Description
A festive sourdough loaf bursting with citrus zest and tart cranberries, perfect for holiday breakfasts, gifting, or serving as a sweet treat. The natural tang of the starter balances the bright orange flavor and ruby-red berries for a golden, aromatic bread that delights the senses.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Feed your sourdough starter 4–6 hours before mixing and ensure it is bubbly and active.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Stir and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Add sugar, salt, starter, and softened butter to the dough. Mix gently until cohesive.
4. Scatter cranberries over the dough and fold in carefully until evenly distributed.
5. Cover dough and bulk ferment at 75°F for 3–5 hours, folding gently every 30–45 minutes during the first two hours.
6. On a floured surface, shape dough into a loaf and place seam-side up in a floured banneton. Proof for 2–3 hours at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.
7. Preheat oven to 425°F with a Dutch oven inside for 30 minutes. Transfer dough to parchment, score, and bake covered for 25 minutes.
8. Remove lid and bake 15–20 more minutes until deep golden and internal temperature reaches 200°F.
9. Cool on a wire rack completely before slicing. Optionally brush with an orange glaze of juice and powdered sugar.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 slices
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 9
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 7
- Cholesterol: 15
Keywords: sourdough orange cranberry loaf, holiday sweet bread recipes, seasonal baking recipes, gift bread recipes, christmas baking recipes breads, best desserts for the holidays