Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe – No Knead and Delicious

There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread filling the kitchen, and this delightful Cranberry Walnut Bread is no exception. Picture this: a crusty, golden exterior giving way to a soft, chewy interior speckled with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of walnuts. Each slice is a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, perfect for a cozy breakfast or a quick snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

I can’t help but transport you back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where she’d whip up her signature bread on chilly Sunday afternoons. The moment I entered the house, I was greeted by the warmth of the oven and a symphony of scents that made my tummy rumble with anticipation. This easy, no-knead recipe brings that nostalgia right to your kitchen, bringing family and friends together over a warm loaf that seems to hug you from the inside out.

Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Bread

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread:

3 cups + 2 tablespoons (390g) bread flour or all-purpose flour – Bread flour yields a chewier texture; all-purpose works if that’s what you have.

2 teaspoons coarse sea salt – This brings out the flavor of the bread, making those cranberries and walnuts truly shine.

1/2 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast – Instant yeast helps the dough rise quickly without active work, giving you all the flavor with minimal labor.

3/4 cup (95g) chopped walnuts or pecans – Add crunch and a nutty depth; feel free to use whichever you fancy!

3/4 cup (105g) dried cranberries – The star of our bread, these little gems add a sweet, tart kick with each bite.

1 tablespoon (21g) honey – A hint of natural sweetness to balance the flavors beautifully without overwhelming them.

1 and 1/2 cups (360ml) warm water (about 95°F/35°C) – The warmth activates the yeast for a full-bodied rise.

How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread:

Step 1: Mix Your Dough
In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients: flour, salt, yeast, walnuts, and cranberries. Mix honey and warm water separately, then pour it into the flour mixture. Use a spoon to combine everything until the dough forms—it’s okay if it feels like a sticky blob; that’s just the beauty of no-knead bread.

Step 2: Let It Rise
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a kitchen towel. Place it in a warm spot and let it rise for 12 to 18 hours, or until it has doubled in size. At this stage, you may want to catch up on your favorite shows or take a much-deserved nap.

Step 3: Shape the Dough
Once your dough has risen, lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Shape it into a rough ball, handling it gently to maintain that glorious airiness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper—this will make the next steps much easier. Score an ‘X’ on the top so it can expand beautifully while baking.

Step 4: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (246°C) while letting the dough rest for about 30 minutes. If you’ve got a Dutch oven, pop that inside the oven too—this helps create a steamy environment that results in a crusty exterior.

Step 5: Bake Your Bread
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven (use mitts; trust me, you’ll thank me later). Lift the parchment paper with the dough and place it into the pot, cover it with the lid, and let it bake for 25 minutes. This will create that steamy atmosphere to ensure the bread rises like it’s on a cloud.

Step 6: Brown the Bread
After 25 minutes, take off the lid and let it bake for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until it turns a beautiful golden brown. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have you counting seconds until it’s ready!

Finish by transferring your gorgeous loaf to a wire rack. Let it cool for at least 20 minutes, then slice into the masterpiece you’ve created.

Enjoy your freshly baked Cranberry Walnut Bread with a spread of butter, jam, or simply on its own. Perfect for breakfast, snacking, or showcasing at gatherings. Keep this recipe in your back pocket—it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in no time.

Perfecting Cranberry Walnut Bread Cooking Process

Start by mixing your dry ingredients, then add the wet ingredients for the dough. Allow it to rise overnight for optimal flavor and texture. Preheat the Dutch oven while the dough rests, then carefully place it in the pot for baking to achieve a perfect crust.

Add Your Touch to Cranberry Walnut Bread

Feel free to swap in different nuts like pecans or almonds, and try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. For a sweeter twist, throw in some orange zest or chocolate chips. The possibilities are endless!

Storing & Reheating Cranberry Walnut Bread

To store the bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, slice and freeze it. Reheat slices in the oven or toaster for a warm, crusty treat.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my grandmother’s kitchen, where the smell of freshly baked bread would lure everyone in. Her secret? A dash of love and a known ability to sneak in extra nuts whenever we weren’t looking!

FAQs About Cranberry Walnut Bread

What is Cranberry Walnut Bread?

Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful and easy-to-make no-knead bread that combines the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries with the rich, earthy flavors of walnuts. This bread rises beautifully overnight, creating a golden crust and a tender crumb, making it perfect for breakfast, a cozy snack, or even as a side at dinner. With minimal effort and time, you can enjoy a homemade loaf that feels gourmet without breaking a sweat!

How do I store Cranberry Walnut Bread?

To store your freshly baked Cranberry Walnut Bread, wrap it in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, consider slicing the bread and freezing individual pieces. Simply reheat the slices in the oven or a toaster to bring back that crusty texture. This way, you can enjoy your delicious bread even after a few days!

Can I add other ingredients to Cranberry Walnut Bread?

Absolutely! One of the joys of baking your own Cranberry Walnut Bread is the freedom to customize it. You can swap out walnuts for pecans or almonds, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even incorporate extras like orange zest or chocolate chips. Tailoring the bread to your taste can lead to exciting new flavor combinations that will keep you and your loved ones coming back for more.

Is Cranberry Walnut Bread healthy?

While Cranberry Walnut Bread is indulgent with its sweet and nutty flavors, it also offers some health benefits. The walnuts provide healthy fats and protein, while the cranberries are rich in antioxidants and can promote heart health. Enjoying this bread in moderation can be a delightful addition to a balanced diet, especially when you know the ingredients are fresh and wholesome.

Conclusion for Cranberry Walnut Bread

Cranberry Walnut Bread is not just a recipe; it’s a journey that brings joy and warmth to your kitchen. This no-knead bread is all about simple ingredients that create incredible flavors and textures. With its sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts, this loaf is perfect for any occasion. Remember to let it rise overnight for optimal taste and texture, and feel free to customize it to suit your palate. Embrace the magic of baking with this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread, and share it with those you love!

Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe - No Knead and Delicious

This cranberry walnut bread combines sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts for a delightful treat that's effortless to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Rising Time 12 hours hrs

Total Time 20 hours hrs

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Breakfast Recipes

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons coarse sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Platinum Yeast from Red Star instant yeast
• 3/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 1/2 cups warm water about 95°F (35°C)

Equipment

• large bowl
• Dutch oven
• parchment paper

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, stir the first 5 ingredients together. Mix the honey and warm water together, then pour on top and mix to combine. The dough will be very sticky; shape it into a ball as best you can.
2. Cover tightly and allow to rise at room temperature for 12-18 hours until doubled in size.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a ball. Transfer to a large piece of parchment paper. Score an X into the top of the dough and place it in a bowl to rest for 30 minutes.
4. Preheat the oven to 475°F (246°C) and place your Dutch oven in the oven for 30 minutes.
5. Carefully place the dough with parchment paper into the pot and cover with the lid.
6. Bake for 25 minutes with the lid on. Remove the lid and continue baking for 8-10 more minutes until golden brown.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice

Notes

Feel free to customize with other nuts or spices for added flavor.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!