Delicious Cranberry Walnut Dutch Oven Bread – Step-by-Step Recipe!

There’s something truly special about homemade Cranberry Walnut Dutch Oven Bread.

With its golden, crackly crust and soft, airy interior, this artisan-style bread is a perfect balance of sweet, tart cranberries and crunchy, nutty walnuts.

The Dutch oven technique creates a steam-filled environment that results in a bakery-quality loaf, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned bakers.

This bread is naturally sweet and slightly tangy, making it perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or served alongside cheese and wine.

Whether you’re enjoying it warm with a slather of butter or toasted with a drizzle of honey, this rustic bread is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless and Beginner-Friendly

This no-knead bread requires minimal effort, making it perfect for those new to bread baking.

The long fermentation process does most of the work, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.

Perfectly Crisp Crust and Soft Interior

Thanks to the Dutch oven, this bread develops an irresistibly crispy crust while maintaining a soft, chewy inside.

The steam inside the pot mimics a professional bread oven, giving you a bakery-style result at home.

A Flavorful and Nutritious Combination

The natural sweetness of dried cranberries pairs beautifully with the earthy crunch of walnuts, creating a well-balanced bite.

Both ingredients add fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats, making this bread a nutritious choice.

Versatile and Great for Any Occasion

Serve this bread toasted with butter, paired with cheese, or even as the base for a hearty sandwich.

It’s also a fantastic addition to holiday tables and special gatherings.

Ingredients Needed

For the Dough

• 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or bread flour for extra chewiness)
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon active dry yeast (or instant yeast)
• 1 ½ cups warm water

For the Add-Ins

• ½ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Optional Enhancements

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (for a slight sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for added warmth and depth of flavor)

This simple yet well-balanced ingredient list creates a delicious, bakery-quality loaf with minimal effort. Now, let’s move on to how you can bring it all together!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and yeast. Gradually add warm water, stirring with a wooden spoon or spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 2: First Rise (12-18 Hours)

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rest at room temperature for 12-18 hours.

It should become puffy, bubbly, and doubled in size.

Step 3: Shape the Dough

Lightly flour a work surface and gently transfer the dough onto it. Shape it into a rough round ball by folding the edges toward the center. Avoid overhandling to maintain airiness.

Step 4: Second Rise (30-60 Minutes)

Place the shaped dough on a floured parchment paper, cover it loosely, and let it rest for another 30-60 minutes while you preheat the oven.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven & Dutch Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place the Dutch oven (with the lid on) inside and let it heat up for at least 30 minutes.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Carefully place the dough (with the parchment paper) into the hot Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 30 minutes.

Then, remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.

Step 7: Cool & Enjoy

Transfer the bread to a wire rack and let it cool for at least 1 hour before slicing.

This allows the flavors to develop fully and prevents the bread from becoming gummy.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Walnut Dutch Oven Bread

Use Bread Flour for a Chewier Texture

While all-purpose flour works, using bread flour will result in a chewier, more structured crumb.

Hydration is Key

If the dough feels too dry, add an extra tablespoon of water. A slightly sticky dough ensures a soft, airy texture.

Preheat the Dutch Oven Properly

A hot Dutch oven helps create a crispy crust by trapping steam. Preheat it for at least 30 minutes before baking.

Let the Bread Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to slice it right away, but letting the bread rest for an hour ensures the inside fully sets, preventing a gummy texture.

Experiment with Flavors

Try adding cinnamon, orange zest, or a drizzle of honey for a unique twist on the classic cranberry walnut combination.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Storing at Room Temperature

• Keep the bread wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a bread box to maintain its crusty texture.
• It stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Refrigerating the Bread

• Wrap it in plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
• Best consumed within 5-6 days.

Freezing Instructions

• Slice the bread before freezing for easy thawing.
• Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then foil or store in a zip-top freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, thaw at room temperature or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Walnut Dutch Oven Bread is a true showstopper with its crunchy crust, soft interior, and perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors.

Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a side for soups, or with a holiday spread, this bread is a simple yet elegant addition to any meal.

Plus, its no-knead method makes it accessible for all skill levels. Give it a try and enjoy a homemade artisan loaf straight from your own kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, but fresh cranberries have more moisture, which can slightly alter the dough consistency.

If using fresh, halve them and reduce the water in the dough by a tablespoon.

2. What’s the best substitute for walnuts?

If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different crunch, try pecans, almonds, or sunflower seeds.

3. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, but it requires a gluten-free flour blend and additional binding agents like xanthan gum to help with structure.

4. Why didn’t my bread rise properly?

This could be due to old yeast, cold room temperature, or not allowing enough fermentation time. Ensure your yeast is fresh and let the dough rise in a warm environment.

5. Do I need a Dutch oven to make this bread?

While a Dutch oven is ideal, you can use a preheated baking stone with an oven-safe bowl of water to create steam for a similar effect.