There’s something truly special about the warm aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Walnut Bread wafting through my kitchen! This delightful loaf is not only a feast for the senses but also packs a nutritional punch with its wholesome ingredients. I remember the first time I brought this bread to a family gathering; everyone was raving about how perfect the balance of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts is. It’s super quick to whip up, making it an ideal choice for busy mornings or cozy afternoons. Trust me, once you take a bite of this delicious bread, you’ll be hooked on its unique taste and health benefits!
Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Bread
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped (feel free to toast them for an extra crunch!)
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (both work beautifully, but I love the burst of flavor from fresh!)
- 1 cup sugar (this balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (to give it that lovely rise)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (for a little extra lift)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance all those delicious flavors)
- 2 large eggs (these bring everything together)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for moisture; you can also use melted coconut oil if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (because who doesn’t love a hint of vanilla?)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (this adds a delightful citrus twist)
How to Prepare Cranberry Walnut Bread
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is crucial because it helps the bread bake evenly and rise beautifully. Trust me, there’s nothing worse than undercooked bread, so give your oven a few moments to warm up while you gather your ingredients.
Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together until they’re well blended. This step is essential because it ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, giving you that perfect rise later on!
Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, crack those eggs and beat them until they’re frothy. Then, add in the sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and combined. I love how the orange juice adds a bright flavor that complements the cranberries so well!
Mix the Ingredients Together
Now it’s time to bring the wet and dry ingredients together! Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are perfectly okay! Over-mixing can lead to a dense loaf, and we want it light and fluffy.
Add Cranberries and Walnuts
Next, it’s time to fold in those luscious cranberries and crunchy walnuts. Use a spatula to gently mix them into the batter. You want to ensure they’re evenly distributed without breaking them up too much. The colors in this batter are just stunning!
Bake the Bread
Pour your lovely batter into a greased loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s ready to come out! The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible.
Cooling Down
Once your bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to slice into it right away, but letting it cool will help it hold its shape and texture. Patience pays off, my friend!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on specific ingredients used, but they give you a great idea of what to expect:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 4g
This bread is not only tasty but also provides a good balance of nutrients, making it a wonderful addition to your breakfast or snack time. Enjoy the wholesome goodness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh, where do I even start with why you’re going to love this Cranberry Walnut Bread? First off, it’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up! Seriously, you can have this delightful loaf in the oven in no time at all, making it perfect for those busy mornings or when unexpected guests drop by. Plus, the flavor is just out of this world! The tartness of the cranberries combined with the crunch of the walnuts creates a deliciously satisfying bite that you won’t be able to resist.
But it’s not just about taste—this bread is packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a nutritious choice too. With the fiber from the cranberries and walnuts, plus the vitamins from the orange juice, you can feel good about indulging in a slice (or two!). It’s the kind of bread that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself while still getting a little health boost. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your baking rotation for good!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Cranberry Walnut Bread turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Measure Accurately: Use the spoon-and-level method for your flour. Spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This way, you won’t end up with too much flour, which can make the bread dense.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and any other refrigerated ingredients are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate better into the batter, leading to a nice, fluffy loaf.
- Don’t Overmix: I can’t stress this enough! Mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture, and we want it to be light and airy.
- Check for Doneness: Every oven is a little different, so if you’re unsure about doneness, do the toothpick test! Stick a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
- Let it Cool: Resist the urge to slice the bread right out of the oven! Letting it cool for a bit helps it set and makes slicing much easier. Plus, the flavors will develop even more as it cools.
- Add a Spice Boost: If you want to elevate the flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. It adds a warm, cozy note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Store Properly: Make sure to keep your bread in an airtight container at room temperature, or it can dry out. If you think you won’t finish it in a few days, slice it up and freeze it for later enjoyment!
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking a loaf of Cranberry Walnut Bread that’s not only delicious but also impressively homemade. Happy baking!
Variations on Cranberry Walnut Bread
One of the best things about Cranberry Walnut Bread is how versatile it is! If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, here are some fun variations to try:
- Nutty Goodness: Swap out the walnuts for your favorite nuts! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully, adding their own unique flavor and crunch. You could even mix it up and use a combination of nuts for a delightful surprise in every bite!
- Spice It Up: Want to warm things up a bit? Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced twist. It pairs perfectly with the cranberries and makes your kitchen smell like a dream!
- Fruit Fusion: Try incorporating other fruits like chopped apples or pears for added moisture and sweetness. Just make sure to adjust the sugar a bit if you’re using sweeter fruit!
- Chocolate Delight: Feeling indulgent? Fold in some chocolate chips! The rich chocolate against the tart cranberries is a match made in heaven, creating a sweet and savory balance that’s hard to resist.
- Orange Zest: For an extra zing, add some orange zest to the batter. It enhances the citrus notes from the orange juice and gives a bright, fresh flavor that just sings!
- Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum for the right texture!
These variations are a fantastic way to make this Cranberry Walnut Bread your own. Mix and match according to your taste buds, and have fun experimenting in the kitchen! You never know, you might just stumble upon your new favorite version!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked your delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and tasty for as long as possible! Here’s how to store those delightful leftovers:
- Airtight Container: Store your bread in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. If it’s wrapped tightly, you can enjoy it for up to 4-5 days!
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, slice the bread and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label it so you know what you’ve got waiting for you!
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, here’s how to reheat it while keeping all that wonderful flavor:
- Microwave: For a quick fix, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will warm it up nicely without making it tough. Just keep an eye on it—you don’t want it to get too hot!
- Oven: If you prefer a bit of crispiness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the slices directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes. This will revive that fresh-baked texture!
By following these storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to savor your Cranberry Walnut Bread long after it’s come out of the oven. Enjoy every scrumptious bite, whether fresh or warmed up!
Print
Cranberry Walnut Bread: 7 Ways to Love This Delightful Loaf
- Total Time: 85 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delicious and nutritious loaf packed with flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat eggs, then add sugar, oil, vanilla, and orange juice.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in walnuts and cranberries.
- Pour batter into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let it cool before slicing.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container.
- This bread can be made with dried cranberries as well.
- Try adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cranberry Walnut Bread, Bread, Homemade Bread