Zesty Cheddar Cranberry Walnut Bread
Indulge in the ultimate flavor experience with this Zesty Cheddar Cranberry Walnut Bread! This delightful quick bread brings together the sharpness of cheddar cheese, the tartness of fresh cranberries, and the rich crunch of walnuts, all elevated by hints of citrus from orange and lemon. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack, this bread combines texture and taste in every slice. Serve it warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese for an irresistible treat. Whether it's a cozy family gathering or a festive holiday celebration, this bread is sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
flour
3 cups (sifted)
sugar
1 1/3 cups
baking powder
2 1/4 teaspoons
baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons
orange rind
2 tablespoons (grated)
lemon rind
2 tablespoons (grated)
vegetable shortening
1/3 cup (cold)
orange juice
1 from orange (freshly squeezed)
lemon juice
1 from lemon (freshly squeezed plus water to make 1 1/8 cups)
sharp cheddar cheese
1 1/2 cups (shredded)
eggs
2 (lightly beaten)
fresh cranberries
1 1/2 cups (coarsely chopped (or frozen))
walnuts
1 cup (coarsely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir in the grated orange and lemon rinds to infuse a zesty aroma.
3
Cut in the cold vegetable shortening using a pastry blender, fork, or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4
In a separate medium bowl, combine the freshly squeezed orange juice, lemon juice (with added water to make a total of 1 1/8 cups), shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the lightly beaten eggs. Whisk together until well blended.
5
Pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a light texture.
6
Fold in the chopped cranberries and walnuts with a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7
Grease and flour a 9"x5"x3" loaf pan and pour the batter into it, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9
Once baked, remove from the oven and allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10
Serve warm with butter or cream cheese for a delicious experience. Enjoy your homemade Zesty Cheddar Cranberry Walnut Bread!
11
For storage: Wrap the bread snugly in foil or seal it in plastic bags. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Cheddar Cranberry Walnut Bread?
It is a flavorful quick bread that combines sharp cheddar cheese, tart fresh cranberries, and rich walnuts with hints of orange and lemon citrus.
What are the main flavors in this recipe?
The bread features a combination of sharp cheddar, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and zesty citrus from orange and lemon rinds and juices.
At what temperature should I preheat my oven?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the bread need to bake?
The bread should bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What type of flour is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted flour.
Should I use fresh or frozen cranberries?
You can use either 1 1/2 cups of coarsely chopped fresh cranberries or frozen cranberries.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this bread?
The recipe specifies 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How should I prepare the walnuts?
The walnuts should be coarsely chopped before being folded into the batter.
What size loaf pan should I use?
A 9x5x3 inch loaf pan is the recommended size.
How should I store the bread?
Wrap the bread snugly in foil or seal it in plastic bags. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Can this bread be frozen?
Yes, the bread can be frozen for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
What is the serving suggestion for this bread?
It is delicious served warm with a spread of butter or cream cheese.
How do I incorporate the shortening into the flour?
Cut in the cold vegetable shortening using a pastry blender, fork, or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 1 1/3 cups of sugar.
What citrus rinds are included?
The bread uses 2 tablespoons each of grated orange rind and grated lemon rind.
How is the liquid component of the batter formed?
Combine fresh orange juice and lemon juice with enough water to make a total of 1 1/8 cups of liquid.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 lightly beaten eggs.
What leavening agents are used?
The bread uses 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda.
Should the shortening be cold or at room temperature?
The vegetable shortening should be cold.
When should I fold in the cranberries and walnuts?
Fold them in after the wet and dry ingredients have been gently stirred together.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
How do I check if the bread is done?
Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the bread is finished baking.
Do I need to grease the pan?
Yes, you should grease and flour the 9x5x3 inch loaf pan before adding the batter.
Is this bread considered a quick bread?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick bread and does not require yeast.
Can I serve this for a holiday event?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for festive holiday celebrations or cozy family gatherings.
How should the citrus rinds be prepared?
The orange and lemon rinds should be grated to infuse the bread with a zesty aroma.
What is the texture of the bread?
The bread is a quick bread with a light texture and a rich crunch from the walnuts.
Should I overmix the batter?
No, stir gently until just combined to maintain a light texture and avoid overmixing.
What is the total amount of citrus juice liquid required?
The total amount of liquid from the orange and lemon juices (plus water) should be 1 1/8 cups.
What is the best way to handle the eggs before adding them?
The eggs should be lightly beaten before being combined with the other wet ingredients.