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Easy Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe for Holiday Baking

A close-up of a freshly baked cranberry walnut bread loaf with one slice cut, showing bright red cranberries throughout the crumb.
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You can make this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread at home. This recipe yields a moist, slightly sweet loaf packed with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 cups warm water (about 105-115°F)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 3.5 cups bread flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, and honey. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
  2. Add the flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Do not knead the dough.
  3. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a lightly floured loaf pan.
  6. Cover the shaped loaf again and let it rest for a second rise for about 30 to 45 minutes.
  7. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it in the oven while preheating.
  8. Brush the top of the loaf lightly with the beaten egg wash. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  9. If baking on a sheet, place a pan of water on the bottom rack to create steam. Bake for 15 minutes at 425°F.
  10. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue baking for another 25 to 30 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F.
  11. Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • For a crispier crust, bake the bread inside a preheated Dutch oven with the lid on for the first 20 minutes, then remove the lid for the remaining bake time.
  • You can toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the dough for deeper flavor.
  • This loaf pairs well with orange marmalade or cream cheese for a perfect brunch idea with bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/cranberry-walnut-bread-recipe/

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