Craving a delicious and wholesome treat? This Cranberry Orange Quinoa Loaf is a perfect healthy baking recipe, offering a delightful combination of sweet and tangy flavors in a moist, satisfying loaf that’s easy to make.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Cooked Quinoa: Use leftover cooked quinoa or cook fresh for this recipe.
- Whole Wheat Flour: All-purpose flour can be substituted, but whole wheat adds more fiber.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well; no need to thaw frozen ones. Dried cranberries can also be used, but you might want to reduce added sugar slightly.
- Orange Zest & Juice: Provides vibrant citrus flavor. Lemon zest and juice can be used as an alternative.
- Maple Syrup: Honey or agave nectar are good liquid sweetener substitutes.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa, cooled
- 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Optional Topping:
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
- Tools Needed: 9×5 inch loaf pan, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare Your Oven and Loaf Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps for even baking. This step is essential for healthy baking recipes.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk the egg, milk, maple syrup, applesauce, orange zest, and orange juice until well combined. This liquid mixture will bring moisture to your loaf.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough loaf.
Fold in Quinoa and Cranberries
Gently fold in the cooled cooked quinoa and cranberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. This ensures every slice has those delicious bursts of flavor.
Pour into Loaf Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If desired, sprinkle the top with turbinado sugar for a slightly crisp crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Loaf
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing too early can cause the loaf to crumble.
Variation Ideas:
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Incorporate ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming spice flavor.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice after cooling.
- Fold in ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Cranberry Orange Quinoa Loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm in a microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can I use instant quinoa?
Yes, you can use instant quinoa, just be sure to cook it according to package directions and cool it before adding to the batter.
My loaf is too dense, what went wrong?
Overmixing the batter is a common cause for dense baked goods. Mix until just combined to keep it light.
Can I make this gluten-free?
You can try substituting a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the whole wheat flour. Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Why is my loaf not cooking in the middle?
Oven temperatures can vary; try baking for an additional 5-10 minutes. Covering loosely with foil can prevent the top from over-browning.
Can I skip the orange zest?
While you can, the zest provides a significant amount of the orange flavor. If you omit it, the orange taste will be much milder.
Is this a good make-ahead breakfast option?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic healthy baking recipe for meal prep. Slice it and have it ready for quick breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.
