Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack. The tartness of fresh cranberries pairs beautifully with crunchy walnuts, creating a balanced and flavorful loaf. This easy-to-make bread will fill your home with a warm, inviting aroma.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, and melted butter until smooth. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine.
4. Step 4: Carefully fold in the halved cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed in the batter.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Step 6: Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cranberries can make the batter watery.
• If you prefer, substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
• Adjust baking time if you use a different size or shape of loaf pan, checking doneness frequently.

Storage

Store the cranberry walnut bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze slices for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm slices in a toaster or microwave until just heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

While fresh cranberries provide the best texture and tartness, you can use dried cranberries if necessary. Keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter and less juicy, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Can this bread be made gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to help with texture. Baking time may vary slightly.

Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 147 reviews

This Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful treat combining fresh cranberries and crunchy walnuts into a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or holiday gatherings, this American classic bread offers a nice balance of tart and nutty flavors with a tender crumb.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
• Total Time: 75-85 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (about 10–12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Add-ins

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and seasoning.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, blend the milk, room temperature eggs, and melted butter thoroughly to create a smooth wet mix that will add moisture and richness to the bread.
4. Mix Wet and Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir to combine. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
5. Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts: Carefully fold in the halved fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, ensuring bursts of flavor and crunch in every slice.
6. Pour and Bake: Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
7. Cool and Serve: Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure cranberries are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
• Adjust the baking time if using a different size loaf pan to prevent under or over-baking.
• Store the bread in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
• Optionally, you can toast the walnuts beforehand to enhance their flavor.

Keywords: cranberry walnut bread, homemade bread, fruit and nut bread, American bread recipe, holiday bread