Cranberry Apple Loaf - Egg Free, Dairy Free, Nut and Peanut Free, Soy Free

Is it too soon for Christmas recipes?

Considering I am watching a Hallmark Christmas movie while I write this… perhaps not.

For this recipe I wanted to make a cake that was reminiscent of fruit cake without being so divisive. This Christmas loaf cake is free from dairy, egg, soy, nuts, and peanuts. The cake is soft and fluffy, and a deep brown cinnamon colour. Moist, fresh cranberries and apple chunks are dotted throughout. The cake is finished with a simple sugar glaze.

Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Christmas Loaf - Egg Free, Dairy Free, Nut and Peanut Free, Soy Free

• 1/4 cup neutral oil (avocado, canola, grapeseed, or sunflower)

• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar

• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tbsp. cider vinegar

• 1/4 cup water

• 2 cups unbleached all purpose flour, or spelt flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• pinch of salt

• 2 cups fresh cranberries, stems removed

• 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and diced apples

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 1 1/2 tbsp water

• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

How to make Ingredients for Cranberry Apple Christmas Loaf - Egg Free, Dairy Free, Nut and Peanut Free, Soy Free

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, brown sugar, vanilla, applesauce, vinegar, and water until combined. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients a third at a time until combined. Do not overmix.Let the batter stand for 10 minutes. You will notice it becomes puffy and bubbly. Fold in the cranberries and apples.

2. Preheat the oven to 375F. Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper or grease with oil and dust with flour (whichever you prefer). Spread the batter out evenly in the loaf pan, smoothing it out on top. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes or until a fork or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

3. Make the glaze. In a small bowl mix together the powdered sugar, water, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. When the loaf has cooled, spoon the glaze on top and let it run down the sides for a wintery effect.

Slice and serve. Makes 1 loaf.

This quick bread makes a great breakfast, late afternoon snack, or even dessert.

The glaze is completely optional! If you prefer your baked goods to be less sweet, you can of course skip the glaze altogether.

If you liked this festive recipe, you might like my recipe for Gingerbread Cupcakes with Gingerbread Frosting!

Looking for more holiday recipes? Check out my Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Pie recipe below!