Name: Cranberry Walnut Bread: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
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

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite treat to whip up in the kitchen: Cranberry Walnut Bread! This loaf is not just a bread; it’s a delightful celebration of flavors in every slice. Imagine the tartness of fresh cranberries bursting against the rich, buttery crunch of walnuts—wow, right? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day!

I remember the first time I made this bread; the aroma filled my house, and I could hardly wait for it to cool before slicing into it. It was a cozy Sunday morning, and I just knew it would be the perfect addition to my breakfast spread. Trust me, the moment you take that first bite, you’ll understand why I can’t get enough of it. The sweet and tangy notes from the cranberries, combined with a hint of orange and the nutty texture from the walnuts, create such a harmonious flavor profile that it’s hard to resist. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a wonderful way to start your day or to treat yourself any time you need a little pick-me-up!

And the best part? It’s super easy to make! You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen to nail this recipe. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll have a scrumptious loaf ready to share (or keep all to yourself, no judgment here!). So, are you ready to embark on this delightful baking adventure? Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most scrumptious Cranberry Walnut Bread! Here’s everything you’ll need—trust me, these simple items come together to create something magical:

2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of our bread, giving it that perfect structure.
1 cup walnuts, chopped – These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Go for roughly chopped pieces so you get little bursts of goodness in every bite!
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries – I often use dried cranberries, but if you’ve got fresh ones on hand, they’ll work wonders too! They bring a lovely tartness that balances the sweetness.
1 cup sugar – This is for that sweet touch. Make sure to pack it well when measuring for the best results!
1 teaspoon baking powder – This is our leavening agent, helping the bread rise beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works in tandem with the baking powder to give our bread that lovely lift.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors—don’t skip this one!
2 large eggs – These act as a binding agent and add moisture; be sure they’re at room temperature for the best mixing.
1/2 cup vegetable oil – This keeps our bread moist and tender. You could use melted butter for a richer flavor if you prefer!
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla brings a warm, comforting note to the mix.
1/2 cup orange juice – This not only adds moisture but also a fresh zing that complements the cranberries wonderfully!

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 so important because it ensures that your bread bakes evenly and rises beautifully right from the start. Trust me, nothing’s worse than a loaf that’s dense because the oven wasn’t hot enough! So, let that oven warm up while you get everything else ready.

Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I like to whisk them together to get rid of any lumps and ensure everything is evenly distributed. This step is super important because it helps the leavening agents do their job, making your bread nice and fluffy. Set this bowl aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly!

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, crack those large eggs and give them a good beat. Then, mix in the sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange juice. I love using a whisk here to really blend everything smoothly—this is where the magic starts to happen! Make sure everything is well combined, and you’ll smell that lovely, sweet aroma starting to rise.

Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring those two mixtures together! Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is a crucial tip! Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, and we definitely want it to be tender and fluffy. A few lumps are totally okay; they’ll bake out!

Incorporate Walnuts and Cranberries

Next, it’s time to fold in the chopped walnuts and cranberries. I usually use a spatula for this, gently scooping from the bottom and folding over to the top. Be careful not to stir too vigorously; we want those delicious bits to stay intact and not get crushed. This is where the fun happens—each bite will be packed with flavor!

Bake the Bread

Pour your batter into a greased loaf pan and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, you’re golden! If it’s still wet, give it a bit more time, but keep an eye on it!

Cool and Slice

Once the bread is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to remove without falling apart. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to slice into it right away because the smell is heavenly, but letting it cool fully will help with the texture. Trust me, the wait is worth it—your patience will pay off with a perfect slice every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, there are so many reasons to fall head over heels for this Cranberry Walnut Bread! First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll feel like a baking pro in no time. There’s something so satisfying about mixing everything together and watching it transform into a beautiful loaf in the oven!

And let’s talk about the flavor! The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts is simply divine. Each slice is a delightful dance of sweet and nutty goodness that’s perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. I love to slather a bit of butter on a warm slice—it’s pure bliss! Plus, the hint of orange juice adds a refreshing brightness that makes this bread unique.

Nutritionally, this bread has a lot going for it too. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like walnuts, which are loaded with healthy fats and protein, and cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants . So, you can indulge a little while still feeling good about what you’re eating! It’s a great way to get some nutrients in while enjoying a delicious treat.

