Only 5 days left till’ Christmas, but who’s counting? Ya, really. In all seriousness, don’t you guys find time seems to tick a little (and by a little,I mean a lot) faster during this time of year? “So much to do, so little time!”- is something I hear WAY toooften… You with me?
It seems like everywhere I look/ everywhere I go people are scrambling to cross items off their holiday lists, line up to pay somewhere, take the next flight home, or get their house prim & proper for the biggest holiday of the year. I have to admit; I used to relish the mall during Christmas time. I can now share that I’ll avoid at every cost- if I can. I’ve been to the mall twice this Fall, both times in November. Not sure if it’s the string of crowds or the buzzing white noise or perhaps both.
But what gets me pumped and reallyyyyy excited is the glee that comes with Christmas morning. Ever since Ethan, Gracie & Miles came into my life; that’s honestly the best part of my Christmas. To hear them wake up (and then wake me up with jolts and not so gentle shoves and tickles) beggingto go downstairs and check on the loot left by Santa. Impatiently excited, little hearts overflowing with big expectations.
My second favorite part is to hear them play with their new toys while I get breakfast on the table. I love a no-fuss approach to brunch that morning; especially if you’re hosting Christmas dinner later that day. I love to make a fresh batch of baked bacon, homestyle orange juice, freshly brewed coffee and ALL the baked goods. When it comes to morning fare- muffins or breakfast loafs are my fave, are easy to bake, and are always well-received by big and little hands alike.
So if you’re looking for some festive, Christmas-inspired loaf pan goodies; look no further friends. This one is paleo (which means it’s also gluten-free), it’s sweetened with raw honey or pure maple syrup, it uses coconut oil & it’s based off a small amount of coconut flour. And then cue in the orange zest, the orange juice and the fresh cranberries which kinda pop and burst in your mouth with tangy sweetness when you bite into the bread. For a more festive touch, you could sprinkle walnuts or raisins or a little rum. But whatever you do, give this bread a try!
Paleo Orange Cranberry Bread
- Servings: 8 slices
I’ve updated your favorite holiday recipe pictures & some of the measurements. I feel this works better and the bread comes out perfect, every time!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup coconut flour (this measurement only works with coconut flour)
- 1/2 tsp of baking powder
- 1 tsp of baking soda
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/4 tsp of cardamom
- 1/2 tsp of cinnammon
- 1/3 cup of honey or maple syrup (OR 1/2 cup if you like it sweeter)
- 6 large eggs (always at room temperature)
- 1/3 cup of melted coconut oil
- 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- the grated zest of one orange (it really elevates the flavor!)
- 1 cup of fresh cranberries
Optional Ingredients:
- Asplash of rum or brandy (about 1 tablespoon)
- You could add chopped walnuts, pecans or pralines
- You could sprinkle dry old-fashioned rolled oats so it bakes with a nice little topping. note: adding oats will no longer make it paleo.
- Golden raisins or raisins also go nicely with this bread
- If you don’t have cranberries, mulberries are a great option!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350F & line a large loaf pan with parchment paper
- In a large bowl, combine & whisk all the dry ingredients together.
- In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients together and mix well. Integrate wet mix into the dry ingredient bowl.
- Fold in the cranberries & the orange zest
- Pour batter into the loaf pan, use a spatula to even out the top surface. I like to sprinkle a few cranberries directly on top. They will warm up, pop in the oven & make for a beautiful loaf. Added perk: your house will also smell great!
- If you have walnuts or raisins, you could also sprinkle them on top or fold them into the batter.
- Bake for about 50 mins or until center is cooked through. Insert a toothpick or knife into the center of the loaf to check for doneness.
By: Aleyda/ The Dish On Healthy
