Cranberry and Pecan Loaf

Cooking Time

This recipe requires about an hour to prep and bake, ensuring a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients List

• 2 cups of flour
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of cranberries, halved
• 1/2 cup of pecans or any nut of your choice
• 1 cup of yogurt or buttermilk
• 1/2cup of oil
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• Pearl sugar for decoration (optional)

Key Considerations

Let’s clear things up: some may argue that this recipe resembles cake, and they wouldn’t be wrong. In the United States, we often refer to ‘quick breads,’ which resemble cake due to their soft texture but are baked in loaf pans, making them sliceable like traditional bread. However, these treats are denser, typically less sweet, and packed with a generous amount of fruits or vegetables compared to conventional birthday cakes.

When it comes to using cranberries, I’ve experimented with whole, chopped, and halved versions. I've found that halving the berries not only maximizes their flavor but also enhances their presence within the mixture. Though it may take a few extra minutes, it’s certainly worth the effort!

If you're hesitant about including pecans, fear not! You can easily replace them with your preferred nut or even omit them entirely—the flavor remains excellent either way.

If nuts are not your thing, consider swapping in white chocolate chunks for a delightful twist. While I haven't personally tested this variation, I believe fully embracing the cranberries alone will yield a scrumptious result as well.

You might be curious about pearl sugar—this delightful ingredient is sometimes referred to as nib sugar or hail sugar and boasts a distinctive boulder-like appearance that yields a tender crunch. It's often used for decorative purposes on pastries like Liege Waffles and Sugar Puffs. I once purchased a bag and have yet to finish it; it lasts practically forever! This special sugar can be found online, or at local baking supply stores—just keep an eye out!

Lastly, while pearl sugar adds a lovely crunch and aesthetic appeal, it's entirely optional. You can substitute it with coarse sugar or even skip it altogether without sacrificing flavor.