What is the best cranberry walnut bread recipe for beginners?

Our easy crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread is perfect for beginners. Using simple ingredients like dried cranberries and chopped nuts, this no-knead cranberry walnut bread produces a tender, flavorful loaf without any complicated techniques. It’s a home-friendly version inspired by classics like cranberry walnut bread King Arthur and Whole Foods cranberry walnut bread recipe.

Can I make this bread without yeast?

Yes! This crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread no yeast version works beautifully. The long resting period allows natural fermentation, giving you the airy crumb and golden crust you expect from the best crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread.

How do I get a crunchy crust like store-bought versions?

To mimic cranberry walnut bread Costco recipe or other bakery-style loaves, bake your no-knead cranberry walnut bread in a preheated Dutch oven. Adding steam during the first 15 minutes enhances crustiness and gives the crusty cranberry nut no-knead bread recipe a professional finish.

Can I customize the nuts or sweetness?

Absolutely. Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, or adjust sugar and honey to balance the tartness of dried cranberry bread. This flexibility makes it one of the best cranberry bread recipes ever and a favorite cranberry nut bread with dried cranberries for any occasion.

Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread – Easy & Delicious 2025

Name: Crusty Cranberry Nut No-Knead Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 13 h 5 min
Yield: 1 medium loaf
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); ¾ cup dried cranberries; ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adds subtle sweetness)

Description

This rustic, artisan-style bread is studded with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, featuring a crisp crust and soft, chewy interior. Perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunch, or as a flavorful snack with butter or cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 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)
¾ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, adds subtle sweetness)

Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Mix Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, yeast, and sugar.
- Stir in warm water until a sticky, shaggy dough forms.
- Fold in cranberries, nuts, and honey (if using) until evenly distributed.
First Rise:
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let dough rise at room temperature for 8–12 hours until bubbly and roughly doubled in size.
Shape Loaf:
- Lightly flour your hands and a work surface. Gently shape dough into a round or oval loaf, preserving air bubbles.
- Place loaf on parchment paper for easy transfer.
Second Rise:
- Cover loosely and let rise 30–60 minutes.
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven or heavy oven-safe pot inside.
Bake:
- Transfer dough (on parchment) into the preheated pot.
- Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove lid and bake another 15–20 minutes until golden brown and crusty.
Cool & Serve:
- Let bread cool on a wire rack at least 1 hour before slicing to set the crumb.

Notes

Nut Variations: Use pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts. Toast for extra flavor.
Sweetness Adjustment: Increase honey or sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter bread.
Storage: Wrap in a kitchen towel or paper bag at room temperature for 2–3 days; freeze for up to a month.
Serving Ideas: Delicious with butter, cream cheese, or as a side to soups and cheeses.

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