Cranberry White Chocolate Loaf Cake – A Delicious Holiday Treat

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (chopped)
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup white chocolate (for drizzling on top)
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
2. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
2. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and White Chocolate

1. Gently fold in the chopped fresh cranberries and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Loaf Cake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top is browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil and continue baking.

Step 7: Cool and Drizzle

1. Allow the loaf cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
2. While the cake is cooling, melt the white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between each. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the top of the cooled cake.
3. Sprinkle dried cranberries on top for an extra festive touch.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the cranberry white chocolate loaf cake and serve as a delicious dessert or holiday treat.

Conclusion: This Cranberry White Chocolate Loaf Cake is perfect for the holiday season. With the tartness of cranberries balanced by the sweetness of white chocolate, this moist, flavorful cake is sure to impress at any gathering. Serve it at your next holiday party, family gathering, or as a special treat for loved ones!