Make this easy, no-knead cranberry walnut bread for a tender, slightly sweet artisan loaf perfect for holiday breakfasts or brunch. This recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:45 min
Total Time:13 hours 45 min
Yield:1 loaf 1x
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 cups room-temperature water
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon active dry yeast
3 cups bread flour or all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for dusting)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix the water, honey, and yeast. Let it stand for 5 minutes until slightly foamy.
Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon to the yeast mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms. Do not knead.
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and let the dough rest at room temperature for 12 to 18 hours. The dough will become bubbly and increase in volume.
After the long rest, gently fold the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the cranberries and walnuts over the dough. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times to incorporate the fruit and nuts without overmixing.
Shape the dough into a rough ball. Place the dough ball onto a piece of parchment paper.
Cover the dough loosely with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for a second proof for 30 minutes.
About 20 minutes before the second proof ends, place a Dutch oven (with the lid on) into your oven and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C).
Carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Use the parchment paper to lower the dough into the hot pot. Score the top of the loaf with a sharp knife if desired.
Cover the Dutch oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the lid and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the crust is deep golden brown.
Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
To achieve a rustic, crisp crust, baking in a preheated Dutch oven is essential.
For a Costco bread copycat flavor, lightly brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
If you prefer a sweeter loaf, substitute 1 tablespoon of the honey with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup.