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A close-up shot of a rustic, crusty loaf of homemade cranberry walnut bread resting on a wooden board.

Cranberry Walnut Artisan Bread (The Perfect No-Knead Recipe)

This no-knead Cranberry Walnut Artisan Bread recipe delivers a bakery-quality loaf with a crisp crust and chewy crumb. It's packed with sweet cranberries and toasted walnuts, making it the perfect easy, homemade bread for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups Bread Flour (400g)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Instant Yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Fine Sea Salt
  • 1 1/2 cups Warm Water (105-115°F or 40-46°C)
  • 3/4 cup Dried Cranberries
  • 3/4 cup Walnuts coarsely chopped and lightly toasted

Equipment

  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Dutch Oven with Lid A 5-quart or larger Dutch oven is recommended.
  • 1 Parchment Paper

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the bread flour, instant yeast, and salt. Pour in the warm water and mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms. Fold in the dried cranberries and walnuts.
  2. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours until the dough has doubled in size and is bubbly.
  3. Transfer the sticky dough to a floured surface. Gently fold the edges into the center to form a ball. Place the dough, seam-side down, on a piece of parchment paper.
  4. Cover the dough loosely and let it rest for 30-45 minutes. During this time, place a Dutch oven with its lid in the oven and preheat to 450°F (232°C).
  5. Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Use the parchment paper to lower the dough into it. Cover and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the lid and bake for another 15-20 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown.
  7. Remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is crucial for the texture.

Notes

Toasting Walnuts: To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. This enhances their flavor significantly.
Accuracy Matters: For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure your ingredients, especially the flour.