Cranberry Swirl Loaf

Indulge in the festive flavors of a homemade Cranberry Swirl Loaf, the perfect balance of sweet and tangy wrapped in a soft, pillowy bread. This gorgeous braided loaf features a luscious cranberry filling made with fresh or frozen cranberries, a hint of orange zest, and a touch of sweetness, swirled through a tender yeast dough. The baking process fills your kitchen with cozy, citrusy aromas, while the stunning red cranberry streaks make each slice a show-stopping centerpiece for any brunch table or holiday gathering. With step-by-step instructions for creating the perfect swirl and tips for an irresistible golden crust, this recipe is as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacking, this Cranberry Swirl Loaf is sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 3 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2.25 teaspoons Instant yeast
• 1 cups Warm milk (110°F/45°C)
• 0.25 cups Unsalted butter, melted
• 1 Large egg
• 1.5 cups Cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 0.5 cups Granulated sugar (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest
• 2 tablespoons Water (for cranberry filling)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, salt, and instant yeast. Mix well to combine.

Step 2

Add the warm milk, melted butter, and egg to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.

Step 3

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 8 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Alternatively, you can use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step.

Step 4

Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 5

While the dough is rising, prepare the cranberry filling. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar (for filling), orange zest, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens (about 8–10 minutes). Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Step 6

Once the dough has risen, punch it down and roll it out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle measuring approximately 12x18 inches.

Step 7

Spread the cooled cranberry filling evenly over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

Step 8

Starting from one of the longer edges, roll the dough tightly into a log. Pinch the seams to seal.

Step 9

Using a sharp knife, slice the log lengthwise down the middle to expose the filling. Twist the two halves together, keeping the cut sides facing up, to form a braided log.

Step 10

Place the braided dough into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let it rise again for about 30 minutes, or until it puffs up.

Step 11

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 12

Bake the loaf in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Step 13

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1261.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2859.7

Total Fat 61.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 335.2mg	0%
Sodium 2546.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 527.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.1g	0%
Total Sugars 225.3g
Protein 56.2g	0%

Vitamin D 165.0IU	0%
Calcium 425.8mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 1165.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 19.2%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 73.0%