Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe

Cranberry walnut bread is the perfect balance of tart and nutty flavors wrapped in a soft, moist loaf. This bread is not only easy to make but also a fantastic treat for the holiday season or any time you want something special to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. 😋☕

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this delicious, aromatic bread!

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Walnut Bread

• Deliciously Sweet & Tart: The tangy cranberries combined with the crunchy walnuts make every bite a flavorful experience. 🍒🌰
• Perfect Texture: Soft, moist interior with a slight crunch from the walnuts and a little burst of cranberry sweetness in every slice. 🍞
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly. 👨‍🍳
• Great for Gifts: Wrap it up nicely, and it makes a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. 🎁
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday brunch, an afternoon snack, or a breakfast delight, this bread is always a hit. 🍽️

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🛒 Key Ingredients for Cranberry Walnut Bread

Before you get started, gather these essential ingredients:

🍞 For the Bread:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the bread, providing structure.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps the bread rise and become fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Adds a little extra lift and tenderness.
• ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, cozy spice!
• ¾ cup sugar – The right amount of sweetness. 🍬
• 2 large eggs – Acts as a binder and helps in rising.
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds richness and moisture to the bread.
• ½ cup vegetable oil – Ensures the bread stays moist. 🛢️
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor. 🍦

🍒 For the Cranberries and Walnuts:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries – Gives a tart burst in each bite. 🍒
• ½ cup chopped walnuts – Adds a nice crunchy texture. 🌰

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💡 Substitutions & Variations

If you want to make this recipe your own, here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Use dried cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, dried cranberries work just as well!
• Try different nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds are great alternatives.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add orange zest: A little citrus zest adds a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries. 🍊
• Sugar alternatives: You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute to make the bread lighter or keto-friendly.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 🕒

Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent the bread from sticking.

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🍞 Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the following dry ingredients:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Whisk them together until everything is well combined. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents, so your bread rises properly. 💨

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🥄 Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Sour cream
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well-combined. You’ll want the batter to be thick but still pourable.

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🍒 Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; otherwise, your bread may be dense.

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🌰 Step 5: Add Cranberries & Walnuts

Fold in the fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts. 💪 Stir until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

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🔥 Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. 🏅

Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil to prevent burning.

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🍽️ Step 7: Cool & Serve

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Slice and serve once it’s cool enough to handle. Enjoy a slice of this warm, aromatic cranberry walnut bread with butter or jam! 🍯

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This cranberry walnut bread can be enjoyed in many ways, making it perfect for various occasions.

• For Breakfast: Serve with a dollop of cream cheese or butter for a comforting start to your day. 🧀🍯
• As a Snack: Pair a slice with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. ☕🍪
• For Dessert: A slice of this bread topped with vanilla ice cream makes for a perfect sweet end to any meal. 🍨
• Gift it: Wrap it in cellophane or a decorative bag with a ribbon to gift to someone special. 🎁

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🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips

📦 Storing Leftovers

Store your cranberry walnut bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 1 week.

To keep the bread fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container.

🧊 Freezing

Cranberry walnut bread freezes wonderfully! Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.

🔥 Reheating Instructions

To reheat slices:

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), and bake for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1️⃣ Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, dried cranberries are a great substitute for fresh cranberries. They will add a bit more sweetness and a chewier texture.

2️⃣ Can I add other fruits to this bread?

Absolutely! Chopped apples, pears, or even raisins can be added to the batter for a fruity twist. 🍏🍐

3️⃣ How can I make the bread less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet bread, you can reduce the sugar to ½ cup or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. 🍯

4️⃣ Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two loaves. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly and check for doneness with a toothpick. 🧁

5️⃣ How do I make the bread even more flavorful?

For an extra burst of flavor, you can add orange zest or a touch of nutmeg. The combination with the cranberries is delightful! 🍊

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🍞 Conclusion – A Must-Try Bread!

Cranberry walnut bread is a delicious, easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday gathering, a gift, or simply to enjoy with family and friends, this bread is sure to impress. 🎉

Its balance of sweet cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and moist texture will make every bite a pleasure. Try this recipe today, and I guarantee it’ll become a new favorite! 😋🍞