Festive Holiday Fruit Loaf
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the season with this Festive Holiday Fruit Loaf, a quick and easy bread that's perfect for holiday gatherings. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, tart cranberries, and fresh grated apples, this bread delivers a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of zesty orange brings a refreshing brightness that complements the rich buttery base. This loaf is best enjoyed after sitting overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delicious breakfast or snack that embraces the spirit of the holidays.
12
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 cup (softened)
brown sugar
1 cup (packed)
eggs
2 large
orange zest
1 tablespoon
bananas
2 large (mashed)
apple
1 large (peeled and grated)
flour
2 cups
baking powder
3/4 teaspoon
baking soda
3/4 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
dried cranberries
1 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4
Add the mashed bananas, grated apple, and orange zest to the mixture, and stir until well combined.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until blended. Do not overmix.
7
Gently fold in the dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
10
Once baked, turn the pan on its side and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
11
Carefully remove the bread from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
12
Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and let it sit overnight for the best flavor before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
2g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Holiday Fruit Loaf?
It is a quick and easy fruit-filled bread featuring bananas, cranberries, apples, and orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 200 calories.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
What size pan is needed for this recipe?
You should use a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
How long does the fruit loaf need to bake?
Bake the loaf for 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
What fruits are included in this loaf?
The loaf contains mashed bananas, grated apple, and dried cranberries.
How much butter is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of softened butter.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of packed brown sugar.
How should the apple be prepared?
The apple should be peeled and grated before being added to the mixture.
Why should the loaf sit overnight before serving?
Letting the loaf sit overnight allows the flavors to meld together for the best taste.
Can I serve the fruit loaf warm?
Yes, you can serve it warm or at room temperature as a breakfast or snack.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 2 large eggs.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5g of fat per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 2g of protein.
How much fiber is in each slice?
Each slice contains 1g of fiber.
What is the carbohydrate count for this bread?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What provides the orange flavor in the bread?
The citrus flavor comes from 1 tablespoon of orange zest.
How many bananas are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 large mashed bananas.
What leavening agents are used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder and 3/4 teaspoon of baking soda.
How much flour is needed for the loaf?
You will need 2 cups of flour for this recipe.
Should the butter be softened?
Yes, the butter should be softened so it can be creamed with the sugar.
What is the recommended cooling method?
Turn the pan on its side for 10 minutes, then remove the loaf to cool completely on a wire rack.
How do I test if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick near the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as a Quick Bread.
When do I add the dried cranberries?
Gently fold in the dried cranberries after the dry ingredients have been mixed with the wet ingredients.
Is it okay to overmix the batter?
No, you should stir just until the ingredients are blended to avoid a tough loaf.
How should I store the bread once it has cooled?
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture.
Does this recipe include salt?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Is this a good recipe for the holidays?
Yes, it is specifically designed as a festive holiday fruit loaf perfect for Christmas gatherings.