Rustic Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe for Cozy Holiday Breakfasts

Baking a rustic cranberry walnut bread fills the kitchen with warmth and irresistible aromas that dance through every corner.

Tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts blend perfectly in this hearty loaf that screams comfort and homemade goodness.

The golden-brown crust promises a delightful texture waiting to be savored.

Each slice tells a story of simple ingredients coming together in delicious harmony.

Nutty undertones complement the bright berry notes, creating a balanced and satisfying bread experience.

The rustic nature of this recipe celebrates traditional baking techniques with minimal fuss.

You’ll love how easily this bread comes together, offering a slice of pure, uncomplicated joy.

Grab a piece while it’s still warm and let the flavors transport you to a cozy culinary haven.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients For Cranberry Walnut Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy base for the bread, ensuring a soft and tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden-brown crust.
• Baking Powder: Gives the bread its light and airy texture, helping it rise beautifully.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and helps balance the acidity of the orange juice.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting aromatic notes to the bread.

• Orange Juice: Adds a bright, citrusy tang and helps activate the leavening agents.
• Whole Milk: Creates moisture and richness in the bread's texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a deep, sweet undertone that complements the other flavors.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
• Large Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide structure to the bread.

• Fresh Cranberries: Burst with tart, juicy pockets that contrast with the sweet bread.
• Walnuts: Offer a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cranberries.
• Coarse Sugar: Creates a sparkling, crisp topping that adds extra texture and sweetness.

Baking Tools For Cranberry Walnut Bread

• Large mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• 9×5-inch loaf pan: Crucial for shaping and baking the bread.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and easy removal of bread.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Toothpick or cake tester: Helps check bread doneness.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows bread to cool evenly without getting soggy.

How To Make Cranberry Walnut Bread Moist

• Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350F and get your loaf pan ready by giving it a quick butter massage and lining it with parchment paper.

• Create the Magic Mix

Grab two bowls – one for dry ingredients and another for wet. Whisk the dry team (flour, sugar, rising agents, spices) together in one bowl. In the other, blend orange juice, milk, vanilla, melted butter, and eggs until smooth.

• Combine and Fold

Gently marry your wet and dry ingredient bowls, stirring just until they become friends. Softly tumble in cranberries and walnuts, then pour the batter into your prepared pan. Sprinkle some extra nutty friends and sugar on top for a delightful crunch.

• Bake to Perfection

Send your creation into the oven for 50-60 minutes. Your bread is ready when a toothpick comes out clean. Let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Savor and Share

Slice your gorgeous bread and enjoy it warm. Dress it up with butter, cream cheese, or a drizzle of honey. Keep any leftovers in a sealed container and enjoy within 3 days.

Tips For Perfect Cranberry Walnut Bread Texture

• Perfect Moisture Trick: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the bread tender and prevent tough, dense texture. Gentle folding ensures a light, fluffy crumb that melts in your mouth.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make this bread celiac-friendly. Add xanthan gum for better binding and texture consistency.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick and delicious treat anytime.
• Flavor Boost Options: Experiment with orange zest, swap half the walnuts with pecans, or add a splash of almond extract for a delightful flavor twist. Fresh or dried cranberries both work wonderfully in this versatile recipe.
• Vegan Transformation: Replace eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with coconut oil to create a completely plant-based version of this delicious bread.

Ways To Serve Cranberry Walnut Bread Neatly

• Breakfast Buddy Combo: Pair a slice with creamy Greek yogurt and a drizzle of maple syrup for a hearty morning meal that'll kickstart your day.
• Afternoon Tea Treat: Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, creating a delightful mid-day snack that balances sweet and tangy flavors.
• Dessert Upgrade: Transform the bread into a simple dessert by topping with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for extra crunch.
• Holiday Gift Option: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper and tie with a festive ribbon for a homemade gift that spreads warmth and cheer.

How To Keep Cranberry Walnut Bread Fresh

• Quick Room Temperature Charm: Keep the bread in an airtight container on your kitchen counter, enjoying fresh slices for 3 delightful days without refrigeration.
• Freezing Magic Trick: Wrap individual bread slices or whole loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing up to 3 months in freezer for convenient future enjoyment.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Place a paper towel inside the storage container to absorb excess moisture, keeping bread's texture soft and preventing soggy edges.
• Reviving Staleness Strategy: Warm slightly in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore bread's original softness and bring back that freshly-baked warmth when serving day-old slices.

Rustic Cranberry Walnut Bread

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade cranberry walnut bread delivers a perfect balance of tart and nutty flavors. Rustic slices pair wonderfully with morning coffee or afternoon tea, offering comfort in each delectable bite you’ll savor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup (76 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup (60 g) walnuts, chopped
• ½ cup (118 ml) orange juice
• ¼ cup (59 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps coarse sugar
• 1 ½ tsps baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• Extra chopped walnuts

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Configure the oven to 350F (175C) and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, lightly brushing with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl, whisking until perfectly homogeneous.
3. Liquid Component Creation: Whisk orange juice, milk, vanilla extract, melted butter, and eggs in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
4. Batter Assembly: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, using minimal stirring to preserve the bread’s delicate texture, incorporating cranberries and walnuts with careful, even distribution.
5. Pan Filling: Pour the complete batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the surface to ensure even baking and optionally sprinkling coarse sugar and additional walnut pieces on top for textural contrast.
6. Baking Process: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, monitoring for a rich golden-brown color and confirming doneness by inserting a clean toothpick that emerges without raw batter.
7. Cooling and Serving: Rest the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, serving warm with optional accompaniments like butter, cream cheese, or a honey drizzle, and storing leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the bread tender and avoid developing tough gluten networks.
• Check Moisture Balance: Use room temperature eggs and milk to ensure even blending and consistent bread texture without dryness.
• Distribute Fruits Evenly: Lightly coat cranberries in flour before adding to prevent sinking and ensure balanced flavor throughout the loaf.
• Monitor Baking Carefully: Start checking doneness around 45 minutes to prevent over-browning, using the toothpick test for precise baking completion.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg