As you bite into a slice of cranberry walnut bread, it's like taking a journey through American culinary history. You'll find that this humble quick bread has roots stretching back to early settlers who ingeniously combined local ingredients. The tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts aren't just a treat for your taste buds; they're a testament to resourcefulness and tradition. While the basic recipe is simple, there's more to this bread than meets the eye. You might be surprised by the variations and personal touches that have evolved over time, making this classic a canvas for both nostalgia and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Cranberry Walnut Bread combines tart cranberries and rich walnuts in a quick bread recipe suitable for all skill levels.
- The recipe requires only five ingredients: flour, sugar, milk, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Bake the bread at 350°F (175°C) for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Soaking dried cranberries and toasting walnuts before adding them can enhance the bread's flavor.
- This versatile bread is ideal for holiday tables, breakfast, or as a snack and freezes well for future enjoyment.
History
Throughout history, cranberry walnut bread has evolved from humble beginnings to become a beloved holiday staple.
You'll find that this delightful bread traces its roots back to early American settlers, who combined locally available ingredients to create hearty, flavorful loaves. Cranberries, native to North America, were first cultivated by Native Americans and later adopted by European colonists. They quickly discovered that these tart berries paired wonderfully with the rich, earthy flavors of walnuts.
As baking techniques improved and refined ingredients became more accessible, cranberry walnut bread began to take on its modern form.
You'll notice that early recipes often included molasses or honey as sweeteners, while today's versions typically use granulated sugar. The bread's popularity surged during the 20th century, particularly around Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's become a cherished tradition in many households, often given as gifts or served at festive gatherings.
Over time, bakers have experimented with variations, adding orange zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips to create unique twists on this classic recipe.
Recipe
Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts. This quick bread recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike, requiring only five simple ingredients to create a moist and flavorful loaf.
Whether you're looking for a festive addition to your holiday table or a tasty breakfast option, this Cranberry Walnut Bread is sure to impress. The natural sweetness of the cranberries perfectly balances the earthy walnuts, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy any palate.
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) milk
- 1 cup (100g) dried cranberries
- 1 cup (100g) chopped walnuts
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Gradually stir in the milk until the batter is smooth.
Fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and bake for approximately 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For best results, soak the dried cranberries in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the batter to plump them up and distribute their flavor more evenly.
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. Toasting the walnuts lightly before incorporating them into the mix can enhance their nutty flavor. This bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save one loaf for later enjoyment.
Cooking Steps
Begin your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F and mixing the dry ingredients in a large bowl.
Next, you'll gradually add milk to the mixture, stirring constantly to create a smooth batter, before folding in the cranberries and walnuts.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
The first step in creating this delicious Cranberry Walnut Bread is preheating your oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to heat up fully before you begin baking. This temperature is crucial for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your bread.
While your oven is warming, it's an ideal time to gather your ingredients and prepare your baking pan. You'll want to grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. As you wait for the oven to reach the correct temperature, you can start measuring out your dry ingredients and chopping the walnuts if needed.
Preheating is essential because it ensures that your bread will bake evenly from the moment it enters the oven.
If you place the batter in a cold oven, it can lead to uneven cooking and affect the bread's rise. Remember, patience is key here. Don't rush this step, as a properly preheated oven is the foundation for a successful bake.
Once your oven signals it's ready, you can confidently move on to mixing your ingredients.
Step 2. Mix Dry Ingredients Together
With your oven preheating, it's time to focus on the dry ingredients.
Grab a large mixing bowl and measure out 2 cups of all-purpose flour. It's crucial to use the correct amount, so level off the flour with a straight edge for accuracy.
Next, add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the bowl. These two ingredients form the base of your bread, providing structure and sweetness.
Now, it's time to combine the flour and sugar. You'll want to ensure they're thoroughly mixed to avoid any pockets of unmixed ingredients in your final loaf.
Use a whisk or a fork to stir the dry ingredients together, breaking up any clumps of sugar or flour as you go. This process helps distribute the sugar evenly throughout the flour, creating a consistent sweetness in every bite of your cranberry walnut bread.
Once you've mixed the dry ingredients thoroughly, you're ready to move on to the next step in the recipe.
Step 3. Add Milk Gradually, Stirring Constantly
After mixing the dry ingredients, it's time to add the milk. Take your cup of milk and begin pouring it into the flour-sugar mixture slowly.
As you add the milk, use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir the batter constantly. This gradual addition and continuous stirring are crucial for achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
You'll notice the dry ingredients start to absorb the liquid, forming a thick paste at first. Don't be tempted to add all the milk at once; patience is key here.
Keep stirring and adding milk bit by bit until you've incorporated the entire cup. The batter should now be smooth and somewhat thick, similar to pancake batter.
If you encounter any stubborn lumps, don't worry. Use the back of your spoon to press them against the side of the bowl, breaking them up.
Once you've added all the milk and stirred thoroughly, your batter should be uniform in texture and ready for the next step: folding in the cranberries and walnuts.
Step 4. Fold in Cranberries and Walnuts
Now that you've prepared your smooth batter, it's time to incorporate the star ingredients. Gently fold in the dried cranberries and chopped walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully combine these elements, making sweeping motions from the bottom of the bowl to the top. This technique helps maintain the batter's lightness while thoroughly integrating the fruit and nuts.
As you fold, take care not to overmix the batter, which could lead to a tougher texture in the finished bread. The goal is to achieve an even distribution without compromising the batter's consistency.
You'll want every bite of your cranberry walnut bread to have a balanced combination of tart fruit and crunchy nuts. If you've soaked your cranberries beforehand, be sure to drain them well before adding them to the batter to prevent excess moisture.
Once you're satisfied with the distribution, your batter is ready for the next step. This careful folding process ensures that your finished loaf will have a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every slice.
Step 5. Pour Batter Into Pan
The next step in creating your cranberry walnut bread is pouring the batter into the prepared pan. Grab your greased 9×5 inch loaf pan and position it on a stable surface. Using a silicone spatula or large spoon, carefully transfer the batter from your mixing bowl into the pan. As you pour, make sure to distribute the batter evenly, paying special attention to the corners and edges.
Once you've emptied the bowl, gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles that might be trapped in the batter. This will help ensure a more uniform texture in your finished bread. If needed, use your spatula to smooth the top of the batter, creating an even surface.
Don't worry if it's not perfectly flat; the bread will rise and develop a beautiful, slightly domed top as it bakes.
Before placing the pan in the oven, double-check that your oven rack is positioned in the center. This will promote even baking and prevent the top or bottom from browning too quickly.
Now, you're ready to bake your cranberry walnut bread to golden perfection.
Final Thoughts
Enjoying a slice of this Cranberry Walnut Bread is a delightful experience that'll leave you craving more. The combination of tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. You'll find that this bread is versatile, suitable for breakfast, snacks, or even as a dessert.
Remember, you can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes. If you prefer a sweeter loaf, don't hesitate to add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the batter. For an extra nutty flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the mix. This simple step can enhance the overall taste profile of your bread.
Don't forget that this bread freezes well, so you can make a double batch and save one for later. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature.
Whether you're serving it to guests or savoring it yourself, this Cranberry Walnut Bread is sure to impress with its rich flavors and moist texture. It's a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
