Cranberry Walnut Bread Deliciously moist and bursting with flavor has been a staple in my kitchen for years, especially during the fall and winter months. I remember my mom making this bread every holiday season, the aroma of warm spices, sweet cranberries, and toasted walnuts filling our entire house. It’s such a comforting and inviting smell. This easy cranberry walnut bread recipe is a simplified version of hers, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat. Making this homemade cranberry walnut bread brings back so many wonderful memories and creates new ones. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Bread
This isn’t just any bread; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Incredible Taste: The tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the bread, while the walnuts add a delightful crunch.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this delicious bread ready for the oven.
- Healthier Choice: Packed with antioxidants from cranberries and healthy fats from walnuts, it’s a treat you can feel good about.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses common pantry staples, making it an affordable indulgence.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love this sweet and slightly tangy loaf.
- Wonderfully Moist: You’ll get a perfectly moist cranberry walnut bread every single time, thanks to the simple wet ingredient ratio.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy this moist cranberry walnut bread with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Cranberry Walnut Bread Ingredients
Gathering the right cranberry walnut bread ingredients is the first step to baking this delicious loaf. You’ll need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for our tender bread
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved) – these provide that signature tartness
- 1 cup chopped walnuts – for a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – balances the tartness and adds sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – helps the bread rise beautifully
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1/2 cup milk – adds moisture and richness to the batter
- 2 large eggs (room temperature) – crucial for a light and airy texture
- 1/4 cup melted butter – contributes to the moistness and rich flavor
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread
Ready to bake the most delicious loaf? Learning how to make cranberry walnut bread is simpler than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Follow these easy steps for a perfectly baked loaf every time.
- Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your loaf pan by greasing it thoroughly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal. This ensures your beautiful bread doesn’t stick.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisking ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is key to a consistent texture.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup milk, 2 large eggs (make sure they’re at room temperature for best results), and 1/4 cup melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together until they are well blended and smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the wet ingredient mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Step 5: Now for the stars of the show! Gently fold in 1 cup fresh cranberries (halved) and 1 cup chopped walnuts. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. The vibrant red of the cranberries against the batter is always a lovely sight.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly and smooth out the top. This helps ensure even baking and a nice presentation.
- Step 7: Bake for 60-70 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
- Step 8: Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling process is important for the structure of the bread. Knowing how to make cranberry walnut bread also means knowing how to let it rest!
Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry Walnut Bread
Want to elevate your baking game? These tips will ensure your loaf is a showstopper every time:
- Toast Your Walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts before adding them intensifies their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and milk helps everything emulsify better, leading to a smoother batter and a more tender crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Test for Doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. If it comes out with moist crumbs, it’s perfectly done.
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Walnut Bread?
The real secret to what makes cranberry walnut bread delicious is the balance of textures and flavors. Toasting the walnuts and ensuring your cranberries are fresh and halved creates the ideal mix of crunch, tartness, and sweetness in every bite.
Can I make Cranberry Walnut Bread ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance and store it, covered, in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pan and baking. It might take a few extra minutes to bake if the batter is cold.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Walnut Bread?
The most common pitfall is overmixing the batter, which leads to a tough loaf. Another is not ensuring the oven is properly preheated, which can affect the rise. Finally, always cool the bread completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Walnut Bread
This versatile loaf is fantastic served in so many ways! For a delightful start to your day, enjoy a warm slice of cranberry walnut bread for breakfast alongside a creamy yogurt or a cup of coffee. It’s also wonderful toasted and spread with a little butter or cream cheese, which really brings out the nutty walnut flavor and sweet cranberry notes. For a more decadent treat, try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey. It’s perfect as a simple snack any time of day!
Nutrition Facts for Cranberry Walnut Bread
This delightful loaf offers a good balance of flavors and nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on baking, check out these breakfast recipes.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Walnut Bread
Keeping your delicious loaf fresh is easy! Once your cranberry walnut bread has cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s ready for storage. For enjoying it within 3-4 days, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This prevents it from drying out. If you’re baking this bread for the holidays and want to make it ahead, freezing is your best bet. Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. This makes it a perfect make-ahead option for gatherings or gifting.
To reheat a slice, you can pop it in the toaster for a few minutes until warmed through. If you have a whole frozen loaf, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing and toasting, or gently warm the entire loaf in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Walnut Bread
Why is cranberry walnut bread so popular?
This bread’s enduring popularity comes from its perfect blend of sweet, tart, and nutty flavors, along with a wonderfully moist texture. It’s comforting, visually appealing with the red cranberries, and evokes a sense of cozy nostalgia, especially during autumn and holiday seasons. It’s a versatile treat that works for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you absolutely can! If you use dried cranberries, you might want to soak them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes before draining them well. This helps plump them up and prevents them from absorbing too much moisture from the batter, ensuring a tender loaf. For more fruit-based recipes, consider these homemade cherry butter.
What kind of walnuts are best for this bread?
Any good quality walnuts will work beautifully. I prefer using regular chopped walnuts, but English walnuts are classic. For an extra layer of flavor, consider lightly toasting your walnuts before adding them to the batter. This really brings out their natural oils and enhances their nutty taste, contributing to what makes cranberry walnut bread so delicious. You might also enjoy our chewy maple pecan pumpkin cookies.
How do I ensure my cranberries don’t sink to the bottom?
A common trick to prevent fruit from sinking is to toss them with a tablespoon of the flour mixture before adding them to the batter. This light coating helps them suspend more evenly throughout the bread as it bakes. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final look and texture. For other baking tips, explore our easy no-knead artisan bread recipe.
Variations of Cranberry Walnut Bread You Can Try
Looking to switch things up or cater to specific dietary needs? This classic recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few ideas to create your own unique spin on this beloved quick bread, leading to what might just be your best cranberry walnut bread yet!
- Gluten-Free Cranberry Walnut Bread: Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to slightly adjust the liquid if the blend is very absorbent, but it’s a straightforward substitution for a delicious gluten-free treat.
- Orange-Cranberry Walnut Bread: Add the zest of one orange to the dry ingredients and replace 1/4 cup of the milk with fresh orange juice. The citrus brightens the flavors beautifully, complementing the cranberries and walnuts.
- Spiced Cranberry Walnut Bread: Enhance the cozy flavors by adding 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to the dry ingredients. These warm spices pair wonderfully with the fruit and nuts, creating an even more aromatic loaf.
- Cranberry Walnut Muffins: Instead of a loaf, portion the batter into muffin tins. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. This is a great way to make individual servings!
Cranberry Walnut Bread Deliciously Moist: 1 Step Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously moist Cranberry Walnut Bread filled with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts, perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, mix milk, eggs, and melted butter until well blended.
- Pour into the dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Fold in cranberries and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cooling before slicing.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature.
- For extra nuttiness, lightly toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg