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**Cranberry, Orange, and Banana Bread with Vegan Buttercream: A Perfect Holiday Delight**
Looking for a unique twist on the classic banana bread? This **Cranberry, Orange, and Banana Bread** with **Vegan Buttercream** is the perfect recipe to elevate your baking game. The sweetness of ripe bananas, the tartness of fresh cranberries, and the citrusy zing of orange come together in a deliciously moist loaf. To top it off, a creamy vegan buttercream adds the perfect finishing touch, making this a treat that will wow everyone at the table.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday celebration, a family brunch, or just a cozy afternoon snack, this cranberry, orange, and banana bread is a crowd-pleaser that brings together vibrant flavors in one delightful loaf.
### Ingredients:
**For the Banana Bread:**
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
– 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat for a healthier twist)
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
– ½ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil (melted)
– ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water (flax egg)
**For the Vegan Buttercream:**
– ½ cup vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 1 tablespoon orange juice
– Zest of ½ orange
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
### Instructions:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter**
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a little oil or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
2. **Make the Flax Egg**: In a small bowl, combine the **ground flaxseed** with the **water**. Stir well and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes gelatinous.
3. **Mash the Bananas**: In a large mixing bowl, mash the **ripe bananas** with a fork or potato masher until smooth. This will create the base of your banana bread, giving it moisture and natural sweetness.
4. **Mix Wet Ingredients**: To the mashed bananas, add the **flax egg**, **orange juice**, **orange zest**, **melted coconut oil**, **brown sugar**, and **vanilla extract**. Stir until everything is well combined.
5. **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking soda**, **baking powder**, **salt**, and **ground cinnamon** (if using). This dry mixture will help the bread rise evenly and give it a light, fluffy texture.
6. **Combine Wet and Dry**: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.
7. **Fold in the Cranberries**: Gently fold the **fresh cranberries** into the batter. The cranberries will add a burst of tartness and color to your bread, making every slice extra special.
#### **Step 2: Bake the Banana Bread**
1. **Transfer to Pan**: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly.
2. **Bake**: Place the loaf in the preheated oven and bake for about **55-65 minutes**, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
3. **Cool**: Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the banana bread to a wire rack to cool completely.
#### **Step 3: Prepare the Vegan Buttercream**
1. **Cream the Vegan Butter**: In a medium-sized bowl, beat the **vegan butter** with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This creates a smooth and creamy base for your buttercream.
2. **Add the Sugar and Flavorings**: Gradually sift in the **powdered sugar** and continue to beat until fully incorporated. Add the **orange juice**, **orange zest**, **vanilla extract**, and a pinch of **salt**. Beat until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy.
3. **Adjust Consistency**: If the buttercream is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of orange juice or a splash of non-dairy milk to achieve your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach a smooth, spreadable texture.
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