Rustic No-Knead Cranberry Orange Bread – Easy, Flavorful Homemade Loaf

There’s something magical about bread rising slowly in the kitchen while the family gathers nearby. Inspired by my love for balanced, customizable meals, I developed this rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread. Its sweet-tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest create a loaf that’s quick to make yet feels special. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or festive occasions, this easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread brings both flavor and comfort to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and family-friendly breads. Imagine the sweet-tart burst of dried cranberries perfectly balanced with zesty orange, creating a loaf reminiscent of a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe. Whether you want to make a dried cranberry pecan bread or try a cranberry pecan bread machine recipe, this loaf is easy to prepare. Its golden crust and soft interior make it a standout among cranberry bread recipes. You can even experiment with no-knead rosemary cranberry bread variations or bake it as a cranberry orange Dutch oven bread. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or snacks, it’s a versatile treat. If you’ve ever wondered where to buy cranberry pecan bread, this homemade version beats store-bought options, and the recipe works beautifully with dried cranberry bread you already have on hand. Enjoy a slice of easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread anytime, bringing warmth and flavor to your table.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread recipe combines simple pantry staples with vibrant flavors to create a loaf that’s both easy and impressive. All-purpose flour provides a soft, tender crumb, while salt enhances the flavor. Instant yeast ensures a reliable rise, and a touch of sugar balances the tartness of the cranberries. Warm water activates the yeast and helps develop the dough’s texture. Fresh orange zest adds bright citrus notes, complementing the sweet-tart dried cranberries. Optional melted butter can be brushed on top for a golden, slightly glossy crust. This combination makes an easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread that’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or festive occasions. For variations, you could adapt it into a dried cranberry pecan bread, a cranberry pecan bread machine recipe, or even a no-knead rosemary cranberry bread for a savory twist. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to produce a flavorful, comforting loaf that rivals store-bought options, including a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe.

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 1 medium loaf):

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon instant yeast
1 tablespoon sugar (optional, balances tartness)
1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)
Zest of 1 large orange
1 cup dried cranberries
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

How to Make This Recipe

Making this rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread recipe is simple and rewarding, producing a loaf bursting with sweet-tart cranberries and bright citrus flavor. Start by combining all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl, then add warm water and stir until a sticky dough forms. Fold in dried cranberries and orange zest for the signature flavor. Let the dough rest and rise slowly—this no-knead method creates a chewy, airy crumb similar to a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe. For a variation, you could try a dried cranberry pecan bread or a cranberry pecan bread machine recipe if you prefer convenience. Shape the dough and bake it in a Dutch oven to achieve a crisp crust, creating a perfect cranberry orange Dutch oven bread. Whether you’re adapting this to a no-knead rosemary cranberry bread or looking for an easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread, this method delivers a comforting, family-friendly loaf. Homemade versions beat store-bought options if you’ve ever wondered where to buy cranberry pecan bread.

🛒 Steps:

Combine 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon instant yeast, and 1 tablespoon sugar in a large bowl.
Add 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C) and stir until a sticky dough forms.
Fold in zest of 1 large orange and 1 cup dried cranberries.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a towel and let dough rise at room temperature for 12–18 hours.
Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) and place a Dutch oven inside to heat.
Transfer dough to parchment paper, shape gently, and carefully place into the hot Dutch oven.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
Remove from oven, brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter if desired, and let cool before slicing.

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering this rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread recipe is all about understanding how each ingredient works together to create flavor and texture. Using high-quality dried cranberries enhances sweetness and chewiness, making it comparable to a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe. Warm water activates the yeast without killing it, while the orange zest brightens the overall flavor. For variations, consider turning it into a dried cranberry pecan bread or a cranberry pecan bread machine recipe. Brushing the top with melted butter after baking creates a glossy crust, perfect for a cranberry orange Dutch oven bread. You can also experiment with herbs for a no-knead rosemary cranberry bread version. This easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread is versatile, making it ideal for family breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions. If you’ve ever wondered where to buy cranberry pecan bread, this homemade version surpasses store-bought options while keeping preparation simple and enjoyable.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use 1 cup of high-quality dried cranberries for best flavor and texture.
Add zest of 1 large orange to enhance aroma and citrus notes.
Use warm water (110°F / 43°C) to activate yeast without overheating.
Let dough rise 12–18 hours at room temperature for a perfect crumb.
Preheat Dutch oven to 450°F (230°C) for a crisp crust on cranberry orange Dutch oven bread.
Brush with 2 tablespoons melted butter after baking for a golden finish.
Experiment with nuts for a dried cranberry pecan bread or cranberry pecan bread machine recipe.
Add rosemary for a no-knead rosemary cranberry bread variation.
Serve warm for an easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread that rivals a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe.

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This rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread recipe is a simple yet impressive way to bring fresh, homemade bread to your table. Bursting with the sweet-tart flavor of dried cranberries and the bright zest of orange, it rivals a cranberry and pecan bread Marks and Spencer recipe while remaining easy and family-friendly. Whether you bake it as an easy rustic no-knead cranberry orange bread, a cranberry orange Dutch oven bread, or experiment with a no-knead rosemary cranberry bread variation, it’s perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or special occasions. Making your own loaf ensures superior flavor compared to store-bought dried cranberry pecan bread or a cranberry pecan bread machine recipe. This versatile recipe is comforting, customizable, and satisfying—a true crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and flavor to any meal.

Rustic No-Knead Cranberry Orange Bread

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 40–45 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A beautifully rustic, soft-yet-chewy bread studded with tart cranberries and bright citrus zest. Minimal effort is required thanks to the no-knead method, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or festive snacking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Makes 1 medium loaf):

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon instant yeast

• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional, balances tartness)

• 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F / 43°C)

• Zest of 1 large orange

• 1 cup dried cranberries

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional, for brushing)

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

 

1. Mix Dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, sugar, and orange zest.

   • Stir in warm water until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.

   • Fold in dried cranberries until evenly distributed.

2. First Rise:

   • Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours (overnight works well). The dough should double in size and be bubbly.

3. Shape the Loaf:

   • Lightly flour a work surface and your hands. Gently shape dough into a round or oval loaf. Avoid deflating too much of the air bubbles.

   • Place loaf on parchment paper for easy transfer to a baking vessel.

4. Second Rise:

   • Cover loosely with a towel and let rise for 30–60 minutes.

5. Preheat Oven:

   • Place a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot (with lid) in the oven and preheat to 450°F (230°C).

6. Bake:

   • Carefully transfer the dough (on parchment) into the preheated pot.

   • Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crusty.

7. Cool & Serve:

   • Let bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. Brush with melted butter if desired.

Notes

• Make It Sweeter: Add ¼ cup honey or maple syrup to the dough for a slightly sweeter loaf.
• Texture Variation: Mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Storage: Store wrapped in a kitchen towel or paper bag at room temperature for 2–3 days; freeze for longer storage.
• Zest Tip: For an extra citrusy aroma, fold in a teaspoon of orange extract or a splash of orange juice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
• Category: Bread / Breakfast / Brunch
• Method: No-Knead / Baked
• Cuisine: American / Artisan Bread