Oh, let me tell you, there’s something undeniably special about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the house, isn’t there? One of my absolute favorites to whip up is this delightful **Cranberry Walnut Bread**. There’s just something magical about the combination of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and the warm, inviting scent of freshly baked bread. It takes me back to cozy holiday gatherings with family, where bread was always a staple on the table, and everyone would gather around with smiles and stories.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and the joy of letting it rise overnight. The longer fermentation gives the bread a wonderful depth of flavor and a chewy, artisan texture that makes it look like you bought it from a fancy bakery. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Let me share the ins and outs of this delicious recipe so you can enjoy it as much as I do.
What’s in Cranberry Walnut Bread?
**Cranberry Walnut Bread** features some straightforward yet scrumptious ingredients that come together to create a masterpiece. Here’s a bit about each one:
All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of any great bread! I use a good-quality brand, generally unbleached. It gives the bread a beautiful texture, allowing it to rise beautifully.
Salt: Not just for flavor, salt controls yeast growth, which helps develop the bread’s lovely crust.
Instant Yeast: This little powerhouse is what gets our dough rising! It’s more convenient than active dry yeast and doesn’t need to be proofed.
Cool Water: The water at a cooler temperature (around 60-65°F) ensures a slower fermentation, yielding a lovely flavor.
Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of sweetness and tartness that contrasts beautifully with the nutty flavor of walnuts.
Walnuts: Roughly chopped for that perfect crunch! They’re also a great source of healthy fats.
Honey (optional): A drizzle of honey can enhance the flavor with natural sweetness, but you can skip it if you’re looking for something less sweet.
Is Cranberry Walnut Bread Good for You?
Now, you might be wondering if this bread is healthy. Well, I would say yes – in moderation!
Cranberries: They are rich in antioxidants and may promote heart health. Just be wary of varieties with added sugar!
Walnuts: Great for brain health, walnuts are packed with omega-3 fatty acids and can help reduce inflammation.
On the flip side, keep in mind that since it is made with all-purpose flour, this bread isn’t high in fiber, unlike whole grain breads. If you’re keeping an eye on your carb intake, I recommend enjoying it in moderation.
Ingredients List
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon instant yeast
– 1 ½ cups cool water (about 60-65°F)
– 1 cup dried cranberries
– 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
– 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
*This recipe yields about one large round loaf, perfect for sharing!*
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread?
Ready to get started? Let’s dive into the steps:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and instant yeast.
2. Pour in the cool water and honey (if using). Mix until a shaggy, sticky dough forms.
3. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts until they’re evenly distributed.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours, or until bubbly and doubled in size.
5. Once risen, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, shape the dough into a round loaf.
6. Place it on a piece of parchment paper and cover it with a towel. Let it rest for about 1-2 hours, letting it puff up again.
7. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Put a Dutch oven (or heavy oven-safe pot) inside to preheat.
8. Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Lift the dough using the parchment paper and place it in the pot.
9. Cover the pot with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.
11. Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack before slicing. And there you have it! Enjoy your homemade cranberry walnut bread!
Delicious Variations & Tips
Let’s chat about some fun ways to shake things up with this recipe:
– **Add spices:** A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your bread a warming spice element.
– **Use different nuts:** Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or even almonds to suit your taste.
– **Turn it into a sandwich:** This bread is fantastic for toast, but you can also use it for turkey or cranberry sandwiches – just think of those leftovers!
– **Experiment with flour:** If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing in whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
I truly believe this bread will steal the show wherever you take it. Whether it’s for breakfast, a snack, or alongside dinner, it’s sure to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it out, and I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
