This cranberry walnut bread is the perfect blend of tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a tender, moist crumb. It makes for an excellent breakfast treat or a delightful snack with a cup of coffee or tea. The optional crumble topping adds an extra layer of texture and flavor that elevates this bread to a new level of deliciousness.
While most ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, you may need to pick up a few items at the supermarket. Buttermilk is crucial for this recipe as it adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bread tender. Fresh cranberries might not always be readily available, so check the produce section. You can substitute with dried cranberries if needed, but fresh ones will give you a better texture and flavor.
Ingredients For Cranberry Walnut Bread
All-purpose flour: The base for the bread, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: Helps the bread rise and become light and fluffy.
White sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk to help the bread rise.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang, making the bread tender.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the bread.
Cranberries: Provide a tart contrast to the sweet bread.
Walnuts: Add crunch and a nutty flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds a deeper sweetness for the crumble topping.
Oats: Adds texture to the crumble topping.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth of flavor to the topping.
One reader, Farlie Alba says:
This cranberry walnut bread is a delightful treat! The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts create a perfect balance of flavors. The crumble topping adds a lovely texture. It’s moist, delicious, and pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea. Highly recommend!
Techniques for Perfect Cranberry Walnut Bread
How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the desired temperature before baking. How to combine dry ingredients: Mix the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda thoroughly in a bowl to ensure even distribution. How to mix wet ingredients with dry ingredients: Add the milk and egg to the dry mixture and stir until just moist. Then add the butter and stir until combined, being careful not to over-mix. How to fold in ingredients: Gently incorporate the cranberries and walnuts into the batter by folding, which means to carefully mix with a spatula to avoid crushing the ingredients. How to make crumble topping: Combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, butter, oats, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Use your hands to squeeze and stir the mixture until it becomes moist and crumbly. How to grease a baking pan: Apply a thin layer of butter or oil to the inside of the pan to prevent the bread from sticking. How to check for doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean, the bread is done. If not, continue baking and check again after a few minutes.
How To Make Cranberry Walnut Bread
Munch on this dense cranberry walnut bread, loaded with flavors of bitter cranberries, sweet bread and crunchy crumble topping, for a tastier treat!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Bread:
- 3cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tbspbaking powder
- ¾cupwhite sugar
- 1tspsalt
- 1tspbaking soda
- 1egg,lightly beaten
- 2cupsbuttermilk
- ¼cupbutter,melted
- 1½cupsfresh cranberries
- ½cupwalnuts,chopped
For Crumble Topping (Optional):
- ⅓cupall-purpose flour
- ¼cupbrown sugar,packed light
- ⅛tspsalt
- 2tbspbutter,cold, cubed
- ¼cupoats
- ⅛tspground cinnamon
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
-
Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and baking soda, then mix well.
-
Add the milk and egg to the dry mixture. Stir until everything is just moist, then add the butter. Stir until combined, but do not over-mix. Fold in the cranberries and nuts.
Crumble Topping:
-
Combine the flour, brown sugar, salt, butter, oats, and ground cinnamon in a bowl. Work the mixture with hands, squeezing and stirring until it’s all moist and crumbly.
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Grease an 8×4-inch pan. Pour all the batter in one pan to make one loaf, or divide it into two pans. Sprinkle the crumble topping on the loaf.
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Bake for 30 minutes. Check for doneness and turn. Bake for 15 more minutes or until the top is browned and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
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Serve with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee or tea, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 279.29kcal
- Fat: 7.15g
- Saturated Fat: 4.09g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.61g
- Carbohydrates: 48.10g
- Fiber: 1.94g
- Sugar: 18.03g
- Protein: 6.08g
- Cholesterol: 30.22mg
- Sodium: 281.11mg
- Calcium: 146.89mg
- Potassium: 136.27mg
- Iron: 2.05mg
- Vitamin A: 60.40µg
- Vitamin C: 2.24mg
Key Technique for Successful Cranberry Walnut Bread
When folding in the cranberries and walnuts, make sure to do so gently to avoid breaking the cranberries and releasing too much juice. This will help maintain the integrity of the bread and ensure even distribution of the nuts and fruit throughout the loaf.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients ahead of time to streamline the baking process.
Use a food processor: Quickly chop walnuts and cranberries using a food processor to save time.
Room temperature butter: Soften butter at room temperature for easier mixing.
One-bowl method: Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients in one bowl to reduce cleanup time.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating the oven before you begin mixing to ensure it's ready when you are.
Make crumble topping in advance: Prepare the crumble topping ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Substitute Ingredients For Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and increases the fiber content.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1/2 tsp cream of tartar for each tsp of baking powder needed.
white sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture to the bread.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor profile.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Use 3 times the amount of baking powder as a substitute for baking soda.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal and water: Mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 3 tbsp water to replace one egg, providing a vegan alternative.
buttermilk - Substitute with milk and lemon juice: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity of buttermilk.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar texture and a slight coconut flavor.
fresh cranberries - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable, though they will be sweeter.
walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar texture and flavor profile.
all-purpose flour (for crumble topping) - Substitute with almond flour: Almond flour adds a nutty flavor and is gluten-free.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index and a caramel-like flavor.
salt (for crumble topping) - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can provide a more subtle saltiness.
butter (for crumble topping) - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
oats - Substitute with quinoa flakes: Quinoa flakes offer a similar texture and are gluten-free.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg provides a warm, spicy flavor similar to cinnamon.
Presentation Ideas for Cranberry Walnut Bread
Serve smaller portion sizes: Slice the cranberry walnut bread into elegant, thin slices to showcase the vibrant cranberries and walnuts. This allows the intricate flavors to be savored in each bite.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar and a few whole cranberries and walnuts for a visually appealing touch. Add a sprig of fresh mint to enhance the presentation.
