There’s something truly magical about the combination of tart cranberries and sweet, moist bread. If you’re searching for a delightful vegan treat to brighten your breakfast, snack time, or afternoon tea, this vegan cranberry bread recipe is just what you need.
It’s wonderfully easy to make, packed with fresh cranberry flavor, and free from any animal products, making it perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions alike.
This bread strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a tender crumb that’s moist without being heavy. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to vegan baking, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to whip up this loaf using everyday ingredients.
Plus, it makes the house smell heavenly while baking—a definite bonus!
Keep reading to discover why this recipe deserves a spot in your baking rotation, along with tips, ingredient swaps, and serving ideas. And if you love wholesome vegan breads, be sure to check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for even more inspiration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan cranberry bread is more than just a loaf; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s why it stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items—just pantry staples and fresh cranberries.
- Vegan and Allergy-Friendly: Free from eggs, dairy, and refined sugars, making it suitable for many diets.
- Perfect Texture: Moist but light crumb, with bursts of tart cranberries that add brightness.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, toasted with vegan butter, or even as a base for your favorite jams and nut butters.
- Great for All Seasons: Cranberries are delicious year-round, but especially festive during fall and winter holidays.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier loaf)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup organic cane sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil or neutral vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork for mixing
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch or 9×5 inch)
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Cooling rack
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your loaf pan with coconut oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Prepare the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the almond milk, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully mixed.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no dry flour remains; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add cranberries and nuts: Fold in the cranberries and, if using, the chopped nuts. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy—that’s perfect!
- Transfer to the loaf pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top evenly.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan into the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter. It pairs beautifully with cranberries!”
- Use frozen cranberries: No need to thaw; just fold them in frozen to prevent the batter from turning pink.
- Gluten-free option: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend. You may need to add a bit more almond milk if the batter is too thick.
- Sweetener swap: Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of sugar, but reduce the almond milk by about 2 tablespoons to keep the batter consistency.
- Add spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice (about 1/2 tsp each) add warmth and depth to the bread.
- Nut-free: Simply omit nuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.
- Make muffins: Pour batter into a lined muffin tin and bake for 20-25 minutes for perfectly portioned treats.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/12 of loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 160 |
Carbohydrates | 28g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 12g |
Fat | 5g |
Saturated Fat | 3g |
Protein | 2g |
Cholesterol | 0mg |
Sodium | 150mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cranberry bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions:
- Toast a slice and spread with vegan butter or coconut oil for a warm, comforting snack.
- Pair with your favorite nut butter—almond or cashew butter are excellent choices.
- Top with a smear of vegan cream cheese or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea or your morning coffee for a delightful breakfast.
- Use it as a base for a fruity sandwich with sliced bananas and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
If you enjoy wholesome vegan baked goods, don’t miss our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for another luscious treat. And for savory baking, explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to complement your meal perfectly.
Conclusion
This vegan cranberry bread recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the tartness of cranberries in a moist, flavorful loaf that’s entirely plant-based. It’s quick to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and uses everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
The gentle sweetness combined with the zing of cranberries makes it a perfect snack or breakfast treat that anyone can enjoy.
Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or guests, this bread is sure to impress with its beautiful color, inviting aroma, and delicious taste. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to customize it with nuts, spices, or different sweeteners to fit your preferences.
Give it a try and experience just how easy and satisfying vegan baking can be!
For more fantastic vegan bread recipes and baking tips, be sure to check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves and explore all the wonderful plant-based dishes on our site.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Cranberry Bread
Description: A moist and flavorful vegan cranberry bread perfect for breakfast or snacks. This recipe combines fresh cranberries with warm spices for a delicious treat.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT50M
Total Time: PT65M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup almond milk
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In another bowl, mix almond milk, brown sugar, oil, vanilla extract, and apple cider vinegar.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in fresh cranberries gently.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before slicing and serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 36 g
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