Description
Cranberry Walnut Bread is a moist and tender loaf combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the crunchy, toasty flavor of walnuts. This versatile snack is perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a comforting treat any time of the day. Made with simple pantry staples and easy to customize, it delivers balanced flavors and a satisfying texture that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon ginger
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter or neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup sugar (or honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar as natural sweetener alternatives)
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (or pecans, almonds, or pistachios as alternatives)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan. Chop the walnuts and measure out cranberries, flour, sugar, and other ingredients so everything is ready to mix.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth and slightly frothy to achieve the best texture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and any optional spices you’re using. This prevents clumps and ensures even baking.
- Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Gently fold in the cranberries and chopped toasted walnuts, taking care not to break the berries and to distribute the nuts evenly.
- Bake Until Golden: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for maximum tartness and juiciness.
- Toast the walnuts lightly to enhance flavor and crunch.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread tender and avoid toughness.
- Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time, as oven temperatures vary.
- Allow the bread to cool thoroughly before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12th of a loaf)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg