Ginger Cranberry Dutch Holiday Loaf (Print Version)

A moist loaf with ginger, cranberries and orange zest—ideal for a holiday treat or Dutch-inspired snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 2 teaspoons ground ginger
06 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
09 - 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1/2 cup whole milk
12 - 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
14 - Zest of 1 orange

→ Add-ins

15 - 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
16 - 1/4 cup crystallized ginger, chopped
17 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Incorporate eggs, then blend in milk, yogurt or sour cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
04 - Fold wet mixture into dry ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
05 - Gently fold in cranberries, crystallized ginger, and nuts if using.
06 - Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading evenly.
07 - Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean.
08 - Let loaf cool in pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make even if you are new to baking
  • Perfectly moist crumb every time thanks to yogurt or sour cream
  • Delivers bold seasonal flavors without fuss
  • Versatile recipe for both fresh and dried cranberries
  • Freezes beautifully for make-ahead holiday snacks
02 -
  • Full of warming spice and fruit with every bite
  • Suitable for freezing for up to two months
  • Vegetarian friendly and easy to make nut free by omitting nuts
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients help everything blend smoothly for a fluffy texture
  • Do not overmix once you add dry and wet ingredients or the loaf will get tough
  • If using dried cranberries always soak them first for the juiciest bursts of fruit
  • To check doneness besides the toothpick method look for loaf edges gently pulling away from the pan

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