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    Home » Breakfast

    Cranberry Walnut Bread

    Published: Dec 10, 2021 by Ashley · As an Amazon affiliate, this post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    This Cranberry Walnut Bread is bursting with tart cranberries, fresh orange and crunchy walnuts for a delicious quick bread that's perfect for Christmas morning or a homemade gift!
    5 slices of Cranberry Walnut Bread stacked on top of each other
    I think cranberries often get a bad rap during the holidays. They are so often associated with the canned jellied cranberries that sometimes get set out just for traditions sake, but barely get eaten. Let me tell you, there is so much more to cranberries than their wiggly-jiggly canned variety!
     
    Beginning in the fall, you start to see fresh cranberries in the produce section of grocery stores. They can seem intimidating if you are unsure how to use them for anything besides making a homemade garland with them. On their own they are quite tart and crunchy, but there are many wonderful things you can create with fresh cranberries, including this Cranberry Walnut Bread!

    Main Flavors in Cranberry Walnut Bread

    Fresh Cranberries - when baked in the bread, the cranberries soften and create little bursts of tart flavor throughout the bread. Plus, they look perfectly festive for the holidays!

    Orange - cranberry and orange are a flavor combination made in heaven. It's a very popular combo and for good reason! To really infuse the bread with orange flavor, both the juice & zest are used. This great flavor combo is also used in my Orange Cranberry Cookies. 

    Chopped walnuts - add a nice texture and crunch to the otherwise soft & moist bread. Cranberry and walnuts are another combo that's often seen together in baked goods and appetizers.

    Most of the other ingredients in this Cranberry Walnut Bread are typical for a quick bread recipe. The term quick bread refers to a bread recipe that uses a leavening agent such as baking powder or soda (in this case we are using both) to allow the batter to be baked right away and still rise nicely. Quick breads also have a muffin like texture compared to traditional breads that are made with yeast and require rise time.

    • Cranberries and walnuts in a mixing bowl with dry ingredients
    • Batter for Cranberry Walnut Bread in a glass bowl

    Can It Be Frozen?

    This Cranberry Walnut Bread freezes nicely, making it a great make-ahead recipe for the busy holiday season. I love having baked goods like this stashed in the freezer that can be pulled out to use for entertaining or a quick breakfast. 

    After the bread is completely cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then in Alumimum foil or place it a freezer bag. Quick bread will keep in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the bread at room temperature. If you are in a little more of a hurry, wrap the frozen bread in a new layer of foil and reheat in the oven at 300 degrees for 20-30 minutes until just warmed through. Great for those unexpected holiday guests!

    Side view of a loaf of Cranberry Walnut Bread on a wire rack

    Gifting Baked Goods

    I think there's something so special about sharing homemade baked goods with others, especially during the holidays. Whether it be a decorative tin filled with a variety of cookies or a loaf of this Cranberry Walnut Bread, there's something about creating something homemade for others that's so satisfying (and delicious!). 

    To "gift wrap" this homemade gift, I like to wrap the loaf in a fresh piece of plastic wrap. Then simply tie a festive ribbon around or place a bow on top and it's ready for it's recipient. Give on it's own or pair it with a gift card to your favorite coffee place and you have a great, thoughtful gift for someone you care about!

    Loaf of Cranberry Walnut Bread on a wire rack with 2 slices cut

     

    Other popular holiday baking recipes:

    Pistachio Bread

    Molasses Cookies

    Graham Cracker Fluff

    Butterscotch Creme Brulee

     

    Be sure to follow The Darling Apron on Facebook & Instagram along with what I’m pinning on Pinterest!

     

    Have you made one of my recipes? I’d love your feedback on the comment box and star rating below the recipe!

     

    Loaf of Cranberry Walnut Bread on a wire rack with 2 slices cut
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    Cranberry Walnut Bread

    This Cranberry Walnut Bread is bursting with tart cranberries, fresh orange and crunchy walnuts for a delicious quick bread that's perfect for Christmas morning or a homemade gift!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Cook Time50 minutes mins
    Total Time1 hour hr
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: cranberry nut bread, cranberry walnut bread
    Servings: 1 loaf
    Author: Ashley Leonard

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup white sugar
    • ½ tsp. salt
    • 1 ½ tsp. baking powder
    • ½ tsp. baking soda
    • 1 cup walnuts chopped
    • 1 cup fresh cranberries
    • juice from 1 orange about 2 tablespoons
    • zest from 1 orange about 1 tablespoon
    • boiling water approx. ¾ cup
    • 2 tbsp. canola oil
    • 1 egg slightly beaten

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan or 2 small loaf pans.
    • In a large mixing bowl combine flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda. Add cranberries and walnuts.
    • In a measuring cup, add the juice of one orange. Add enough boiling water to the cup to equal ¾ cup. Whisk in orange zest, oil and egg.
    • Add liquid to dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into loaf pan and bake 50-55 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack before removing from pan.

    Helpful Equipment & Ingredient Links

    Loaf Pan
    Wire Rack
    Mixing Bowls

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    Welcome to The Darling Apron! I'm a wife, mom, & chai tea latte lover who uses food as her love language. I believe some of life's best moments happen when gathered around the kitchen table. Whether making time-honored family recipes or developing new favorites, I love creating memories through delicious food. I hope this space inspires you to do the same!

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