Sweet and Savory: Cranberry Bread with Grand Marnier
This recipe is not your ordinary bread, it’s a combination of sweet and tart flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Enter Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread Recipe – the perfect holiday treat for any occasion.
Baking this bread on December 8 is a tradition for many households, and once you try it, it’ll become a tradition in yours too! The aroma of fresh cranberries and orange zest mingling with pecans will make your kitchen smell like heaven. The bread itself is versatile, easy to make, and a definite crowd-pleaser – delicately laced with Grand Marnier that studded with tart dried cranberries making it the perfect balance between sweet and sour.
But why settle for just any bread? With Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread Recipe, you’ll have a loaf cake that everyone will be talking about. Whether hosting friends or family, this recipe is sure to impress. It has been tried and tested at Grace Malley’s Irish Pub Restaurant in Norfolk VA and we guarantee it’ll be the talk of your dinner party too.
So roll up your sleeves, grab your favorite kitchen gadgets and let’s get baking. This recipe is not to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Calling all baking enthusiasts and foodies alike, I’m excited to share this recipe with you today. If you have a taste for something sweet and tart that packs a punch, then this Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread will surely become a staple in your baking repertoire.
What makes this bread so special, you ask? Well, for starters, it’s versatile and easy-to-make – the perfect crowd-pleaser delicately laced with Grand Marnier and studded with tart dried cranberries and pecans. The sweet-tart balance is perfect, thanks to the fresh cranberries and orange juice used in the recipe. And let’s not forget about the zesty orange zest that adds another dimension of flavor to this delicious bread.
This recipe is an absolute must-try as it strikes a perfect harmony between the flavors of different ingredients put together cleverly. Whether you’re looking for a tasty breakfast item or a delightful accompaniment to your evening tea or coffee, this cranberry bread is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
And let me just say – the grand marnier glaze recipe is nothing short of heavenly. It elevates the flavors of the entire dish to entirely new heights. You can even use it as a standalone sauce for other exciting dishes.
This bread is not just any fruit bread but is made with one of my signature ingredients: Grand Marnier. It’s December 8th already, so you might be looking for something unique to serve at your holiday parties or give as a homemade holiday gift – well then look no further because this bread with its perfect balance of flavors will make your guests go “wow”.
So if you want to try something innovative yet traditional, quick yet sophisticated, then definitely give Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread recipe a shot! Trust me; it won’t disappoint.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you need to make Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread:
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Butter, at room temperature: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup
- Egg, beaten: 1 large
- Orange zest: 1 tablespoon
- Orange juice: 3/4 cup, freshly squeezed
- Grand Marnier Liqueur: 1/4 cup
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups, roughly chopped
- Pecans, chopped: 1/2 cup
Note that you can substitute the fresh cranberries with dried cranberries for a slightly different taste. The recipe also calls for using orange zest and orange juice, giving the bread a sweet-tart flavor. Additionally, Grand Marnier liqueur is used in both the bread batter and the glaze recipe. Finally, be sure to use room temperature butter to ensure an even batter.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to get baking! Before we begin, make sure that you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you need:
Ingredient List:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp of baking powder
- ½ tsp of salt
- ¼ tsp of baking soda
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
- ½ cup of chopped pecans
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp of Grand Marnier liqueur
- Zest from half an orange
Now that you have everything on hand, let’s dive into the recipe!
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard-size loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
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In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda until well combined. Then, toss in the fresh cranberries and chopped pecans and mix gently with a spoon.
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In a separate larger bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar until creamy and light in color. Add in the softened butter, fresh orange juice, Grand Marnier liqueur, and orange zest. Use a whisk or hand mixer to beat until smooth.
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Combine the dry ingredients mixture from step number two with the egg-sugar-butter mixture from step three. Stir together gently by hand until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out evenly.
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Bake for around 50 minutes to an hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before removing it from the loaf pan and placing it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Grand Marnier Cranberry Glaze Recipe:
Once your bread has cooled completely, you can now add some extra deliciousness with this easy-to-make Grand Marnier Cranberry Glaze:
Ingredients for Glaze:
– leftover fresh or store-bought cranberry sauce or relish
– a splash of Grand Marnier Liqueur
Instructions:
1. Add your leftover cranberry sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir in a splash of Grand Marnier Liqueur.
3. Cook over flame until slightly thickened and then drizzle it over your cooled loaf using a spoon.
Enjoy this amazing homemade bread with family and friends for breakfast or as a dessert served alongside coffee or tea!
Substitutions and Variations
The great thing about this Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread recipe is that it’s versatile and easy to customize. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to make this bread even more delicious:
– Fresh Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them before using.
– Pecans: You can replace pecans with walnuts or almonds, or omit the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
– Orange: If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use bottled orange juice or orange zest from a jar instead.
– Flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour for a healthier option.
– Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use honey or maple syrup instead.
– Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t in season, you can substitute dried cranberries instead. Just soak them in some warm water for 10 minutes before using.
