over the cooled loaf. Serve warm or allow it to cool completely before slicing to maintain the loaf's presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Cranberry White Chocolate Bread Mix in a Jar?
It is a DIY gift jar containing layered dry ingredients for making a sweet quick bread with cranberries and white chocolate.
What size jar is required for this mix?
You will need a quart-sized wide-mouth glass jar to fit all the layered ingredients properly.
How do I prepare the base flour layer?
Sift together 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt before pouring into the jar.
Which spices are included in the bread mix?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
What is the correct order for layering the ingredients in the jar?
Start with the flour mixture, followed by the sugar and spice mix, then dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, and finally chopped pecans.
How do I get the layers to look neat?
Use a wide-mouth funnel to pour ingredients and tap the jar gently on the counter to settle each layer before adding the next.
What oven temperature is needed to bake the bread?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
Which wet ingredients must the recipient add to the mix?
The baker will need to add 2 lightly beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of sour cream, and 1/4 cup of melted butter.
What type of pan should be used for baking?
A lightly greased 9x5-inch loaf pan is recommended for this recipe.
How long does the bread take to bake?
The bread typically takes about 50 minutes to bake.
How do I check if the bread is finished baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; it is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
What ingredients are needed for the glaze?
The glaze is made by whisking together 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and 1/2 tablespoon of milk.
When should I apply the glaze to the bread?
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the loaf only after it has cooled completely.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, you can substitute chopped walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or omit them for a nut-free version.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in this quick bread recipe.
What kind of cranberries are used?
This recipe uses 1/2 cup of dried cranberries.
What type of flour is best for this bread?
Standard all-purpose flour works best for the texture of this quick bread.
How should the eggs be prepared?
The two eggs should be lightly beaten with a fork before being mixed with the sour cream.
What is the secret to a tender bread loaf?
Mix the wet and dry ingredients only until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a tough texture.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Let the bread rest in the loaf pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire cooling rack.
Is it better to serve the bread warm or cold?
The bread can be enjoyed warm, but it is easier to slice neatly once it has cooled completely.
How can I decorate the jar for gifting?
Adorn the jar with ribbons, decorative labels, or a piece of festive fabric over the lid.
How long will the dry mix stay fresh in the jar?
Stored in a cool, dry place, the mix should remain fresh for up to 3 months.
Does the nutmeg need to be freshly grated?
The recipe allows for either fresh grated or standard ground nutmeg.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to slightly reduce the added salt in the flour mixture.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
You can attempt a gluten-free version by using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How should I store leftover baked bread?
Store leftovers in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Can the baked loaf be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled loaf for up to 3 months if wrapped securely.
What makes this a 'quick bread'?
It is called a quick bread because it uses baking powder as a leavening agent instead of yeast, requiring no rise time.
Can I add orange zest to the recipe?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the wet ingredients adds a wonderful citrus note that complements the cranberries.