This Cranberry Raisin Loaf is a classic, old-fashioned quick bread combining tangy cranberries, sweet raisins, and crunchy walnuts for a delightful balance of flavors and textures. Enhanced with freshly grated orange zest, orange juice, and creamy mayonnaise for incredible moisture, this recipe delivers a tender, soft crumb that's perfect for holidays or cozy weekends. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or festive dessert, this loaf captures the warmth and nostalgia of traditional homemade baking.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup cranberries (coarsely chopped )
- 1 cup seedless raisins
- ½ cup walnuts (coarsely chopped )
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp orange rind (grated, zest)
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 eggs (large )
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice
- ½ cup Hellmann’s mayonnaise
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pan
- Grease and flour a 9-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, chopped cranberries, raisins, walnuts, baking powder, orange zest, and salt.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, orange juice, and mayonnaise until smooth.
Step 4: Combine and Mix
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
- Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- Substitute pecans for walnuts if preferred.
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon for a warm spice flavor.
- Lightly toss cranberries and raisins with 1 tablespoon flour to help prevent sinking.
- Glaze with simple orange icing (powdered sugar + orange juice) after cooling.
- Fold in ½ cup mini chocolate chips for a sweeter variation.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries; do not thaw frozen before chopping.
- Line pan with parchment after greasing for easy removal.
- Store tightly wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Slice and toast leftovers; serve with butter or cream cheese.
- Make as mini loaves for gifts, reduce baking time accordingly.
Nutrition
Calories: 265kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
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