Easy Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf: A Healthy & Delicious Recipe (4 Points Per Slice!)
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked loaf filling your home. Today, I was inspired to create something truly special – a loaf that combines indulgence with mindful eating. Forget the guilt often associated with delicious baked goods; this delightful Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf is a perfect fusion of flavors, designed to tantalize your taste buds without derailing your healthy lifestyle goals. Packed with tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and rich dark chocolate, every slice is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. What’s even better? It’s incredibly easy to make and, at just 4 points per slice, it’s a smart choice for breakfast, a snack, or a lighter dessert. Prepare to fall in love with this wholesome and satisfying treat!
The Perfect Balance of Flavor and Health
This Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf isn’t just another sweet bread; it’s a carefully crafted recipe that brings together delightful flavors with beneficial ingredients. The tartness of dried cranberries provides a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the brown sugar, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch and a dose of healthy fats. And let’s not forget the star: dark chocolate. Using high-quality dark chocolate not only elevates the flavor profile with its deep, luxurious notes but also brings a wealth of antioxidants to the table.
Baking can sometimes feel intimidating, but this recipe is designed for simplicity. With straightforward steps and common pantry ingredients, you can achieve a bakery-quality loaf right in your own kitchen. It’s the ideal project for a lazy afternoon, resulting in a beautiful loaf that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, or simply savoring by yourself with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups flour
- 1/3 cup oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecan pieces
- 3 squares, 30g 70% dark chocolate (I use the lindt bar)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350F, spray a regular sized loaf pan and set aside.
-
In a bowl mix all your dry ingredients together.
-
Stir in your milk, apple sauce, egg and vanilla and mix well.
-
Break up your chocolate squares, I use a small zip lock and just break them up using a heavy glass.
-
Gently fold in your cranberries, pecans and broken up chocolate.
-
Pour into your loaf pan, use a spatula to make sure you get all the batter in. Batter will be thick.
-
Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes.
-
Let cool and cut into 10 slices, each slice is 4pp. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for best results.
Additional Info
Tips for a Perfect Loaf Every Time
While this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can ensure your Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf turns out perfectly:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough, dry loaf. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your loaf greatly depends on the quality of your ingredients. Use fresh baking powder, good quality almond milk, and especially a dark chocolate bar (like Lindt 70%) for the best taste.
- Folding in Add-ins: Be gentle when folding in the cranberries, pecans, and chocolate chunks. This helps distribute them evenly without deflating the batter.
- Loaf Pan Preparation: Always spray your loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes removal much easier.
- Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary. To test if your loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it’s still wet, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing a warm loaf can cause it to crumble and lose its structure.
Why These Ingredients Shine
Each component of this loaf serves a purpose, not just for flavor but for nutritional value as well:
Cranberries: Tangy Goodness
Dried cranberries are a powerhouse of antioxidants. They add a vibrant, tart flavor that beautifully cuts through the richness of the chocolate and sweetness of the bread. Beyond their taste, cranberries are known for their potential to support urinary tract health and provide a good source of fiber.
Pecans: Heart-Healthy Crunch
Pecans contribute a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. These delicious nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, and they also provide essential minerals like manganese and copper, along with fiber and protein. They add a sophisticated texture and depth to the loaf that you’ll absolutely adore.
Dark Chocolate: A Guilt-Free Indulgence
Using 70% dark chocolate or higher ensures you get the maximum health benefits. Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants and can even improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. Its intense flavor means a little goes a long way, making it a perfect addition for a healthy treat. The small amount used here provides that beloved chocolatey flavor without adding excessive calories.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf is incredibly versatile. Enjoy a slice for breakfast with your morning coffee, as a satisfying mid-day snack, or even as a light dessert. It pairs wonderfully with a smear of light cream cheese or a drizzle of sugar-free maple syrup, though it’s perfectly delicious on its own.
For best results and to maintain freshness, store your cooled loaf in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and moist for up to 5-7 days. If you want to enjoy it for longer, you can also slice the loaf and freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready for a treat, simply thaw a slice at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave or toaster oven for a few moments.
Customize Your Loaf: Variations to Explore
One of the joys of baking is the ability to customize recipes to your liking. Here are a few ideas to put your own spin on this Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf:
- Nut Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts, almonds, or even chopped hazelnuts for a different nutty flavor and texture.
- Fruit Variations: Experiment with other dried fruits like dried cherries, chopped apricots, or even a mix of dried berries. Adjust for sweetness if using fruits that are naturally sweeter.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of nutmeg or a dash of allspice could add another layer of warmth to the loaf, especially during the autumn and winter months.
- Citrus Zest: The zest of an orange or lemon would brighten the flavors of the cranberries and chocolate beautifully. Add 1 teaspoon of zest to the wet ingredients.
- Boost of Protein: For an extra protein kick, consider adding a scoop of unflavored or vanilla protein powder to the dry ingredients, adjusting the liquid slightly if the batter becomes too thick.
This recipe provides a fantastic base for creativity, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Embrace Healthy Indulgence
In a world where healthy eating often feels like a sacrifice, this Cranberry, Pecan & Dark Chocolate Loaf proves that you can enjoy delicious, comforting baked goods without compromise. It’s a testament to how simple ingredient swaps, like unsweetened applesauce for some of the fat and almond milk for dairy, can make a significant difference in nutritional value while maintaining incredible flavor and moisture. Each slice is a mini celebration of wholesome ingredients and delightful tastes.
So go ahead, preheat your oven and treat yourself and your loved ones to this fantastic loaf. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to bake, enjoy, and redefine what “healthy” means in your kitchen. Happy baking!