3cups1 12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed)
1 ½cupswhole cane sugar, sucanat, rapadura, etc
2cupsspelt, whole wheat, or sprouted wheat flour
1tablespoonbaking powder
¾teaspoonsea salt
8tablespoons1 stick butter, slightly soft
2large eggs
1teaspoonvanilla extract
½cupwhole milk
½cupsliced almonds, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350F. Generously butter a large loaf pan, at least 9"x5".
Pulse the cranberries with 1/2 cup of the sugar in a food processor until they're finely chopped, but be careful not to puree them. Scoop the mixture into a sieve and let it drain while you make the batter.
Place the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl - whisk or sift to combine well, then set aside.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the butter and the remaining sugar together on medium-high speed until the butter is pale and fluffy, 3-4 minutes. Reduce speed to low, then add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each one. Add vanilla. Add the flour mixture and the milk alternately, beginning and ending with the flour, and mix just until incorporated.
Spread one-third of the batter in the bottom of the loaf pan. Spoon half of the drained cranberries down the middle of the batter, leaving a 1-inch margin all around. Spoon another third of the batter over the cranberries, smoothing it as much as possible, then repeat with the remaining cranberries. Finish with the remaining batter and sprinkle with sliced almonds, if desired.
Bake until golden brown and a skewer comes out clean, 55-65 minutes. Cool cake in pan for about 30 minutes, then use a silicone or other non-scratching knife to make sure the sides of the cake don't cling to the pan, then invert (if possible - the cake is very soft) onto a plate, cut into portions, and serve either warm or at room temperature.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.