Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A festive loaf studded with dried cranberries and a blend of garden herbs, ideal for holiday gatherings and Denver garden-inspired celebrations. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 80 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 55 min Serves 8 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar with an electric mixer for 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1/2 cup whole milk.
  3. Step 3: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, and 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves.
  4. Step 4: Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
  5. Step 5: Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (25 min prep + 55 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Herb & Nutty Holiday Bread with Cranberries?

American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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