- Cranberries: Add festive flavor and a tart kick to your cornbread.
- Pumpkin Puree: A key ingredient for that classic fall taste.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides the structure needed for a hearty texture.
- Cornmeal: Traditional in cornbread, it gives a unique flavor and moisture-retaining properties.
- Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
- Baking Soda: Acts as a leavening agent to ensure your cornbread rises properly.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavors, making each ingredient more pronounced.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A subtle addition that complements pumpkin and cranberry flavors.
- Butter or Oil: Adds richness and moisture; choose according to dietary preferences.
- Cinnamon: A classic fall spice that pairs well with both pumpkin and cranberries.
- Nutmeg: Another essential spice in fall baking, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Steps
### Delicious Cranberry Pumpkin Cornbread Recipe: A Fall Favorite
Looking for an autumn-inspired treat that’s both warm and comforting? Try this delicious cranberry pumpkin cornbread recipe! This recipe is perfect for those cozy fall nights or as a delightful side dish at your Thanksgiving table. Follow these detailed steps to create a flavorful, moist, and aromatic cranberry pumpkin cornbread.
#### Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups (205g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (74g) polenta/cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup (120ml) milk (use almond or dairy-free for a vegan option)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) dried cranberries
#### Equipment Needed
- 8-inch cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
### Step-by-Step Instructions
#### Preheat the Oven
1. **Preheat your oven** to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the center of the oven.
#### Prepare Dry Ingredients
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup polenta/cornmeal
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
#### Mix Wet Ingredients
3. In a separate bowl, mix together:
- 1 large beaten egg
- 1/2 cup milk (or your chosen substitute)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
#### Combine and Add Cranberries
4. **Whisk the wet ingredients** into the dry mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in **3/4 cup dried cranberries** evenly throughout the batter. Gently mix them in without breaking up the berries too much.
#### Bake the Cornbread
6. **Pour the batter** into an 8-inch cast iron skillet that has been lightly greased or sprayed with cooking spray. Ensure it's evenly distributed and smooth on top.
7. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for **25 to 30 minutes**. The cornbread is done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean, and the edges are slightly golden.
#### Let It Cool
8. Allow the cranberry pumpkin cornbread to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares or wedges. This ensures that it sets up properly and doesn’t crumble as you cut it.
9. Serve warm with a dollop of butter, honey, or your preferred topping.
#### Tips for Success
- For added moisture, use fresh cranberries and cook them briefly to release their juice before folding them into the batter.
- To ensure a perfect texture, avoid overmixing once you’ve added the wet ingredients.
- The polenta/cornmeal combination gives this cornbread its classic, slightly toothy texture.
### Conclusion
This cranberry pumpkin cornbread is not just a treat but a testament to how autumn flavors can come together in harmony. Perfectly sweet from the cranberries and the natural sugars of pumpkin, it’s a delightful twist on traditional cornbread that’ll become your new fall favorite! Enjoy making this recipe and sharing its warmth with loved ones during the cooler months.
By following these detailed steps, you'll be able to create a delicious and visually appealing cranberry pumpkin cornbread that's sure to impress. Happy baking!