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Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread

Posted on August 26, 2025

In the midst of holiday chaos, there’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread wafting through the house. Picture this: you’re cozied up by the fireplace, a cup of hot cocoa in hand, while your family gathers around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting the slice of heaven that’s just emerged from the oven. savory sausage cranberry stuffing The sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, making it hard to resist sneaking an extra slice (or three).

This delightful bread isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s a memory-maker. Each bite transports you to festive gatherings filled with laughter and love. Whether it graces your breakfast table or serves as a scrumptious gift for neighbors, this bread is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. delicious cranberry orange bread So roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into the deliciousness that is Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread is quick and easy to make, perfect for holiday mornings
The flavor profile balances sweetness and tartness beautifully, making each bite irresistible
Its stunning visual appeal with vibrant cranberries makes it a showstopper at any gathering
Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or snacking throughout the day

I remember the first time I made this bread; my family couldn’t get enough! They insisted I bake it every holiday season after that memorable day.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture and flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the bread perfectly without overpowering other flavors. crispy sweet potato fritters.
Baking Powder: Essential for helping your bread rise beautifully.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all those yummy flavors.
Eggs: Bind everything together; I prefer using large eggs for best results.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness; feel free to substitute if needed.
Fresh Cranberries: Look for plump berries; they bring tartness and color to the bread. For more inspiration, check out this Fresh Herbed Tuna Salad recipe.
Chopped Walnuts: Toasted walnuts enhance flavor; chop them coarsely for added crunch.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warm sweetness that complements cranberries perfectly.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy release later.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This mix should smell like pure potential!

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until frothy. You want this mixture to look smooth and inviting.

Add Cranberries and Walnuts: Gently fold in fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts into your wet mixture until they are evenly distributed throughout. Try not to get too wild; we want them intact!

Combine Mixtures: Pour your wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our bread fluffy!

Bake It Up! : Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted should come out clean—this is when you can smell success!

Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It’s important because even though you may be tempted to dig right in (who could blame you?), letting it cool helps set those fabulous flavors.

Enjoy every slice of your Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread with butter or cream cheese spread on top – trust me; it’ll take you straight to flavor town! colorful holiday charcuterie wreath.

You Must Know

Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread is not just a treat; it fills your kitchen with delightful aromas
This bread brings festive cheer and can be enjoyed toasted, slathered with butter, or as a sandwich base
Embrace the season with this delicious recipe!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by mixing dry ingredients, then incorporate wet ones for a smooth batter. Bake at 350°F for about 60 minutes until golden brown. This sequence ensures even distribution of flavors and perfect texture.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add a hint of orange zest for an extra zing. You can also make it gluten-free by using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, making it versatile for different diets.

Storing & Reheating

Store your Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and foil, reheating them in the oven when needed. For more inspiration, check out this Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Bread recipe.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use fresh cranberries for tartness and vibrant color; dried cranberries work too but alter flavor slightly
Ensure your walnuts are chopped evenly to avoid any large chunks that might disrupt the texture
Let the bread cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure

Cooking this bread always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited that first slice of warm bread topped with butter.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen cranberries in Holiday Cranberry Walnut Bread?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just don’t thaw them before adding to the mix.

What can I substitute for walnuts in this recipe?

Pecans or almonds make great substitutes if you’re avoiding walnuts or want a different flavor.

How do I know when my bread is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.