The Ultimate Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe: A Festive Delight

Cranberry walnut bread is a classic for a reason! Its sweet and tart cranberries, combined with crunchy walnuts and a warm, spiced bread base, make it the perfect treat for any occasion – from holiday gatherings to cozy weekend mornings. This recipe focuses on creating a moist, flavorful loaf that's sure to become a family favorite. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to baking tips to ensure your cranberry walnut bread is a resounding success.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe yields one 9x5 inch loaf. Adjust quantities proportionally for larger or smaller loaves.

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or a blend with whole wheat for added nutrition)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a deeper spice flavor)
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup vegetable oil (or melted unsalted butter for a richer flavor)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Mix-ins:
  • 1 cup dried cranberries (look for sweetened or unsweetened, depending on your preference)
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans, for a different nutty flavor)

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Thoroughly combining the dry ingredients ensures even leavening.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil (or melted butter), eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract.

4. Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.

5. Fold in Mix-ins: Gently fold in the cranberries and walnuts. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of cranberries and walnuts are perfectly fine.

6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool & Enjoy: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.

Tips for Cranberry Walnut Bread Success:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and butter (if using) helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough bread. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with moist crumbs attached, bake for a few more minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover cranberry walnut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. It also freezes well!

Variations & Serving Suggestions:

• Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one orange for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Spiced Nuts: Toast the walnuts before adding them to the batter for a deeper, richer flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Incorporate ½ cup of chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
• Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze (powdered sugar mixed with milk or orange juice) over the cooled bread for extra sweetness.

Serve your delicious cranberry walnut bread warm with butter, cream cheese, or alongside a cup of coffee or tea. It's also perfect for holiday gatherings or as a delightful addition to a brunch spread. Enjoy!