Furthermore, you can experiment with different liqueurs or sauces to add more flavor to this recipe. Try substituting Grand Marnier with other orange liqueurs or adding different kinds of fruits such as raspberries or blueberries. You could also try making a raspberry sauce instead of cranberry sauce to accompany the bread. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
Remember that any substitutions may slightly alter the texture and taste of the bread, so it’s always best to follow the recipe closely until you get familiar with the basics.
Serving and Pairing
As a baker, there’s nothing more rewarding than sharing your delicious creations with others. That’s why I love serving Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread to my friends and family, especially during the holidays.
This bread is a crowd-pleaser, delicately laced with Grand Marnier and studded with tart dried cranberries and pecans. The sweet-tart flavor makes it a great snack or dessert option, and it pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
For an extra special occasion, I like to make a grand presentation by layering slices of the bread on a beautiful platter and drizzling the Grand Marnier glaze over the top. The glaze recipe for this bread is simple but packs such an explosion of flavors that can serve as an elegant topping to enhance the overall taste.
Additionally, you can spread some homemade cranberry sauce or relish beside the plated bread for extra accompaniment. This festive twist ignites a unique and delectable sensation that will surely be loved by everyone.
If you’re looking for a versatile easy-to-make crowd-pleaser that works perfectly for potlucks, brunches, or any kind of gathering, Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread is the one you’ve been searching for.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to baking, planning ahead can save you time and stress. Luckily, Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread recipe is a great candidate for making ahead of time. To prepare in advance, simply bake the bread and let it cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. The bread will keep at room temperature for up to three days.
If you want to store the bread for longer, you can freeze it for up to two months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When ready to serve, let the bread thaw at room temperature before reheating.
To reheat slices of the bread, use a toaster or oven. Toasting the slices will give them a nice crunch on the outside while still being soft and moist inside. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place slices on a baking sheet. Heat for 5-10 minutes until warm throughout.
The Grand Marnier glaze may need to be remade if reheating the bread after glazing. However, this is a quick and easy step that adds that final touch of sweetness and enhances the flavors of the cranberry orange bread.
By making this cranberry orange bread ahead of time, you can save time on prep work when entertaining guests or simply enjoying it with your family. It’s just as delicious when reheated as it is fresh out of the oven and is sure to satisfy those sweet tart cravings any time of year.
Tips for Perfect Results
In my experience as a baker, here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results with Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread recipe:
1. Don’t overmix your batter: Overmixing your batter can lead to a tough and dense bread. Mix your ingredients until just combined, and don’t worry about small lumps.
2. Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries deliver a sweet-tart flavor that’s perfect for this recipe. Dried cranberries won’t deliver the same tartness and can make the bread too sweet.
3. Add pecans for texture: Pecans add a nice crunch to the bread, but they also provide good fats to keep the bread moist.
4. Use room temperature ingredients: Room temperature butter and eggs combine better than those that are too cold, creating air pockets that allow the bread to rise.
5. Let your bread cool completely before adding glaze: If you apply the glaze while the bread is still warm, it will absorb too much of it, leaving little for the texture and flavor of the bread itself.
6. Use an oven thermometer: Check your oven temperature frequently to make sure it’s accurate before placing the loaf in it. A properly heated oven ensures consistent baking throughout.
7. Don’t overbake your bread: Keep an eye on your grand marnier cranberry bread after 45 minutes – times may vary depending on oven temperature – because overbaking will cause it to become dry.
8. Experiment with variations: Try adding different ingredients like orange zest to the batter or dried fruits to change up the recipe. And if you’re looking for a sweeter version, you can drizzle honey on top instead of glaze.
By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to bake a delicious grand marnier cranberry bread that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread Recipe is a must-try for any baker or home cook looking to impress their guests with a delicious and versatile treat. This recipe is simple to make and easy to customize, making it perfect for any occasion or time of year. Whether you want to celebrate the holiday season, entertain guests at a dinner party, or simply enjoy a warm slice of homemade bread on a chilly afternoon, this recipe has everything you need.
From the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries to the delicate hint of orange liqueur in the Grand Marnier glaze, every bite of this bread is filled with delicious flavors and textures that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. So why not give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking with fresh ingredients and creative flavors? Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread Recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Grace’s Grand Marnier Cranberry Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 orange (juice and grated rind)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 4 ounces candied cherries
- 1 egg (well-beaten)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (halved)
- 1/2 cup Grand Marnier
- 2 teaspoons superfine sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350. lightly grease a 9X5X3 loafpan.
- In med bowl, sift together first 5 dry ingredients. Combine orange juice and rind, butter (adding enough water to make 3/4 cup liquid) and stir in egg. Mix together with flour mixture until moist. Fold in cherries, nuts and cranberries.
- Put mixture into loafpan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Cool.
- Disolve sugar into Grand Marnier. Romove loaf from pan and pour liqid into pan. Return loaf to pan. Refrigerate overnight. Slice and serve when ready.
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.