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A close-up view of a loaf of Cranberry Walnut Bread, with several slices cut and displayed on a wooden board.
Daniel

Classic Cranberry Walnut Bread

A delightful homemade bread, studded with tart dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast, toast, or a festive snack. This rustic loaf offers a wonderful balance of textures and flavors.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Dough
  • 3 cups All-Purpose Flour unbleached, plus more for dusting
  • 2 1/4 tsp Instant Dry Yeast (1 packet, 7g)
  • 2 tbsp Granulated Sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 1/4 cups Warm Water 105-115°F / 40-46°C
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter melted and slightly cooled
For the Add-ins
  • 1 cup Dried Cranberries
  • 3/4 cup Walnuts chopped

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Stand Mixer with dough hook (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Dough scraper
  • 9x5 inch Loaf Pan
  • Wire Rack

Method
 

Prepare the Dough
  1. In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), combine the all-purpose flour, instant dry yeast, granulated sugar, and fine sea salt. Whisk briefly to distribute evenly.
  2. Pour in the warm water and melted butter. If using a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and mix on low speed for 2-3 minutes until a shaggy dough forms. If mixing by hand, stir with a sturdy spoon or spatula until combined.
  3. Increase mixer speed to medium-low and knead for 7-10 minutes, or turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10-12 minutes, until the dough is smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. It should pass the 'windowpane test' (you should be able to stretch a small piece thin enough to see light through without tearing).
  4. Lightly grease a clean large bowl with a little oil. Transfer the dough to the bowl, turning once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, or until doubled in size.
Incorporate Add-ins and Shape
  1. Once the dough has doubled, gently punch it down to release the air. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Flatten it into a rectangle.
  2. Evenly sprinkle the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts over the surface of the dough. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times and knead briefly (1-2 minutes) to evenly distribute the cranberries and walnuts throughout the dough without overworking it.
  3. Shape the dough into a tight log or loaf shape that fits your 9x5 inch loaf pan. Lightly grease the loaf pan with butter or cooking spray. Place the shaped dough seam-side down into the prepared pan.
Second Rise and Bake
  1. Cover the loaf pan loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rise in a warm place for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled in size and crowned slightly above the rim of the pan.
  2. Towards the end of the second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  3. Bake the bread for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer.
  4. Once baked, remove the loaf from the oven and immediately turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.

Notes

Store Cranberry Walnut Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, slice the cooled bread and freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Toast slices from frozen for a quick treat. For extra flavor, a brush of egg wash (1 egg yolk + 1 tbsp water) before baking can give a shinier, richer crust.