If you’re looking for a delightful twist on traditional bread, this Cranberry Walnut Bread is a must-try. Bursting with tart cranberries and rich walnuts, it offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors. Having baked this loaf countless times, I can confidently say it brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of cranberries and walnuts creates a unique taste that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.
- Nutritious Boost: Packed with antioxidants from cranberries and healthy fats from walnuts, this bread is both delicious and nourishing.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy it as breakfast, a snack, or even as a base for a fancy toast.
- Simple to Make: With easy-to-follow steps and minimal ingredients, even novice bakers can succeed.
- Perfect for Sharing: This bread makes a thoughtful gift or addition to potlucks, showcasing your baking prowess. Personally, I love making this recipe during the holiday season; it always impresses guests!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 10 slices
- Difficulty Level: Easy
This recipe involves mixing dry and wet ingredients, incorporating nuts and fruits, and baking until golden. The result? A moist, flavorful bread with a tender crumb.
My Experience Making This Recipe
Baking this Cranberry Walnut Bread has been a joyful experience filled with culinary discoveries. Initially, I was apprehensive about balancing the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of the sugar, but after a few tests, I found the perfect ratio. I also learned that toasting the walnuts beforehand truly amplifies their flavor.
How to Make Cranberry Walnut Bread
This bread is straightforward to prepare. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a loaf pan. You’ll mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in one bowl, then combine them with wet ingredients like eggs, milk, and melted butter in another. Fold in the cranberries and walnuts gently to preserve their shape. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Expect a heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen!
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your cranberries are fresh or properly stored if dried. This will significantly enhance the flavors.
- Toast the Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 5-7 minutes on medium heat for a deeper, richer flavor.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough bread. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Check Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your bread at the 50-minute mark for a perfect bake.
- Cool Completely: Allow your bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents sogginess.
How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Bread
This bread pairs wonderfully with a dollop of cream cheese or a sprinkle of butter. Slice it for brunch alongside a spread of fruit preserves or serve it with a hearty salad for a light lunch. For a festive touch, add a drizzle of honey on top, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Guide
Store your Cranberry Walnut Bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm slices in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond milk and coconut oil instead of milk and butter.
- Add Spices: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor.
- Fruit Swap: Replace cranberries with blueberries or chopped apples for a different tartness.
Nutritional Highlights
Cranberry Walnut Bread is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy omega-3s from walnuts while being a good source of fiber. Remember that this recipe contains gluten and nuts, so it’s essential to consider any allergies when serving.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Bread Too Dense: This can happen if the batter is overmixed. Stick to gentle folding!
- Burnt Bottom: If you notice it browning too quickly, place a baking sheet under the loaf to help diffuse the heat.
- Dry Bread: Ensure not to overbake. Start checking doneness early; every oven is different!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, dried cranberries work well! Just chop them a bit to prevent them from clumping together in the batter.
2. How can I make this bread sweeter?
You can increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons, but be cautious not to alter the dry-to-wet ingredient balance too much.
3. Can I add eggs for extra nutrition?
Since the original recipe already includes eggs, they contribute to both flavor and moisture, helping to hold the bread together.
4. Is it possible to make mini loaves?
Absolutely! Just divide the batter into mini loaf pans and reduce the baking time to about 30-40 minutes, checking with a toothpick for doneness.
With this guide, your Cranberry Walnut Bread will surely impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!
Print
Cranberry Walnut Bread
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on traditional bread, bursting with tart cranberries and rich walnuts for a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
- In one bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine the wet ingredients: eggs, milk, and melted butter.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients gently to combine.
- Carefully fold in the cranberries and walnuts to preserve their shape.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, about 50-60 minutes.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Notes
Serve with cream cheese or butter and enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg