Cranberry Apricot Loaf (A Keks Recipe)

This Cranberry Apricot Loaf is a must-try for anyone looking for a quick bread recipe that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Packed with tangy dried cranberries and sweet dried apricots, this loaf combines the best of fruity sweetness with a hint of citrus from clementine zest. The secret ingredient is plain kefir, which gives the bread a tender, moist texture and a subtle tang. Whether you’re baking for breakfast or as a sweet snack, this kefir bread is the perfect choice. This simple loaf recipe comes together quickly, making it great for both beginners and experienced bakers.

With just a few simple ingredients—butter, olive oil, eggs, and flour—this moist loaf bakes to perfection in under 1.5 hours. The cranberry apricot bread is a great addition to your holiday baking or a year-round treat to enjoy with coffee or tea.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups plain kefir (this is different from buttermilk; available at Fred Meyer)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs (cold is fine)
• 1 stick (8 Tbsp) unsalted butter, melted (but not hot)
• 4 Tbsp extra light olive oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour
• 1 tsp clementine or orange zest
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
• 1/2 cup dried apricots

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Kefir Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups kefir and 1 tsp baking soda. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes. The kefir will look fluffier once it’s ready.
3. Prepare Dried Fruit: Chop the dried apricots into pieces about the same size as the dried cranberries. In a separate bowl, pour boiling hot water over the cranberries and apricots and let them sit for 2 minutes. Drain the fruit well and let it dry in a colander.
4. Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the eggs and sugar on high speed for about 3 minutes, until pale and fluffy. Add the melted butter (make sure it’s not hot), olive oil, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the prepared kefir mixture to the batter and stir to blend. Gradually mix in the flour until the batter is smooth.
6. Add the Dried Fruit and Zest: Gently fold the soaked and drained cranberries, apricots, and clementine zest into the batter until evenly distributed.
7. Bake the Loaf: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and shake the pan lightly to level the batter. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes in the center of the oven, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool & Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan until it’s cool enough to handle. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar and enjoy!

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Tips

• Kefir Substitute: If you can’t find kefir, you can substitute it with buttermilk or a mixture of milk and a splash of lemon juice.
• Chop Apricots Small: Ensure the dried apricots are chopped into small pieces to distribute evenly in the loaf.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs helps to achieve a smoother batter and better texture in the loaf.

Variations and Substitutions

• Other Fruits: You can swap dried apricots with other dried fruits like raisins, dried cherries, or figs for a different flavor.
• Citrus Zest: Use lemon or lime zest in place of clementine zest for a bright, zesty twist.
• Nutty Texture: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans to give the loaf some extra crunch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
A: Fresh cranberries may not work as well in this recipe as dried cranberries since they have a higher moisture content. If you want to use fresh cranberries, be sure to reduce the liquid in the recipe to compensate.

Q: Can I freeze this loaf?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cranberry apricot loaf! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in an airtight container. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of tea for an afternoon snack.
• Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
• Slice it thin and serve as part of a breakfast or brunch spread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cranberry Apricot Loaf is the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with the chewy texture of dried fruit and the delicate hint of citrus zest. The loaf is moist, flavorful, and packed with nutrients, making it a great addition to your baking repertoire. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or as a dessert with a warm drink.