Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of warm, golden bread bursting with tangy cranberries and crunchy walnuts - a heavenly combination that transforms an ordinary day into a gourmet experience. This Cranberry Nut Bread isn't just a recipe; it's a journey of flavors that will transport your taste buds to a cozy autumn morning, all made effortlessly in your bread machine. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe promises to deliver a bakery-quality loaf right from your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups bread flour
- 1 tablespoon bread machine yeast
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients and ensure they are at room temperature before beginning.
- Add liquid ingredients first to the bread machine pan: cranberry juice and vegetable oil. Ensure liquids are evenly distributed across the bottom of the pan.
- Layer dry ingredients carefully over the liquid: add sugar, salt, and bread flour, creating a gentle mound.
- Create a small well in the center of the flour and add bread machine yeast, ensuring it does not directly contact liquid or salt.
- Insert bread pan into bread machine and select "sweet bread" or "fruit bread" setting if available.
- Choose medium crust color setting for optimal browning.
- Set bread machine to add mix-ins automatically, or plan to add chopped walnuts and cranberries during the last 5-10 minutes of kneading cycle.
- Close bread machine lid and start the baking cycle.
- Allow bread to complete full baking and cooling cycle, approximately 3 hours total.
- Once complete, carefully remove bread from pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing and optimal yeast activation.
- Liquid-First Technique: Always add liquids first in your bread machine to prevent flour from forming dry pockets.
- Yeast Placement: Create a small well in the flour to prevent direct contact between yeast and salt or liquid, which can inhibit rising.
- Mix-In Timing: Add cranberries and walnuts during the last 5-10 minutes of kneading to prevent them from breaking down completely.
- Crust Control: Select a medium crust setting for a perfectly golden, crisp exterior without burning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack to prevent soggy bottoms and maintain ideal texture.
- Storage Tip: Wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
