Introduction to Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Hey there, fellow kitchen adventurers! If you’re looking for a recipe that combines flavor, warmth, and ease, look no further than Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread. This delicious bread brings together the sweet tartness of cranberries, the comforting spice of cinnamon, and the delightful crunch of walnuts. It’s perfect for those busy mornings when you want something wholesome yet impressive. And let’s be honest, it’s also about finding moments of joy in simple pleasures, like enjoying a fresh slice with your favorite jam. So, let’s dive into this delicious journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
This Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is a true gem for any home cook. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal hands-on time. With a blend of flavors that dance on the palate, every bite is a delightful experience. Not to mention, the scent wafting through your kitchen will make everyone feel cozy and welcomed. It’s the perfect quick solution for busy days or that special brunch gathering!
Ingredients for Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Let’s gather the ingredients that will bring our Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread to life! Each one plays a unique role in creating the delightful flavors and textures that define this recipe.
- Room-temperature water: A crucial base to activate the yeast and create a moist dough.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness and encourages the browning of the crust. You can swap it with maple syrup for a different twist.
- Active dry yeast: This little powerhouse makes the bread rise and creates that light, airy texture we all love.
- Bread flour or all-purpose flour: Both work well, but bread flour gives a chewier texture. Feel free to use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor!
- Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing flavor and controlling yeast activity. It’s best to avoid table salt in this recipe.
- Ground cinnamon: This spice brings warmth and comfort. Using fresh cinnamon can elevate the flavor to new heights.
- Dried cranberries: Adds a tangy burst of flavor and lovely color; they can also be swapped with dried cherries for a fun variation.
- Raisins: Sweet and chewy, they harmonize nicely with the other ingredients. You can adjust how many you use based on personal preference!
- Chopped walnuts: These provide crunch and richness. If you’re nut-free, feel free to omit them or replace them with seeds.
All these ingredients come together in a beautiful harmony, creating a bread that’s not only delicious but also perfect for sharing. For exact quantities, check the bottom of the article! Happy baking!
How to Make Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Step 1: Prepare the Yeast Mixture
Let’s kick off our baking adventure by activating the yeast! Start by combining the room-temperature water and honey in a bowl. Give it a good stir to ensure the honey dissolves completely. Then, sprinkle the active dry yeast on top of the water mixture. Let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This bubbly magic shows that the yeast is alive and ready to work its wonders. Believe me, this step is crucial for achieving that heavenly rise!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
While the yeast activates, it’s the perfect time to mix our dry ingredients. In a separate large bowl, combine the bread flour, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Use a whisk to blend everything together, ensuring that the salt and cinnamon are evenly distributed. This not only helps in flavor enhancement but also prevents clumps from forming in your dough later on. Trust me, a well-mixed dry ingredient base is a hallmark of a delightful Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread!
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring our two mixtures together! Pour the yeast mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently stir until everything is just combined. You want to mix until a shaggy dough forms, which means it should look slightly messy and be a bit sticky. Avoid overmixing, as we want to support the development of a lovely texture. This is where the magic starts to happen, bringing together all those fruity and nutty flavors!
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Cover your bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and it’s time to be patient. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for about 8 to 10 hours. This long fermentation time is what creates beautiful flavor complexity and a wonderful texture in our bread. Just imagine the aromas developing during this time! It’s almost like the dough is having its own little party, and you’re invited to the flavor fest later!
Step 5: Shape and Refrigerate the Dough
After your dough has taken a nice, long snooze, it’s now ready! Lightly flour a work surface and gently turn the dough out onto it. Shape the dough into a round loaf, being careful not to deflate it completely. Next, place your shaped dough into a lightly greased bowl or on parchment paper, cover it, and pop it into the fridge overnight. Refrigeration allows the dough to develop more complex flavors while making it easier to handle. It’s like the dough gets a little beauty rest!
Step 6: Preheat and Bake
The moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C) while you get your dough ready for baking. Carefully remove the dough from the fridge and score the top with a sharp knife or razor blade; this prevents the bread from bursting in unexpected ways. Gently place the dough into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 30 minutes. After that, uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes to achieve a golden crust. The aroma wafting through your house will be irresistible!
Tips for Success
- Always use room-temperature water, as it helps the yeast activate better.
- If your kitchen is cool, try placing the dough near a warm oven to help it rise.
- Don’t be shy about experimenting with the types of dried fruit and nuts.
- For a crustier loaf, you can add ice cubes to the Dutch oven while baking.
- Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the best texture!
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl: Any bowl will do, even a pot!
- Whisk or fork: Useful for mixing dry ingredients; a spoon works too!
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for combining mixtures.
- Dutch oven: A must for baking; you can substitute with any heavy oven-safe pot.
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap: For covering the dough while it rises.
Variations on Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the bread flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Ensure your yeast is gluten-free as well!
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup to keep it plant-based.
- Fruit Mix: Try swapping cranberries and raisins with dried apricots and figs for a different flavor profile.
- Spiced Twist: Add nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for an exciting aromatic layer.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some fresh rosemary or thyme to create a savory version of this delicious bread.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
- Serve warm with a generous slather of creamy butter or tangy cream cheese.
- Pair slices with a cup of herbal tea or rich coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Top with sliced apples or pears for an elegant brunch presentation.
- Toast slices and drizzle with honey for a delightful breakfast boost.
- Make a delicious sandwich with turkey, cheese, and a spread of cranberry sauce!
FAQs about Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
Curious about this delectable bread? Here are some frequently asked questions that I hope will clarify any doubts and inspire your baking journey!
Can I use active dry yeast instead of instant yeast?
Absolutely! You can use active dry yeast in this recipe. Just make sure to activate it properly as described in the preparation steps.
How long does the bread stay fresh?
Once baked, the Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread can stay fresh for about 3 days at room temperature. Just wrap it in a kitchen towel to keep it soft.
Can I freeze the bread?
You certainly can! Once cooled, slice the bread and wrap individual portions in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to 3 months!
What can I substitute for walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, feel free to replace them with sunflower seeds or even pumpkin seeds for that satisfying crunch!
Can I make this recipe in a bread machine?
Yes, you can! Just follow your machine’s instructions for the order of ingredients. You may want to exclude the shaping and the overnight refrigeration steps.
Final Thoughts on Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
There’s something truly magical about creating your own Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread. The joy of kneading the dough, letting it rise, and finally watching it emerge from the oven golden and fragrant fills my heart with warmth. Each slice tells a story of love, creativity, and deliciousness. Whether you serve it at a gathering or indulge in a quiet moment with a warm piece, this bread brings a comforting sense of home. So, roll up those sleeves and embrace the adventure. I promise the delightful flavors and aromas will be a reward worth every moment spent in the kitchen!
Print
Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread
- Total Time: Overnight + 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cranberry Raisin Walnut Cinnamon Artisan Bread is a delicious and easy-to-make bread featuring the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and raisins, combined with crunchy walnuts and warm cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups room-temperature water
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- ½–¾ cup raisins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Stir water and honey together, sprinkle yeast on top, and let rest until foamy.
- Combine dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients until the mixture is shaggy.
- Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 8–10 hours.
- Shape the dough and refrigerate overnight.
- Preheat a Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Score the dough and bake covered for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes.
- Cool the bread before slicing.
Notes
- For added sweetness, you can increase the amount of honey.
- Make sure the yeast is fresh for best results.
- Adjust the amount of raisins based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
