Pumpkin Cranberry Walnut Loaf

The other day I decided to make a rare trip to Trader Joes, yes I know…so many people love that store and so do I, I just don’t get there all that often since it’s not my usual place for groceries. There are a few things I like to get there every once in a while when I do stop in like dried cranberries, almonds, snacks, etc.  They definitely do have great products, fun stuff, and let’s not forget the super exciting fun mini grocery carts for kids!  While strolling through the store for dried cranberries they were making fresh pumpkin bread, which made the whole store smell amazing. My youngest wanted a sample, so he and I tried it…I’m not a huge fan of pumpkin bread typically but I will say it was pretty darn good.  So I grabbed a box for the hubby, cause I knew he’d love it. When I got home and unpacked my grocery bag it clicked right away in my head, hmmmm cranberries + pumpkin bread + walnuts = something super yummy!  So here’s what I did for this Pumpkin Cranberry Walnut Loaf.

 

Ingredients:

 

Trader Joes Pumpkin Bread Mix

2 Eggs

Oil

Water

1/4 Cup chopped dried cranberries

1/2 Cup chopped walnuts, pecans can also be substituted

[for the oil and water measurements follow package instructions on the bread mix]

 

For the Icing:

 

1 Cup Powdered Sugar

1 to 2 Tb milk or water, mix until you get a nice glaze

 

 

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.  

 

In a mixing bowl mix the Pumpkin Bread Mix, Eggs, Oil, and Water (follow the directions on the box).  Mix well, and add your 1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries and almost all of your chopped Walnuts {(reserve a small amount to sprinkle on top).  

 

Mix all ingredients together once more.  

 

Pour into a greased loaf pan.  Once the batter is in the pan top with remaining Walnuts.  

 

Place in oven and bake per the time on the box, mine took about 35 – 40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  

 

Remove from oven and place on a towel and let it cool completely.  

 

Once it’s cooled make your sugar glaze for the top.  Start with a 1 Cup Powdered Sugar and add a Tablespoon of Milk or Water, you may need to add a bit more until you get a glaze that coats the back of a spoon.  I like my glaze thicker so if you need to add more sugar you can.  Drizzle over the top of the Pumpkin Loaf and let it harden.  Slice and enjoy!