Ingredients:

  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus 1 Tbsp reserved for dusting)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional)
  • ½ cup (1 stick) Unsalted Butter, softened, room temperature
  • 2 Large Eggs, room temperature
  • ½ cup Whole Milk, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 ½ cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries
  • 1 cup Pecan Halves, roughly chopped (toasted)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the Pecans: Spread the pecans on a small baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely and chop roughly.
  2. Prepare the Pan and Preheat: Grease and flour your 9x5 inch loaf pan, or line it completely with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  3. Prep Dry Ingredients & Dust Fruit: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside. In a small separate bowl, toss the cranberries with the reserved 1 tablespoon of flour; this prevents sinking.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter and sugar until the mixture is very light and fluffy (about 3–4 minutes).
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry: Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture (Dry-Milk-Dry-Milk-Dry). Mix only until the ingredients are just incorporated. Stop mixing immediately to avoid a tough loaf.
  7. Fold in the Stars: Gently fold in the floured cranberries and the toasted, chopped pecans using a rubber spatula. Use minimal strokes.
  8. Bake: Scrape the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55–60 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
  9. Cool and Serve: Test the loaf by inserting a skewer into the center; it should come out clean. Let the loaf cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.