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Easy No Knead Cranberry Walnut Loaf

Close-up of a moist slice of cranberry walnut bread, packed with bright red cranberries and walnuts, sitting on a small white plate.
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Bake this moist, rustic loaf filled with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts. This beginner-friendly, no-knead recipe delivers artisan quality bread with minimal effort, perfect for breakfast or gifting.

Ingredients

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  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups cold water
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant yeast, salt, and sugar.
  2. Add the cold water to the dry ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and sticky; do not overmix.
  3. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. This is the long, slow fermentation that builds flavor without kneading.
  4. After the long rise, gently fold the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the cranberries, walnuts, and orange zest (if using) over the dough. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times to incorporate the fruit and nuts without deflating the air bubbles.
  5. Shape the dough into a rough ball. Place the dough, seam-side down, into a proofing basket or a bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel. Cover and let it rest for 30 to 45 minutes while you preheat your oven.
  6. About 30 minutes before baking, place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) into your oven and preheat to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  7. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Gently flip the dough into the hot pot. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
  8. Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the lid and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown.
  10. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.

Notes

  • To achieve a Costco Cranberry Walnut Bread copycat flavor, use slightly less sugar in the dough mixture.
  • Toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the dough for deeper flavor.
  • If you skip the orange zest, you get a more classic, tart and nutty bread profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/cranberry-walnut-bread-easy-no-knead-loaf/