Save to Pinterest A festive, moist loaf infused with warming ginger and tart cranberries—perfect for the holiday season or as a cozy snack with tea.
I always bake this loaf for winter gatherings, and its aroma instantly turns my kitchen into a holiday haven. Friends and family ask for the recipe every year, and it never fails to please with a mug of spiced tea.
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Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground ginger: 2 teaspoons
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (115 g), melted and cooled
- Light brown sugar: 3/4 cup (150 g), packed
- Eggs: 2 large
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Plain yogurt or sour cream: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons
- Zest of orange: 1 orange
- Cranberries: 1 cup (120 g), fresh or dried
- Crystallized ginger: 1/4 cup (40 g), chopped
- Walnuts or pecans (optional): 1/2 cup (60 g), chopped
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Instructions
- Prep the pan:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients:
- In another bowl, whisk melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in milk, yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Combine mixtures:
- Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined (do not overmix).
- Add-ins:
- Gently fold in cranberries, crystallized ginger, and nuts if using.
- Fill the pan:
- Pour batter evenly into prepared loaf pan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Allow loaf to cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Save to Pinterest The first time I made this for my parents, our kitchen filled with the smell of ginger and orange, and we all gathered around the warm loaf straight from the oven. It turned into a sweet family tradition each winter.
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Required Tools
Mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups, 9×5-inch (23×13 cm) loaf pan, parchment paper, and wire rack are essential for success.
Allergen Information
This loaf contains wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy (butter, milk, yogurt/sour cream), and may contain tree nuts if using walnuts or pecans. Always check labels if serving to anyone with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each slice (based on 10 slices, without nuts or glaze): 225 calories, 8 g total fat, 35 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.
Save to Pinterest 
Serve slices warm or at room temperature with a cup of spiced tea. This holiday loaf also keeps well for several days in an airtight container.
