Cranberry Walnut Bread (No-Knead)

The sweet tanginess of cranberries and the nutty crunch of walnuts come together beautifully in this no-knead bread recipe. Perfect for the holiday season or any time you crave a delicious homemade bread, this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal effort

As a baking enthusiast, I have experimented with various bread recipes over the years. This Cranberry Walnut Bread has become a family favorite due to its simplicity and delightful flavors. With the holiday season approaching, there’s no better time to enjoy the warmth and comfort of freshly baked bread.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dry yeast
• 1 1/2 cups water (room temperature)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Science Notes: The yeast helps the bread rise, creating a light and airy texture. Cranberries add a burst of fruity sweetness, while walnuts provide a satisfying crunch. You can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or gluten-free flour for dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and yeast.
2. Add the water and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Stir in the cranberries and walnuts until evenly distributed.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 12-18 hours.
5. After the dough has risen, preheat the oven to 450°F and place a Dutch oven with the lid on in the oven to heat up.
6. Once the oven is preheated, carefully remove the Dutch oven, place the dough inside, cover with the lid, and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the bread is golden brown.
8. Let the bread cool before slicing and serving.

Expert Tips

• If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour before letting it rise.
• For a richer flavor, you can toast the walnuts before adding them to the dough.
• To speed up the rising process, you can place the covered bowl in a warm spot in your kitchen.

Storage & Substitutions

To store the bread, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or place it in a paper bag at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the bread for longer storage and reheat slices in a toaster or oven.

FAQ

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Fresh cranberries can be used in this recipe, but they will add extra moisture to the dough. Adjust the amount of water slightly if using fresh cranberries.

How do I prevent the walnuts from sinking to the bottom of the bread?

Coating the chopped walnuts in a little flour before adding them to the dough can help prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

Can I make this bread without nuts for nut allergies?

Yes, you can omit the walnuts if you have a nut allergy. The bread will still have a delicious cranberry flavor.

Can I add other mix-ins like chocolate chips or seeds?

Feel free to customize this bread recipe with your favorite mix-ins. Chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds can be delicious additions.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the bread?

You can adjust the sweetness of the bread by adding more or fewer cranberries. You can also sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking for a sweeter crust.

Enjoy the warmth and aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Walnut Bread with this easy no-knead recipe. Whether you’re baking for the holidays or simply craving a homemade treat, this bread is sure to delight your taste buds. Share your baking experience in the comments below and don’t forget to save the recipe for later!

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