Whether you’re sharing it with friends and family or keeping it all to yourself (no judgment, remember?), this Cranberry Walnut Bread is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Tips for Success

Alright, my fellow bakers, let’s dive into some pro tips that’ll help you nail this Cranberry Walnut Bread every single time! I’ve learned a few tricks along the way, and I can’t wait to share them with you!

First up, make sure your ingredients are at room temperature, especially those eggs and orange juice. This little detail helps everything blend together smoothly, creating that lovely, tender crumb we all crave. If you forget to take them out beforehand, no worries—just place the eggs in warm water for about 10 minutes to bring them up to temperature.

When it comes to measuring your flour, don’t scoop straight from the bag! Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This ensures you don’t end up with a dense loaf from too much flour. A kitchen scale can also be a game-changer if you have one; 1 cup of all-purpose flour is about 120 grams.

Now, let’s talk about mixing. Be gentle! When you combine your wet and dry ingredients, don’t be tempted to whip it like you’re making a cake. Just mix until everything is combined. Trust me, those little lumps are okay, and they’ll bake out beautifully. Overmixing can lead to a tough loaf, and we want it to be soft and fluffy!

And don’t forget about the walnuts and cranberries! I like to toss them in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them distribute evenly throughout the bread and prevents them from sinking to the bottom. Plus, it adds a little extra flavor right from the start!

Finally, when you’re baking, keep an eye on that timer! Ovens can vary, so start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended time. If your bread is browning too quickly on top but still isn’t cooked through, you can gently cover it with aluminum foil for the last few minutes of baking.

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the best Cranberry Walnut Bread ever. Happy baking, and I can’t wait for you to taste the deliciousness!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve baked this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread, you might be wondering how to keep it fresh for as long as possible. No worries, I’ve got you covered! Storing it properly is key to enjoying those delightful flavors for days to come.

First off, once your bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. If you have an airtight container, that works great too! Just be sure to store it at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a few days. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you find it’s not going to be eaten that quickly, consider freezing it!

To freeze your Cranberry Walnut Bread, slice it first for easy access later. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually for about an hour. After that, transfer the slices to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This way, you can grab one slice at a time without defrosting the whole loaf! It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you have a couple of options for reheating. If you prefer it warm, pop it in the toaster or toaster oven for a few minutes until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overdo it! Just a quick 10-15 seconds should do the trick. If you want to revive that fresh-baked texture, consider wrapping it in a damp paper towel before microwaving.

And if you like your bread a little crispy, you can always reheat it in the oven! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the slices on a baking sheet, and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This will give you that lovely crunch on the outside while keeping the inside deliciously soft.

With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your Cranberry Walnut Bread for days and enjoy that scrumptious flavor whenever you like. Happy snacking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of my delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread. While I’m no nutritionist, I can give you a rough estimate based on typical values. This way, you can enjoy your slice while keeping an eye on those macros!

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: Approximately 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

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. For instance, if you swap out any ingredients or add extras, the numbers might change a bit. But overall, this bread offers a lovely balance of flavors and nutrients, making it a delightful addition to your diet!

So, enjoy your Cranberry Walnut Bread guilt-free, knowing that it’s not just a treat but a wholesome indulgence! Happy baking and munching!

FAQ Section

Let’s dive into some of the most common questions I get about my beloved Cranberry Walnut Bread! I want to make sure you have all the info you need to create your perfect loaf, so here we go!

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh or dried ones. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, but they might add a little extra moisture, so keep an eye on your baking time.

What if I don’t have walnuts?
No problem at all! You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or even almonds for a different flavor. Or if you want to skip the nuts entirely, that’s totally fine too—just add a little more cranberries for that delicious tartness!

Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some if your blend doesn’t have it. It should work beautifully!

How can I make it less sweet?
If you’re looking to cut back on the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar by about 1/4 cup. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!

Can I add other ingredients?
Of course! Feel free to experiment by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth. You could also throw in some orange zest for an even brighter flavor. The possibilities are endless!

How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The toothpick test is your best friend! Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, your bread is ready. If it comes out wet, just give it a few more minutes and check again.

Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Definitely! This bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to go whenever you need it!

Can I use this recipe for muffins instead?
Yes! You can absolutely use this batter to make muffins. Just adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes and keep an eye on them. They’ll be perfect little bites of joy!

I hope this FAQ section helps clear up any questions you might have had! Feel free to experiment and have fun with your Cranberry Walnut Bread—you’re going to love it!

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Cranberry Walnut Bread: 7 Irresistible Reasons to Bake