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Pistachio & Cranberry Christmas Loaf

Yields8 ServingsPrep Time15 minsCook Time50 minsTotal Time1 hr 5 mins

A festive quick bread studded with pistachios and cranberries, lightly spiced, and finished with a citrus glaze for extra holiday sparkle.

Pistachio & Cranberry Christmas Loaf

For the loaf
 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
 1 tsp baking powder
 ½ tsp baking soda
 ½ tsp salt
 1 tsp ground cinnamon
 ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick / 115 g), softened
 ¾ cup granulated sugar
 2 large eggs
 Zest of 1 orange
 ½ cup fresh orange juice
 ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
 1 tsp vanilla extract
 ¾ cup dried cranberries
 ¾ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
For the glaze (optional)
 ½ cup powdered sugar
 3 tsp orange juice
 1 tbsp chopped pistachios + a few dried cranberries (for garnish)
Prep oven and pan
1

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients
2

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Cream butter and sugar
3

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).

  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

  3. Stir in orange zest and vanilla.

Combine wet and dry
4

  1. Add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with orange juice and sour cream.

  2. Mix gently until just combined (don’t overmix).

  3. Fold in dried cranberries and pistachios.

Bake
5

  1. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.

  2. Bake for 50–55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  3. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Glaze and decorate
6

  1. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth.

  2. Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf.

  3. Sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for a festive finish.

Serving Suggestions
7

  • Slice and serve with tea, mulled wine, or hot cocoa.

  • Perfect for Christmas brunch or afternoon snacking.

  • Wrap in parchment and ribbon for a beautiful edible gift.

Tips & Variations
8

  • Fresh cranberries: Swap dried for 1 cup fresh cranberries (toss with 1 tbsp flour to prevent sinking).

  • Nut-free option: Replace pistachios with pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts.

  • Mini loaves: Divide into mini loaf pans for gifting (adjust bake time to 25–30 minutes).

  • Spiced version: Add ½ tsp ground cardamom or ginger for extra holiday flavor.

Nutrition Facts

8 servings

Serving size