There’s something about the combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange that just screams holiday season. But what if you could enjoy that delicious flavor all year round without compromising your health goals? Enter this healthy cranberry orange loaf – a treat that’s not only tasty but also packed with wholesome ingredients.
This loaf is perfect for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even a light dessert. With the natural sweetness from the fruit, and the added benefits of Greek yogurt, chia seeds, and whole wheat flour, it’s a win-win for both your taste buds and your body!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Whole ingredients: This loaf is made with simple, whole foods—no protein powders or artificial ingredients. Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and a boost of protein, while chia seeds and flax meal add fiber and omega-3s.
- High in fiber: Between the whole wheat flour, chia seeds, and flax meal, this loaf offers a solid fiber content to keep you feeling full longer and support your digestion.
- Balanced protein: With Greek yogurt and a bit of cottage cheese (if you opt for it), you’re getting a good amount of protein without having to turn to protein powders.
- Vibrant flavor: The cranberry and orange combo is the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making this loaf a refreshing treat for any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup flax meal
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or non-fat)
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce (or sub with mashed banana)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or dried, unsweetened)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
Optional: Orange Honey Butter
- A pinch of orange zest
- 1 tsp honey
- 4 tbsp butter
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, flax meal, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, maple syrup, applesauce (or banana), orange zest, and orange juice until smooth.
- Add wet to dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Be careful not to over-mix.
- Fold in the cranberries and chia seeds: Gently fold in the cranberries and chia seeds until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Slice it up and enjoy on its own or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for an extra protein boost.
- Orange Honey Butter: In a small bowl, melt butter in microwave about 20 seconds or until soft. Add honey and orange zest and mix well. Pop in fridge until solidified. I like to set it out ahead of the meal to get soft or lightly soften in microwave for 5ish seconds before.
Benefits of This Healthy Cranberry Orange Loaf:
- Rich in Fiber: Between the whole wheat flour, chia seeds, and flax meal, this loaf is loaded with fiber, helping to support digestion and keep you feeling full longer.
- Packed with Protein: The Greek yogurt and chia seeds offer a healthy dose of protein, perfect for a post-workout snack or a satisfying breakfast.
- No Added Sugar: With only natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, you get just the right amount of sweetness without any refined sugars.
- Heart-Healthy: Thanks to the flax meal and chia seeds, this loaf is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart health.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving, 8 Servings):
- Calories: ~200
- Protein: ~6g
- Fiber: ~3g
- Carbs: ~30g
- Fat: ~8g (healthy fats from flax and chia)
Tips for Customizing:
- Add nuts or seeds: Feel free to toss in some chopped walnuts or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and nutrition.
- Substitute sweeteners: If you prefer a lower glycemic index sweetener, try substituting maple syrup with stevia or monk fruit.
- Make it dairy-free: If you’re dairy-free, simply swap the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt.
This healthy cranberry orange loaf is a perfect example of how you can enjoy delicious, seasonal flavors without compromising on your health goals. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing it with loved ones, it’s a nourishing option that everyone will love.
Enjoy baking and nourishing your body with every slice!
