Nothing says how much you care and love someone better than a gift from the kitchen. And a jar of your berrilicious bread mix is one of the perfect gift. Now I know most people love chocolate which is why I like to prep Brownies In A Jar. You can’t go wrong with chocolate, right? But there are a lot of my friends who, like me, are not so big on chocolate. I have my moments with chocolate but I’d pick a cranberry almond bread over it on a regular day.
Even though this bread is easy to bake, you could go wrong with it. The key here is the mixing. Much like muffins, you cannot overwork the batter. That would yield a dry and hard bread. So it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy, they’ll all go away while baking.
Variations: Substitute raisins, craisins or dried cherries in place of cranberries. Replace almonds with walnuts or pecans. Increase ground cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons in mix.
If you plan to send this as a present or make it for yourself, remember to leave a note regarding the presence of gluten and nuts keeping in mind allergies. The mix keeps for a 30 – 45 days at room temperature.
- 21/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned, uncooked)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup blanched almonds
- ¾ cup honey
- ¾ cup milk
- 12 tablespoon (1½ sticks) butter or margarine, melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- For the Jar: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt; mix well. Add oats, cranberries and almonds; mix well. Transfer to a decorative jar with lid or other airtight container. Store in cool dry place.
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Lightly spray four 6 x 3¾”disposable aluminum foil mini loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Or use two 8 x 4″disposable aluminum foil loaf pans.
- Place bread mix in large bowl. In small bowl, combine honey, milk, butter and eggs with wire whisk or fork; mix well. Add to dry ingredients all at once; stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. (Do not overmix.) Pour into pans, dividing evenly.
- Bake mini loaves for 23 to 27 minutes or regular loaves for 35 to 40 minutes or until tops of breads feel firm when touched and wooden pick inserted near center has a few moist crumbs clinging to it. (Do not overbake.)
- Cool breads in pans on wire rack. Wrap tightly in aluminum foil. Store at room temperature up to 2 days. For longer storage, label and freeze. Makes 2 large or 4 mini loaves.
Happy Baking!
What a cool idea for a gift! Actually I have never seen one for bread -it is quite unique. Glad you brought out something that is non-chocolate for I know some people that would favor these flavors over chocolate any day. Thanks for sharing this one-enjoy the day!
Yum..yum..idea..need my address ;-)
Fabulous gift idea! What lovely jars, too…makes for a beautiful presentation~
I may have to do that “something in a jar” thing next year for gifts, I think it’s a fabulous idea!
What a beautiful gift, and I love the jar you put it in! This would be so easy to make gluten-free as well. Yum, yum, yum!
I love this! I want to make this bread myself! Maybe I will tonight!! Make one loaf to eat now and one to freeze! Yum!
A swell idea indeed. The jar looks so festive. For a change it is not chocolate, so that is so refreshing..
anu, i love baked goods in a jar! you are so right about this “Nothing says how much you care and love someone better than a gift from the kitchen.” :) hugs.
I’m sending my home address! Just kidding~~~! What a great gift idea and I’d LOVE to receive it – your friends and family are so lucky. ;-)
Very cool idea! I would love to get this as a gift!
You have the best gift ideas–I loved the brownies in a jar, but this is even better because I’m not a chocolate person. Buzzed!
I love this alternative to the brownies…this is a lighter option that I crave after all the chocolate and candy! This makes a very pretty gift!
Love this almond cranberry bread homemade guft idea. Now only waiting for my delivery man to come and leave a jar at my door step. Happy Holidays baby gurl!
If you have checked some of of my recipes, cranberries are also one of my favourite. I would love to have this as a gift.
BTW, Anuradha, I have a wonderful gift for you waiting at my site. I am sure you will accept it and see the other details to get it.
What a fun idea to give for any occasion.
Bread in a jar is a wonderful gift idea An. I love your presentation too…those jars are really cute.
What a GREAT idea! I’ve seen cookies in jars before, but not this! I agree, I think a homemade gift from the kitchen is wonderful!
This sounds wonderful, can’t wait to whip up a batch for a friend or two! Thanks for sharing!
What a great gift idea! I love that it’s a mix, and not the actual baked bread. It makes the person get in the kitchen and do some of the work themselves :) And almond cranberry bread sounds awesome, I love both!
I love the idea of giving homemade mixes like this. There’s just something wonderful about the process of making your own baked goods that’s so special and giving that gift is a nice gesture.
I love the baked-goods-from-a-jar concept! I’ve seen cookies and brownies, but I haven’t seen cake before. Heck, I wouldn’t even make a present out of this — I’d just store it in my cupboard for a cold winter day that calls for a bit of delicious quick bread. :)
Love this Anu. The homemade, from the heart touch is always so lovely!
What a great recipe, and a cute idea! And your presentation is lovely! I would love to receive a gift like this one :-)
What a cute idea!!!
A very cool gift idea!
What a delicious and creative idea for a gift!
Intriguing idea!Very convenient too!
What a fabulous gift idea! I am with you. I like chocolate but prefer so many other things over it. And cranberry almond bread is perfect for this time of year! I’m just stopping by today to wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and look forward to sharing with you in the new year! : )
I love these jar ideas, and they’re perfect for last minute gifts, too! I love almonds, I might have to give the recipe a try sans jar ;)
What a cute gift! And I bet it’s delicious too! Happy holidays!!!!
I love this idea! Love it! I always give quick breads for holiday treats but never thought to give it in this “bake-it-yourself-later” form. Fabulous!
I too am not a dessert person but its like a small piece and once a while thing. I like that you have added honey and all the lovely fruits and yes, would love to try this out. Thanks also for the tips of not overworking the batter because I learned this with the mistakes I have made a couple of time while trying to bake.
I would definitely love to receive a homemade gift like this. Lovely!
Happy New Year to you!
this looks fabulous lovely to snack
A great gift idea! Always much appreciated.
Cheers,
Rosa
i love in the jar mixes.. they keep for longer and make fantastic gifts.. that is really pretty packaging!
THX for sharing.