Homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread is a delightful quick bread that combines tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios for a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This bread is great for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a festive gift during the holiday season.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (chopped if large)
• 1/2 cup shelled pistachios (roughly chopped)
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for added flavor)

Timing

Making Homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 60 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
2. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Mix in Buttermilk: Gradually add the buttermilk to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in Cranberries and Pistachios

1. Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, pistachios, and orange zest (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

1. Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

1. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Slice and Serve: Once cooled, slice and serve the bread. It can be enjoyed plain or with butter.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread (per slice, based on 12 slices):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	180
Protein	3g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	8g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Alternatives: Substitute pistachios with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
• Dried Cranberries: You can use dried cranberries if fresh are not available; just reduce the sugar slightly.
• Add Spices: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth and flavor.

Conclusion

Homemade Cranberry Pistachio Bread is a delicious and festive treat that’s easy to make from scratch. With its delightful combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pistachios, this bread is sure to be a favorite for any occasion!