Add a complementary spread: Serve with a side of whipped butter infused with a hint of orange zest and honey. This adds a luxurious element and complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Use elegant plating: Place the slices on a pristine white plate to make the colors pop. Arrange them in a fan shape or a slight overlap to create a sophisticated look.
Incorporate a beverage pairing: Suggest pairing the cranberry walnut bread with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a delicate herbal tea. This enhances the overall dining experience and complements the flavors of the bread.
Highlight the crumble topping: Ensure the crumble topping is prominently displayed on each slice. Its texture and flavor add a delightful contrast to the moist bread.
Use a stylish serving board: Present the bread on a wooden or marble serving board. This adds a rustic yet refined touch, perfect for a high-end culinary presentation.
Incorporate seasonal elements: If serving during the holiday season, add a few festive touches like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a small decorative ornament to the plate. This ties the dish to the season and enhances its appeal.
Essential Tools for Making Cranberry Walnut Bread
Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F to bake the bread.
Mixing bowl: Combine the dry ingredients and mix well.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, sugar, buttermilk, and other ingredients accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure out the baking powder, salt, baking soda, and other small quantity ingredients.
Whisk: Beat the egg and mix it with the buttermilk before adding to the dry ingredients.
Spatula: Stir the mixture until everything is just moist and fold in the cranberries and nuts.
Knife: Chop the walnuts if they are not pre-chopped.
Cutting board: Provide a surface to chop the walnuts.
Small bowl: Combine the ingredients for the crumble topping.
Hands: Work the crumble topping mixture until it’s moist and crumbly.
8x4-inch loaf pan: Grease and pour the batter into it for baking.
Cooking spray or butter: Grease the loaf pan to prevent sticking.
Toothpick: Check for doneness by inserting it into the bread to see if it comes out clean.
Cooling rack: Allow the bread to cool after baking.
Storing and Freezing Cranberry Walnut Bread
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for cranberry walnut bread:
- Allow the cranberry walnut bread to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent moisture from building up and making the bread soggy.
- To store at room temperature, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- For longer storage, place the wrapped bread in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Squeeze out any excess air before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container or bag with the date so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
- Cranberry walnut bread can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- To thaw, remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for several hours or overnight. Do not refreeze once thawed.
- For best results, slice the bread before freezing so you can easily remove individual portions as needed. Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper between each slice to prevent them from sticking together.
- You can also wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container or bag. This allows you to grab a slice whenever you want without thawing the entire loaf.
- To refresh the bread after thawing, warm it in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes or toast individual slices. This will help restore its texture and flavor.
How To Reheat Leftover Cranberry Walnut Bread
To reheat leftover cranberry walnut bread, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bread loosely in aluminum foil and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and the crust is crispy. This method helps to restore the bread's texture and freshness.
Another option is to use a toaster oven. Slice the leftover bread into desired portions and place them in the toaster oven. Toast for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. This method is quick and convenient, especially if you're only reheating a few slices.
For a softer texture, you can use the microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the slice of bread on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds, or until the bread is warm and soft. Be careful not to overheat the bread, as it can become tough and rubbery.
If you have a bit more time, consider using a panini press or a grill pan. Brush the slices of bread with a little butter or olive oil and place them on the preheated press or pan. Grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and heated through. This method adds a nice crunch and a subtle buttery flavor to the reheated bread.
For a unique twist, transform your leftover cranberry walnut bread into French toast. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon. Dip the bread slices into the mixture and cook them on a preheated, buttered skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a delicious breakfast or brunch treat.
Interesting Fact About Cranberry Walnut Bread
A random fact about this recipe is that cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making this bread not only delicious but also nutritious.
Is Making Cranberry Walnut Bread at Home Cost-Effective?
The cranberry walnut bread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. With basic pantry staples like flour, sugar, and butter, the only slightly pricier ingredients are fresh cranberries and walnuts. However, these can be purchased in bulk or on sale to reduce costs. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$12 USD. Overall Verdict: 8/10.
Is Cranberry Walnut Bread Healthy or Unhealthy?
This cranberry walnut bread recipe, while delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole wheat flour
- It contains a significant amount of sugar (white and brown), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues if consumed regularly
- Butter is used in both the bread and the crumble topping, adding saturated fat to the recipe
However, the recipe does include some healthy ingredients, such as:
- Cranberries, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Walnuts, which provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour to increase the fiber content and nutritional value
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the bread and crumble topping, or experiment with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup
- Use a healthier fat source, such as olive oil or coconut oil, instead of butter
- Increase the amount of cranberries and walnuts to boost the antioxidant and nutrient content of the bread
- Add other healthy ingredients, such as grated zucchini or carrots, to increase the vegetable content and moisture in the bread
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious cranberry walnut bread that still satisfies your taste buds. Remember, moderation is key, and enjoying a slice of this bread as part of a well-rounded diet can be a delightful treat.
Editor's Opinion on This Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe
This cranberry walnut bread recipe is a delightful blend of tart and nutty flavors, perfect for the holiday season. The use of buttermilk ensures a tender crumb, while the optional crumble topping adds a pleasant texture contrast. However, the baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking. The balance of ingredients is well thought out, making it a versatile treat for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and a cup of coffee for a comforting experience.
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Why trust this Cranberry Walnut Bread Recipe:
This cranberry walnut bread recipe is a tried-and-true favorite, combining the perfect balance of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. The buttermilk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the optional crumble topping adds a delightful texture. With simple, easy-to-follow instructions and common pantry ingredients, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all levels. Trust in the harmonious blend of flavors and the comforting aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes.
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