Irresistible No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread : A Perfect Holiday Artisan Loaf

If you’re a fan of warm, hearty artisan bread, look no further than this No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread. With its chewy, slightly tangy flavor from dried cranberries, a delightful crunch from toasted walnuts, and the magic of a no-knead technique, this bread is an absolute must-try. Whether you’re baking for a cozy dinner, holiday gatherings, or simply craving homemade bread, this recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make choice. The best part? It’s made with minimal effort and a Dutch oven, giving it the perfect crust every time.

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Why You’ll Love No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

This Cranberry Walnut Artisan Bread combines the rustic, flavorful elements of traditional artisan bread with the sweetness of cranberries and the earthy crunch of walnuts. The no knead method makes it incredibly easy for anyone to bake artisan-quality bread at home, even without special equipment or experience. The addition of dried cranberries and walnuts gives this bread a unique twist, perfect for adding flavor to your meal or enjoying with a cup of tea. Plus, the bread has a beautiful rustic look thanks to the Dutch oven bread method, which ensures a perfectly crisp, golden crust.

Who This Recipe Is For

• Bread lovers who appreciate the rustic flavor of artisan bread but want a more accessible, no-knead recipe.
• Anyone looking to make a cranberry walnut bread that’s both easy and delicious.
• People who love to bake bread for the holidays or special occasions—this bread makes a perfect holiday gift or centerpiece.
• Those who enjoy artisan bread recipes that require minimal active time but deliver impressive results.
• Health-conscious bakers who want a slightly healthier, homemade option for bread featuring natural ingredients like walnuts and cranberries.

Ingredients You’ll Need (with exact quantities/weights)

To make this No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for a chewier texture)
• 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 1/4 cups warm water
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (optional: soak in water for a few minutes)
• 1/2 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped (you can toast them for added flavor)

For the Dutch Oven:

• Cornmeal (for dusting the Dutch oven)
• Extra flour for dusting

Ingredient Notes and Variations

• Flour choice: While all-purpose flour works beautifully for this recipe, you can also use bread flour for a chewier, denser bread, or even try whole wheat flour for a heartier loaf.
• Cranberries: If you want an even more vibrant flavor, you can soak the dried cranberries in a bit of warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This helps plump them up and gives a touch of sweetness.
• Nuts: Walnuts add a crunchy texture and earthy flavor, but you can easily swap them out for pecans or almonds if you prefer.
• Honey variation: For a hint of sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the dough, which pairs wonderfully with the cranberries and walnuts.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread, you will need:

• A large mixing bowl to mix the dough
• A Dutch oven (or similar heavy pot with a lid) to bake the bread
• A wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• A sharp knife or razor blade (for scoring the bread)
• Parchment paper (optional, but useful for transferring the dough to the Dutch oven)

Step-by-Step Preparation: How to Make No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

Step 1: Mix the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, yeast, and salt. Add the warm water and stir until the dough comes together. You want it to be a bit sticky and shaggy, not smooth. If desired, mix in the cranberries and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 2: Let the Dough Rest

Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the dough rest for about 12 to 18 hours at room temperature. This long resting period allows the dough to develop flavor and rise without any kneading. Don’t worry if the dough looks a bit messy—it should be!

Step 3: Shape the Dough

After the dough has rested, it should have doubled in size and be full of air bubbles. Turn it out onto a floured surface and gently shape it into a round loaf. Don’t overwork the dough, just fold it a few times to create a round shape.

Step 4: Preheat the Dutch Oven

While the dough is resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place your Dutch oven (with the lid) into the oven to heat up for about 30 minutes. This will help create the perfect crispy crust on your bread.

Step 5: Bake the Bread

Once the Dutch oven is preheated, carefully remove it from the oven. Place a piece of parchment paper on the bottom of the pot and dust it with a little cornmeal. Transfer the shaped dough into the pot. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes. Then, remove the lid and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes to allow the bread to brown and develop a crispy, golden crust.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once the bread is done, carefully remove it from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Slice and serve once it’s cooled slightly. Enjoy it with butter, cheese, or as a side to your favorite soup or salad.

Pro Tips for the Best No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

• Longer rise time: The longer the dough rests, the more flavorful the bread will be. If you have the time, let it rise for up to 24 hours to enhance the flavor.
• Properly preheat the Dutch oven: Don’t skip this step—preheating the Dutch oven ensures a perfectly crispy crust. The heat from the pot will help the dough rise in the first part of baking.
• Use parchment paper: For easy transfer, use parchment paper to move the dough from your counter to the Dutch oven. It prevents the dough from sticking and makes clean-up easier.
• Don’t skip the scoring: Use a sharp knife to score the top of the bread before baking. This allows the bread to expand properly and results in a beautifully cracked top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not giving the dough enough time to rise: The no-knead method works because the dough is given ample time to rest. Rushing this process will lead to dense bread.
• Not using enough flour when shaping: If the dough is too sticky when shaping, it will be difficult to transfer to the Dutch oven. Use enough flour to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy this Cranberry Walnut Artisan Bread as a side dish with roasted turkey or baked ham for a festive holiday meal.
• Spread with softened butter or cream cheese for a simple, yet satisfying snack.
• Serve alongside a warm bowl of Butternut Squash Soup or Cranberry Chicken Salad for a delicious and hearty lunch.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Slice the bread into thin rounds and serve as an appetizer with garlic butter for dipping.
• Arrange slices of this bread on a platter with a variety of spreads like fig jam, cheese, or honey butter for a beautiful, rustic serving presentation.

Flavor Variations and Add-Ins

• Add citrus zest: For a bit of extra brightness, consider adding orange or lemon zest to the dough, which pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
• Try different nuts: If walnuts aren’t your favorite, pecans or almonds would make great alternatives.
• Sweeten it up: For a more dessert-like bread, try adding a tablespoon of honey to the dough or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

How to Store and Reheat

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prep the dough: You can make the dough ahead of time and let it rise in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to take it out and shape it before baking.
• Make ahead for gatherings: Bake the bread the day before your event or meal to save time on the day of and enjoy fresh, warm bread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a bread maker for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed for Dutch oven bread, you can certainly use a bread maker for the dough-making portion. Simply follow your bread maker’s instructions for making dough, then bake the dough in a preheated Dutch oven for the perfect crust.

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to help the dough hold together.

Final Thoughts: Why No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread Is a Keeper

This No Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread is the perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet flavor. With its minimal hands-on time, beautiful presentation, and delicious flavor, it’s the ideal bread for any occasion—be it for the holidays, family dinners, or weekend baking projects. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your bread-baking repertoire.

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